Numbers 16:30 But if the LORD brings about something unprecedented, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them and all that belongs to them so that they go down alive into Sheol, then you will know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt."

◄ Numbers 16:30 ►

New International Version
But if the LORD brings about something totally new, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them, with everything that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the realm of the dead, then you will know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt.”

New Living Translation
But if the LORD does something entirely new and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them and all their belongings, and they go down alive into the grave, then you will know that these men have shown contempt for the LORD.”

English Standard Version
But if the LORD creates something new, and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into Sheol, then you shall know that these men have despised the LORD.”

Berean Standard Bible
But if the LORD brings about something unprecedented, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them and all that belongs to them so that they go down alive into Sheol, then you will know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt.”

King James Bible
But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.

New King James Version
But if the LORD creates a new thing, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the pit, then you will understand that these men have rejected the LORD.”

New American Standard Bible
But if the LORD brings about an entirely new thing and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them with everything that is theirs, and they descend alive into Sheol, then you will know that these men have been disrespectful to the LORD.”

NASB 1995
“But if the LORD brings about an entirely new thing and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that is theirs, and they descend alive into Sheol, then you will understand that these men have spurned the LORD.”

NASB 1977
“But if the LORD brings about an entirely new thing and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that is theirs, and they descend alive into Sheol, then you will understand that these men have spurned the LORD.”

Legacy Standard Bible
But if Yahweh creates an entirely new thing and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that is theirs, and they go down to Sheol alive, then you will know that these men have spurned Yahweh.”

Amplified Bible
But if the LORD creates an entirely new thing, and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up, along with all that belongs to them, and they descend alive into Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead), then you will understand that these men have spurned and rejected the LORD!”

Christian Standard Bible
But if the LORD brings about something unprecedented, and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them along with all that belongs to them so that they go down alive into Sheol, then you will know that these men have despised the LORD.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But if the LORD brings about something unprecedented, and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them along with all that belongs to them so that they go down alive into Sheol, then you will know that these men have despised the LORD.”

American Standard Version
But if Jehovah make a new thing, and the ground open its mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down alive into Sheol; then ye shall understand that these men have despised Jehovah.

Contemporary English Version
But suppose the LORD does something that has never been done before. For example, what if a huge crack appears in the ground, and these men and their families fall into it and are buried alive, together with everything they own? Then you will know they have turned their backs on the LORD!"

English Revised Version
But if the LORD make a new thing, and the ground open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down alive into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have despised the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But if the LORD does something totally new-if the ground opens up, swallows them and everything that belongs to them, and they go down alive to their graves-then you'll know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt."

Good News Translation
But if the LORD does something unheard of, and the earth opens up and swallows them with all they own, so that they go down alive to the world of the dead, you will know that these men have rejected the LORD."

International Standard Version
But if the LORD creates something new, so that the ground opens its mouth and swallows them and everything that belongs to them and they all descend directly to Sheol while still alive, then you'll know that these men have spurned the LORD."

Majority Standard Bible
But if the LORD brings about something unprecedented, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them and all that belongs to them so that they go down alive into Sheol, then you will know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt.”

NET Bible
But if the LORD does something entirely new, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them up along with all that they have, and they go down alive to the grave, then you will know that these men have despised the LORD!"

New Heart English Bible
But if the LORD make a new thing, and the ground open its mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain to them, and they go down alive into Sheol; then you shall understand that these men have despised the LORD."

Webster's Bible Translation
But if the LORD shall make a new thing, and the earth shall open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain to them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.

World English Bible
But if Yahweh makes a new thing, and the ground opens its mouth, and swallows them up with all that belong to them, and they go down alive into Sheol, then you shall understand that these men have despised Yahweh.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
but if YHWH does a strange thing, and the ground has opened her mouth and swallowed them and all that they have, and they have gone down alive to Sheol, then you have known that these men have despised YHWH.”

