Numbers 16:9 Is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel and brought you near to Himself to perform the work at the LORD's tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them?

◄ Numbers 16:9 ►

New International Version
Isn’t it enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the Israelite community and brought you near himself to do the work at the LORD’s tabernacle and to stand before the community and minister to them?

New Living Translation
Does it seem insignificant to you that the God of Israel has chosen you from among all the community of Israel to be near him so you can serve in the LORD’s Tabernacle and stand before the people to minister to them?

English Standard Version
is it too small a thing for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself, to do service in the tabernacle of the LORD and to stand before the congregation to minister to them,

Berean Standard Bible
Is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel and brought you near to Himself to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them?

King James Bible
Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?

New King James Version
Is it a small thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the work of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to serve them;

New American Standard Bible
Is it too small an honor for you that the God of Israel has singled you out from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to perform the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them;

NASB 1995
is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them;

NASB 1977
is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them;

Legacy Standard Bible
is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to perform the service of the tabernacle of Yahweh, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them;

Amplified Bible
does it seem but a small thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them;

Christian Standard Bible
Isn’t it enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the Israelite community to bring you near to himself, to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the community to minister to them?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Isn’t it enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the Israelite community to bring you near to Himself, to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the community to minister to them?

American Standard Version
seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of Jehovah, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them;

English Revised Version
seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself; to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Isn't it enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the community of Israel? The LORD has brought you near himself to do the work for his tent and stand in front of the community to serve them.

Good News Translation
Do you consider it a small matter that the God of Israel has set you apart from the rest of the community, so that you can approach him, perform your service in the LORD's Tent, and minister to the community and serve them?

International Standard Version
Is it such an insignificant thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the Israelis to draw you to himself, appointing you to do the work of the tent of the LORD and to stand before the community to minister to them?

Majority Standard Bible
Is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel and brought you near to Himself to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them?

NET Bible
Does it seem too small a thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the community of Israel to bring you near to himself, to perform the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the community to minister to them?

New Heart English Bible
Is it a small thing to you, that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them;

Webster's Bible Translation
Seemeth it but a small thing to you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them?

World English Bible
Is it a small thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself, to do the service of Yahweh’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them;

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
is it little to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel to bring you near to Himself, to do the service of the Dwelling Place of YHWH, and to stand before the congregation to serve them?

Young's Literal Translation
is it little to you that the God of Israel hath separated you from the company of Israel to bring you near unto Himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of Jehovah, and to stand before the company to serve them? --

Smith's Literal Translation
Is this small for you that the God of Israel separated you from the assembly of Israel to bring you near to him to serve the services of the dwelling of Jehovah, and to stand before the assembly to serve them?

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Is it a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath spared you from all the people, and joined you to himself, that you should serve him in the service of the tabernacle, and should stand before the congregation of the people, and should minister to him?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Is it a small thing to you, that the God of Israel has separated you from all the people, and has joined you to himself, so that you would serve him in the rituals of the tabernacle, and stand before gatherings of the people, and minister to him?

New American Bible
Are you not satisfied that the God of Israel has singled you out from the community of Israel, to have you draw near him to maintain the LORD’s tabernacle, and to attend upon the community and to serve them?

New Revised Standard Version
Is it too little for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to allow you to approach him in order to perform the duties of the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation and serve them?

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the whole congregation of Israel and brought you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD and to stand before the congregation to minister to them?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Is it not enough to you that the God of Israel has separated you from all of the assembly of Israel and has brought you to him to work the service of the Tabernacle of LORD JEHOVAH and before the assembly to serve them?

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
is it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Is it a little thing for you, that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, and brought you near to himself to minister in the services of the tabernacle of the Lord, and to stand before the tabernacle to minister for them?

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Korah's Rebellion
…8Moses also said to Korah, “Now listen, you sons of Levi! 9Is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel and brought you near to Himself to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them? 10He has brought you near, you and all your fellow Levites, but you are seeking the priesthood as well.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Exodus 28:1
“Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests.

Leviticus 8:6-13
Then Moses presented Aaron and his sons and washed them with water. / He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He tied the woven band of the ephod around him and fastened it to him. / Then he put the breastpiece on him and placed the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece. ...

1 Samuel 2:28
And out of all the tribes of Israel I selected your father to be My priest, to offer sacrifices on My altar, to burn incense, and to wear an ephod in My presence. I also gave to the house of your father all the food offerings of the Israelites.

Deuteronomy 10:8
At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day.

1 Chronicles 23:13
The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart forever to consecrate the most holy things, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister before Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name forever.

Hebrews 5:4
No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was.

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Exodus 19:6
And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.”

2 Chronicles 29:11
Now, my sons, do not be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, to minister before Him, and to burn incense.”

Malachi 2:4-7
Then you will know that I have sent you this commandment so that My covenant with Levi may continue,” says the LORD of Hosts. / “My covenant with him was one of life and peace, which I gave to him; it called for reverence, and he revered Me and stood in awe of My name. / True instruction was in his mouth, and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. ...

Hebrews 9:6-7
When everything had been prepared in this way, the priests entered regularly into the first room to perform their sacred duties. / But only the high priest entered the second room, and then only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.

Revelation 1:6
who has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen.

