2879. Kore
Lexical Summary
Kore: Kore

Original Word: Κορέ
Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable
Transliteration: Kore
Pronunciation: ko-RAY
Phonetic Spelling: (kor-eh')
KJV: Core
NASB: Korah
Word Origin: [of Hebrew origin (H7141 (קוֹרַח - Korah))]

1. Core (i.e. Korach), an Israelite

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Korah

Of Hebrew origin (Qorach); Core (i.e. Korach), an Israelite -- Core.

see HEBREW Qorach

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
of Hebrew origin Qorach
Definition
Korah, an Isr.
NASB Translation
Korah (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2879: Κόρε

Κόρε (in Josephus, Antiquities 4, 2, 2ff with the Greek terminations Κορεου, κόρη, κόρην), (Hebrew קֹרַח i. e. ice, hail), Korah (Vulg.Core), a man who, with others, rebelled against Moses (Numbers 16): Jude 1:11.

Topical Lexicon
Occurrences in the New Testament

The Greek term Κορὲ (Strong’s 2879) appears a single time in the New Testament, in Jude 1:11, where the Holy Spirit—through Jude—warns against false teachers who “have perished in the rebellion of Korah” (Berean Standard Bible).

Old Testament Background

Korah, a Kohathite Levite and cousin of Moses and Aaron, led a revolt against the divinely appointed leadership (Numbers 16:1–50). Together with Dathan, Abiram, and two hundred fifty community leaders, he challenged the exclusive priesthood of Aaron, claiming, “All the congregation are holy” (Numbers 16:3). The Lord vindicated Moses and Aaron; the earth swallowed Korah and his immediate followers, while fire consumed the offering rebels (Numbers 16:31–35). Later Scripture recalls this judgment (Psalm 106:16–18).

Theological Significance of Korah’s Rebellion

1. Rejection of God-ordained authority: Korah’s defiance was ultimately against the Lord, not merely human leaders (Numbers 16:11).
2. Presumption in worship: Korah attempted to appropriate a priestly role without divine commission.
3. Corporate contagion of sin: His rebellion drew many leaders into collective judgment, illustrating how error spreads.
4. Perpetual warning: Subsequent generations were commanded to place the bronze censers as a covering for the altar “as a reminder” (Numbers 16:39–40).

New Testament Application in Jude

Jude groups Korah with Cain and Balaam (Jude 1:11), forming a triad of archetypal rebels—murderous self-will, greed-driven error, and insubordinate ambition. The epistle deploys Korah as a sober template: just as his rebellion ended in sudden destruction, so the professing leaders who infiltrate the church will face irrevocable judgment.

Practical Ministry Lessons

• Guard the purity of doctrine and leadership callings; ministry offices are gifts, not prizes of ambition.
• Encourage congregational submission to Christ’s appointed structures (Hebrews 13:17).
• Confront doctrinal mutiny early; unchecked rebellion threatens the whole body (1 Corinthians 5:6).
• Cultivate humility in service, remembering that “whoever exalts himself will be humbled” (Matthew 23:12).

Historical Reception in Jewish and Christian Tradition

Second Temple literature (e.g., the Dead Sea Scrolls’ Damascus Document) cites Korah as a prototype of sectarian schism. Early church fathers, including Clement of Rome and Tertullian, invoked Korah to admonish factions that challenged episcopal oversight. Rabbinic commentary likewise underscores his pride and envy, contrasting his fate with the enduring psalmic contributions of “the sons of Korah” who remained faithful.

Christological and Ecclesiological Reflections

Korah’s bid for unauthorized priesthood highlights the exclusivity of Christ’s high-priestly office (Hebrews 5:4–6). The church, as a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), serves under and never apart from its Great High Priest. Any ministry that sidelines Christ’s authority reenacts Korah’s spirit of insurrection.

Warning Against Apostasy

Jude’s reference summons believers to contend earnestly for the faith (Jude 1:3). Apostasy is not merely doctrinal drift; it is active rebellion that invites swift divine retribution comparable to the “rebellion of Korah.” Faithful perseverance, grounded in sound teaching and reverent submission, is the antidote.

Relevant Cross-References

Numbers 16; Numbers 26:9–11; Deuteronomy 11:6; Psalm 106:16–18; Hebrews 5:4–6; Jude 1:3–13; Revelation 2:14.

Forms and Transliterations
Κορε Κορὲ Κόρε Kore Korè
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Jude 1:11 N
GRK: ἀντιλογίᾳ τοῦ Κορὲ ἀπώλοντο
NAS: in the rebellion of Korah.
KJV: perished in the gainsaying of Core.
INT: rebellion of Korah perished

Strong's Greek 2879
1 Occurrence


Κορὲ — 1 Occ.

2878b
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