Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah.

NUMBERS 16:49KJV
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Numbers 16:49 (KJV)

What does Numbers 16:49 mean?

Numbers 16:49 reports that 14,700 people died in a plague, in addition to those who had already died because of Korah’s rebellion. This verse gives a specific count of the people who perished as a direct result of the events surrounding Korah’s challenge to Moses’ and Aaron’s leadership.

The verse is part of a narrative where God punishes the Israelites after Korah and his followers rebel against Moses and Aaron. After Korah and his group are destroyed, a plague breaks out among the people who continued to grumble, and the verse records the total number who died from this plague, making it clear that these deaths are separate from those who died directly with Korah.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 16:49

  • "Died" (מֵתוּ, mētu, H4191) is used twice in this verse, emphasizing the finality and seriousness of the judgment that took place.
  • "Plague" (מַגֵּפָה, maggefah, H4046) refers to a sudden, divinely-sent disease or disaster, highlighting that this was not a natural occurrence but a direct act of judgment.
  • The numbers "fourteen" (אַרְבָּעָה, arba‘āh, H702; עֶשֶׂר, ‘eser, H6240), "thousand" (אֶלֶף, ’elef, H505), "seven" (שֶׁבַע, sheva‘, H7651), and "hundred" (מֵאָה, me’ah, H3967) are all spelled out, showing the precision and gravity of the record.
  • "Matter" (דָּבָר, davar, H1697) in "the matter of Korah" points to the entire incident or affair involving Korah, not just a single event.

Why Numbers 16:49 matters

  • Numbers 16:49 clarifies that the consequences of Korah’s rebellion extended beyond the immediate participants to the wider community, showing the seriousness of collective disobedience.
  • The verse’s specific numbers emphasize the scale of the disaster and the importance of accurate historical record-keeping in the biblical narrative.
  • By separating those who died in the plague from those who died "about the matter of Korah," the verse highlights that there were multiple phases of judgment, each with its own cause and outcome.

Where else these words appear

“plague” Hebrew H4046 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 9:14 For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth.
  • Numbers 31:16 Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.
  • 1 Chronicles 21:22 Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the place of this threshingfloor, that I may build an altar therein unto the LORD: thou shalt grant it me for the full price: that the plague may be stayed from the people.

“Korah” Hebrew H7141 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 36:5 And Aholibamah bare Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah: these are the sons of Esau, which were born unto him in the land of Canaan.
  • Numbers 16:24 Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.
  • 1 Chronicles 9:19 And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, being over the host of the LORD, were keepers of the entry.