Lexical Summary Kore: Kore Original Word: Κορέ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance KorahOf Hebrew origin (Qorach); Core (i.e. Korach), an Israelite -- Core. see HEBREW Qorach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Qorach Definition Korah, an Isr. NASB Translation Korah (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2879: ΚόρεΚόρε (in Josephus, Antiquities 4, 2, 2ff with the Greek terminations Κορεου, κόρη, κόρην), ὁ (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). 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. 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 KorèLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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