Young's Literal Translation
and if a strange thing Jehovah do, and the ground hath opened her mouth and swallowed them, and all that they have, and they have gone down alive to Sheol -- then ye have known that these men have despised Jehovah.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And if Jehovah shall create a creation, and the earth opened her mouth and swallowed them and all which is to them, and they went down living to hades; and ye know that these men rejected Jehovah,

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
But if the Lord do a new thing, and the earth opening her mouth swallow them down, and all things that belong to them, and they go down alive into hell, you shall know that they have blasphemed the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But if the Lord accomplishes something new, so that the earth opens its mouth and swallows them whole, along with everything that belongs to them, and they descend alive into the underworld, then you shall know that they have blasphemed the Lord.”

New American Bible
But if the LORD makes a chasm, and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them with all belonging to them, and they go down alive to Sheol, then you will know that these men have spurned the LORD.”

New Revised Standard Version
But if the LORD creates something new, and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up, with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into Sheol, then you shall know that these men have despised the LORD.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them up with all things that belong to them, and they go down alive with all that belongs to them into Sheol, then you shall know that these men have provoked the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And if LORD JEHOVAH will create a creation and Earth will open its mouth and swallow them, them and everything that they have, and those will descend and everything that they have alive to Sheol, you will know that these men have angered LORD JEHOVAH.”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
But if the LORD make a new thing, and the ground open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down alive into the pit, then ye shall understand that these men have despised the LORD.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But if the Lord shall shew by a wonder, and the earth shall open her mouth and swallow them up, and their houses, and their tents, and all that belongs to them, and they shall go down alive into Hades, then ye shall know that these men have provoked the Lord.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Earth Swallows Korah
…29If these men die a natural death, or if they suffer the fate of all men, then the LORD has not sent me. 30But if the LORD brings about something unprecedented, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them and all that belongs to them so that they go down alive into Sheol, then you will know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt.” 31As soon as Moses had finished saying all this, the ground beneath them split open,…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Deuteronomy 11:6
and what He did in the midst of all the Israelites to Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab the Reubenite, when the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them, their households, their tents, and every living thing that belonged to them.

Psalm 106:17
The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan; it covered the assembly of Abiram.

Isaiah 29:14
Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden.”

Jeremiah 31:22
How long will you wander, O faithless daughter? For the LORD has created a new thing in the land—a woman will shelter a man.”

Exodus 15:11
Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?

Job 31:3
Does not disaster come to the unjust and calamity to the workers of iniquity?

Isaiah 45:7
I form the light and create the darkness; I bring prosperity and create calamity. I, the LORD, do all these things.

Amos 3:6
If a ram’s horn sounds in a city, do the people not tremble? If calamity comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it?

Matthew 15:13
But Jesus replied, “Every plant that My heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by its roots.

Matthew 11:23
And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day.

Luke 10:15
And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades!

Acts 5:38-39
So in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone. Let them go! For if their purpose or endeavor is of human origin, it will fail. / But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”

Acts 13:41
‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish! For I am doing a work in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.’”

Romans 11:22
Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.

1 Corinthians 10:10
And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel.

Treasury of Scripture

But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain to them, and they go down quick into the pit; then you shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.

make a new thing.

Job 31:3
Is not destruction to the wicked? and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity?

Isaiah 28:21
For the LORD shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act.

Isaiah 43:19
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

and they

Numbers 16:33
They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.

Psalm 55:15
Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.

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Numbers 16

1. The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram
23. Moses separates the people from the rebels' tents
31. The earth swallows up Korah, and a fire consumes others
36. The censers are reserved to holy use
41. 14,700 are slain by a plague, for murmuring against Moses and Aaron
46. Aaron by incense stays the plague

Berean Study Bible

But if the LORD brings about something unprecedented
This phrase introduces the divine intervention that is about to occur. The Hebrew word for "unprecedented" is "בְּרִיאָה" (beriy'ah), which implies a creation or event that is entirely new and unheard of. This sets the stage for a miraculous act of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and ability to operate beyond human understanding or expectation. Historically, this reflects the unique nature of God's actions in the biblical narrative, where He often intervenes in ways that defy natural laws to demonstrate His power and authority.

and the earth opens its mouth
The imagery of the earth opening its mouth is both vivid and terrifying. The Hebrew word "פִּי" (pi) for "mouth" personifies the earth, suggesting an active participation in God's judgment. This phrase echoes the ancient Near Eastern understanding of the earth as a living entity that can act according to divine will. It also foreshadows the dramatic and immediate nature of the judgment that is about to befall Korah and his followers, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God.

