And Aaron returned unto Moses unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the plague was stayed.

NUMBERS 16:50KJV
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Numbers 16:50 (KJV)

What does Numbers 16:50 mean?

Numbers 16:50 describes Aaron returning to Moses at the entrance of the tabernacle after the deadly plague had stopped. The verse marks the end of a crisis, showing that the immediate danger to the people had passed.

In this scene, Aaron, who is the high priest, has just acted to stop a plague that broke out among the Israelites after a rebellion. Moses is waiting at the tabernacle, the central place of worship and meeting. The verse signals that Aaron’s actions—following Moses’ instructions—were effective, and the community is now safe from further loss.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 16:50

  • מַגֵּפָה (magefah, "plague"): This word refers to a sudden, often deadly outbreak, emphasizing the seriousness of the event. In this context, it shows the severity of the judgment that had come upon the people.
  • עָצַר (atsar, "stayed"): This word means to restrain or stop. The verse uses it to show that the plague did not end by chance but was actively halted, highlighting the effect of Aaron’s intervention.

Why Numbers 16:50 matters

  • Numbers 16:50 clarifies that the plague ended only after Aaron’s specific actions, underlining the importance of obedience and the priestly role in interceding for the people.
  • The verse connects directly to the dramatic events of the previous verses, showing the resolution of a life-and-death crisis among the Israelites.
  • By mentioning the tabernacle and the congregation, the verse reinforces the central place of worship and leadership in the community’s life and survival.

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.

“stayed” Hebrew H6113 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 16:2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.
  • 1 Kings 14:10 Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, till it be all gone.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:37 Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.