Isaiah 61:6
But you will be called the priests of the LORD; they will speak of you as ministers of our God; you will feed on the wealth of nations, and you will boast in their riches.

Ezekiel 44:15-16
But the Levitical priests, who are descended from Zadok and who kept charge of My sanctuary when the Israelites went astray from Me, are to approach Me to minister before Me. They will stand before Me to offer Me fat and blood, declares the Lord GOD. / They alone shall enter My sanctuary and draw near to My table to minister before Me. They will keep My charge.

Acts 6:4
and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

Treasury of Scripture

Seems it but a small thing to you, that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them?

seemeth it but

Numbers 16:13
Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us?

Genesis 30:15
And she said unto her, Is it a small matter that thou hast taken my husband? and wouldest thou take away my son's mandrakes also? And Rachel said, Therefore he shall lie with thee to night for thy son's mandrakes.

1 Samuel 18:23
And Saul's servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king's son in law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed?

separated

Numbers 1:53
But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.

Numbers 3:41-45
And thou shalt take the Levites for me (I am the LORD) instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel…

Numbers 8:14-16
Thus shalt thou separate the Levites from among the children of Israel: and the Levites shall be mine…

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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

Is it not enough for you
This phrase begins with a rhetorical question that Moses poses to the Levites, particularly Korah and his followers. The Hebrew root here is "מְעַט" (me'at), which conveys the idea of something being small or insufficient. Moses is challenging the Levites' dissatisfaction with their God-given roles. Historically, the Levites were set apart for special service to God, a privilege that should have been sufficient. This question underscores the human tendency to desire more than what God has graciously provided, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.

that the God of Israel
This phrase emphasizes the divine authority and identity of the One who has appointed the Levites to their roles. The title "God of Israel" is significant, as it reminds the people of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, the God who delivered them from Egypt and established them as His chosen people. This covenantal context is crucial, as it highlights the seriousness of rebelling against God's appointed order.

has separated you
The Hebrew root for "separated" is "בָּדַל" (badal), which means to divide or set apart. This word is often used in the context of holiness and consecration. The Levites were set apart for sacred duties, a calling that required them to be distinct from the rest of the Israelites. This separation was not just a matter of privilege but also of responsibility, calling them to a higher standard of service and devotion.

from the congregation of Israel
The "congregation of Israel" refers to the entire assembly of the Israelite people. The Levites were distinguished from the rest of the congregation for specific roles in worship and service. This distinction is a reminder of the order and structure God established among His people, where each tribe and family had a unique role to play in the life of the nation.

to bring you near to Himself
The phrase "to bring you near" is deeply relational, indicating intimacy and closeness with God. The Hebrew root "קָרַב" (qarab) means to approach or draw near. The Levites were given the privilege of serving in the tabernacle, symbolizing a closer proximity to God's presence. This nearness was a profound honor, reflecting God's desire for a relationship with His people and the special role the Levites played in facilitating worship.

to perform the service of the tabernacle of the LORD
The "service of the tabernacle" refers to the various duties the Levites performed, including maintaining the tabernacle, assisting the priests, and leading the people in worship. The Hebrew word for "service" is "עֲבֹדָה" (avodah), which encompasses work, worship, and service. This highlights the sacred nature of their duties, which were acts of worship and obedience to God.

and to stand before the congregation to minister to them?
The role of standing before the congregation to minister underscores the Levites' position as intermediaries between God and the people. The Hebrew word for "minister" is "שָׁרַת" (sharat), which means to serve or attend. This service was not just a function but a ministry, a calling to serve both God and His people. The Levites' ministry was a vital part of the spiritual life of Israel, facilitating worship and maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 9. - Seemeth it a small thing to you. Rather, "is it too little for you." חַמְעַט מִכֶּם.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Is it not enough
הַמְעַ֣ט (ham·‘aṭ)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 4592: A little, fewness, a few

for
מִכֶּ֗ם (mik·kem)
Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

you that
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the God
אֱלֹהֵ֨י (’ĕ·lō·hê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

of Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

has separated you
הִבְדִּיל֩ (hiḇ·dîl)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 914: To be divided, separate

from the congregation
מֵעֲדַ֣ת (mê·‘ă·ḏaṯ)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5712: A stated assemblage

of Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

and brought you near
לְהַקְרִ֥יב (lə·haq·rîḇ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7126: To come near, approach

to Himself
אֵלָ֑יו (’ê·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

to perform
לַעֲבֹ֗ד (la·‘ă·ḇōḏ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5647: To work, to serve, till, enslave

the work
עֲבֹדַת֙ (‘ă·ḇō·ḏaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5656: Work of any kind

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

tabernacle
מִשְׁכַּ֣ן (miš·kan)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4908: A residence, the Tabernacle

and to stand
וְלַעֲמֹ֛ד (wə·la·‘ă·mōḏ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

before
לִפְנֵ֥י (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the congregation
הָעֵדָ֖ה (hā·‘ê·ḏāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5712: A stated assemblage

to minister to them?
לְשָׁרְתָֽם׃ (lə·šā·rə·ṯām)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8334: To attend as a, menial, worshipper, to contribute to

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OT Law: Numbers 16:9 Seems it but a small thing (Nu Num.)