and swallows them
The act of swallowing is a complete and irreversible action. The Hebrew verb "בָּלַע" (bala') conveys the idea of engulfing or consuming entirely. This reflects the totality of God's judgment, leaving no trace of the rebels. In a broader scriptural context, this serves as a warning against defying God's appointed leaders and His divine order. It underscores the seriousness with which God views rebellion and the lengths to which He will go to uphold His holiness and justice.

with all that belongs to them
This phrase indicates the comprehensive nature of the judgment. Not only are the individuals themselves consumed, but everything associated with them is also taken. This includes their families, possessions, and influence. The Hebrew word "לְכָל" (lekol) emphasizes the totality of the judgment. This serves as a sobering reminder of the far-reaching consequences of sin, affecting not just the sinner but also their community and legacy.

and they go down alive into Sheol
The descent into Sheol, the Hebrew term for the realm of the dead, is particularly striking because it happens while they are still alive. This phrase highlights the immediacy and severity of God's judgment. In the ancient Hebrew worldview, Sheol was a place of darkness and separation from the living, and to be sent there alive was an extraordinary punishment. This underscores the gravity of Korah's rebellion and serves as a powerful deterrent to others who might consider challenging God's authority.

then you will know that these men have despised the LORD
The conclusion of the verse ties the miraculous event directly to the recognition of the rebels' sin. The Hebrew word "נָאַץ" (na'ats) for "despised" conveys a deep contempt and rejection of God. This phrase serves as a divine vindication of Moses' leadership and a clear demonstration of God's intolerance for rebellion. It reinforces the principle that God's authority is supreme and that any challenge to it is ultimately a challenge to God Himself. This serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of obedience and reverence for God's established order.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(30) Make a new thing.--Literally, create a creation--i.e., do something hitherto unknown.

Into the pit.--Literally, into Sheol.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 30. - Make a new thing. "Create a creation." בְּרִיאָה יִבְרָא. Into the pit. Rather, "into Sheol." שְׁאֹלָה. Septuagint, εἰς ἄδου. Sheol is not "the pit," but Hades, the place of departed spirits (Genesis 37:35; Genesis 42:38), which is regarded, according to the general instinct of mankind, as being "under the earth" (cf. Philippians 2:10 b; Revelation 5:13). They were to go down "quick" into Sheol, because they were still alive at the moment that they were lost to sight for ever.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

But if
וְאִם־ (wə·’im-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

the LORD
יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

brings about
יִבְרָ֣א (yiḇ·rā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1254: To create, to cut down, select, feed

something unprecedented,
בְּרִיאָ֞ה (bə·rî·’āh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1278: A creation, thing created

and the earth
הָאֲדָמָ֤ה (hā·’ă·ḏā·māh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 127: Ground, land

opens
וּפָצְתָ֨ה (ū·p̄ā·ṣə·ṯāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6475: To rend, open

its mouth
פִּ֙יהָ֙ (pî·hā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

and swallows
וּבָלְעָ֤ה (ū·ḇā·lə·‘āh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1104: To swallow down, swallow up, engulf

them
אֹתָם֙ (’ō·ṯām)
Direct object marker | third person masculine plural
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

and
וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-)
Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

that
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

belongs to them
לָהֶ֔ם (lā·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

so that they go down
וְיָרְד֥וּ (wə·yā·rə·ḏū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

alive
חַיִּ֖ים (ḥay·yîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

into Sheol,
שְׁאֹ֑לָה (šə·’ō·lāh)
Noun - common singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7585: Underworld (place to which people descend at death)

then you will know
וִֽידַעְתֶּ֕ם (wî·ḏa‘·tem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 3045: To know

that
כִּ֧י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

these
הָאֵ֖לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh)
Article | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

men
הָאֲנָשִׁ֥ים (hā·’ă·nā·šîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

have treated
נִֽאֲצ֛וּ (ni·’ă·ṣū)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5006: To spurn, treat with contempt

the LORD {with contempt}.”
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

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OT Law: Numbers 16:30 But if Yahweh make a new thing (Nu Num.)