And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram, which were famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the LORD:

NUMBERS 26:9KJV
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Numbers 26:9 (KJV)

What does Numbers 26:9 mean?

Numbers 26:9 lists the sons of Eliab—Nemuel, Dathan, and Abiram—and points out that Dathan and Abiram are the same men who became well-known in the Israelite community for opposing Moses and Aaron during Korah’s rebellion, which was ultimately seen as rebelling against the LORD. The verse highlights their notoriety and the seriousness of their actions against the leaders God had chosen.

This verse is part of a census and genealogy given by Moses to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. By mentioning Dathan and Abiram’s rebellion, the text reminds the people of a significant event where certain leaders challenged Moses and Aaron’s authority, which was considered a challenge to God Himself. The verse connects the family line to a memorable episode of disobedience, serving as a warning and a historical marker for the community.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 26:9

  • "famous" (קָרָא, qara): This word often means "to call" or "to be called," but here it carries the sense of being "notorious" or "well-known" within the community. The verse is not just saying Dathan and Abiram were recognized, but that their reputation was tied to their opposition.
  • "strove" (נָצָה, natsah): This word means "to quarrel" or "to contend." It emphasizes that Dathan and Abiram were not just passively disagreeing but were actively fighting against Moses, Aaron, and ultimately God.
  • "congregation" (עֵדָה, edah): This word refers to the whole assembly or community of Israel. The verse underscores that Dathan and Abiram’s actions were public and had an impact on the entire nation.

Why Numbers 26:9 matters

  • Numbers 26:9 clarifies that the Dathan and Abiram mentioned here are the same individuals involved in Korah’s rebellion, helping readers connect the genealogy to a specific historical event.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of challenging God’s appointed leaders, showing that such actions are remembered and recorded for future generations.
  • By linking the family line to this act of rebellion, the verse serves as a warning and a lesson for the community about the consequences of opposing God’s authority.

Where else these words appear

“Nemuel” Hebrew H5241 · used in 3 verses

  • Numbers 26:12 The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites: of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites: of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites:
  • 1 Chronicles 4:24 The sons of Simeon were, Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul:

“famous” Hebrew H7148 · used in 3 verses

  • Numbers 1:16 These were the renowned of the congregation, princes of the tribes of their fathers, heads of thousands in Israel.
  • Numbers 16:2 And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown:

“Dathan” Hebrew H1885 · used in 8 verses

  • Numbers 16:1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men:
  • Numbers 16:24 Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.
  • Numbers 16:27 So they gat up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children.

“Abiram” Hebrew H48 · used in 9 verses

  • Numbers 16:1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men:
  • Numbers 16:24 Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.
  • Deuteronomy 11:6 And what he did unto Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, the son of Reuben: how the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their households, and their tents, and all the substance that was in their possession, in the midst of all Israel: