Numbers 16:23
New International Version
Then the LORD said to Moses,

New Living Translation
And the LORD said to Moses,

English Standard Version
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

Berean Standard Bible
Then the LORD said to Moses,

King James Bible
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

New King James Version
So the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

New American Standard Bible
Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

NASB 1995
Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

NASB 1977
Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

Amplified Bible
Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

Christian Standard Bible
The LORD replied to Moses,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The LORD replied to Moses, “

American Standard Version
And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,

Contemporary English Version
The LORD answered Moses,

English Revised Version
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then the LORD said to Moses,

Good News Translation
The LORD said to Moses,

International Standard Version
Then the LORD instructed Moses,

NET Bible
So the LORD spoke to Moses:

New Heart English Bible
The LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

Webster's Bible Translation
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Then the LORD said to Moses,

World English Bible
Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And YHWH speaks to Moses, saying,

Young's Literal Translation
And Jehovah speaketh unto Moses, saying,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jehovah will speak to Moses, saying,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the Lord said to Moses:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the Lord said to Moses:

New American Bible
The LORD answered Moses:

New Revised Standard Version
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying:
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And LORD JEHOVAH spoke with Moshe and said to him:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying:

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Moses Separates the People
23Then the LORD said to Moses, 24“Tell the congregation to move away from the dwellings of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.”…

Cross References
Exodus 32:9-10
The LORD also said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and they are indeed a stiff-necked people. / Now leave Me alone, so that My anger may burn against them and consume them. Then I will make you into a great nation.”

Deuteronomy 9:13-14
The LORD also said to me, “I have seen this people, and they are indeed a stiff-necked people. / Leave Me alone, so that I may destroy them and blot out their name from under heaven. Then I will make you into a nation mightier and greater than they are.”

Psalm 106:16-18
In the camp they envied Moses, as well as Aaron, the holy one of the LORD. / The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan; it covered the assembly of Abiram. / Then fire blazed through their company; flames consumed the wicked.

Jude 1:11
Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion.

2 Timothy 2:19
Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”

1 Corinthians 10:10-11
And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel. / Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.

Hebrews 3:16-19
For who were the ones who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? / And with whom was God angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? / And to whom did He swear that they would never enter His rest? Was it not to those who disobeyed? ...

Acts 5:1-11
Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. / With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds for himself, but brought a portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet. / Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? ...

2 Peter 2:4-6
For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them deep into hell, placing them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment; / if He did not spare the ancient world when He brought the flood on its ungodly people, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, among the eight; / if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction, reducing them to ashes as an example of what is coming on the ungodly;

Romans 9:14-18
What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Certainly not! / For He says to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” / So then, it does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. ...

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

Isaiah 1:10
Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah!

Jeremiah 6:30
They are called rejected silver, because the LORD has rejected them.”

Ezekiel 20:38
And I will purge you of those who rebel and transgress against Me. I will bring them out of the land in which they dwell, but they will not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the LORD.

Leviticus 10:1-3
Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. / So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD. / Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent.


Treasury of Scripture

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

Jump to Previous
Moses Speaketh
Jump to Next
Moses Speaketh
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














Then the LORD said to Moses,
This phrase indicates direct communication from God to Moses, a common occurrence in the Pentateuch, highlighting Moses' unique role as a prophet and leader of Israel. The context here is the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses' leadership, which is a significant event in Israel's wilderness journey. This divine communication underscores God's authority and His direct involvement in guiding and correcting His people. It also reflects the theocratic nature of Israel's governance, where God Himself is the ultimate leader. This moment is pivotal as it precedes God's judgment on the rebels, demonstrating His holiness and the seriousness of rebellion against His appointed leaders. The phrase also connects to other instances where God speaks directly to Moses, such as at the burning bush (Exodus 3) and on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19), reinforcing Moses' role as a mediator between God and the Israelites.
Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who communicates directly with Moses, demonstrating His authority and involvement in the affairs of His people.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. Moses serves as the mediator between God and the Israelites.

3. Korah's Rebellion
A significant event where Korah, along with Dathan, Abiram, and others, challenged the leadership of Moses and Aaron, questioning their authority and God's chosen order.

4. The Israelite Camp
The setting of this event, where the Israelites are encamped in the wilderness, journeying towards the Promised Land.

5. The Tent of Meeting
The place where Moses often received direct communication from God, symbolizing God's presence among His people.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Authority
God is sovereign and His authority is absolute. He chooses leaders according to His will, and it is our responsibility to respect and follow His appointed order.

The Danger of Rebellion
Rebellion against God's chosen leaders is a serious offense. It reflects a deeper rebellion against God Himself, which can lead to severe consequences.

The Role of a Mediator
Moses serves as a mediator between God and the people, prefiguring Christ as our ultimate mediator. We are called to respect and value the role of spiritual leaders in our lives.

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God's commands and His appointed leaders is crucial for maintaining order and receiving His blessings. Disobedience disrupts the community and dishonors God.

God's Communication with His People
God communicates with His people through His chosen servants. We should be attentive to His voice and guidance, as revealed through Scripture and godly leadership.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Numbers 16:23?

2. How does Numbers 16:23 demonstrate God's response to rebellion against His chosen leaders?

3. What can we learn about God's authority from His command in Numbers 16:23?

4. How does Numbers 16:23 connect with Romans 13:1 on respecting authority?

5. How should we respond to leadership challenges in light of Numbers 16:23?

6. What actions can we take to align with God's will as seen here?

7. What does Numbers 16:23 reveal about God's communication with Moses?

8. How does Numbers 16:23 fit into the broader narrative of rebellion in the Bible?

9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Numbers 16?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 16?

11. Can faith alter divine plans?

12. How could the earth physically open and swallow people as described in Numbers 16:31–33?

13. Numbers 32:23: Are there any historical or archaeological records that corroborate Moses' warnings about sin and its consequences for these tribes?

14. Does God change His mind? (Numbers 23:19 vs. Exodus 32:14)
What Does Numbers 16:23 Mean
Then

Numbers 16 opens with Korah’s rebellion, a direct challenge to the Lord-appointed leadership of Moses and Aaron. The word “Then” anchors verse 23 to that unfolding crisis.

• Verse 20 shows the Lord addressing Moses and Aaron about the congregation’s fate; in verse 22 Moses intercedes. “Then” signals God’s next response in the sequence—He has listened and is about to act (compare Exodus 32:9–14; Psalm 106:23).

• It reminds us that divine timing is purposeful. God never speaks haphazardly; He addresses specific moments to advance His redemptive plan (Ecclesiastes 3:1; Galatians 4:4).

• For the reader, “Then” encourages watching for God’s orderly interventions amid chaos, just as He stepped into this rebellion at precisely the right instant.


the LORD

The verse uses God’s covenant name, underscoring His faithfulness to His people even while judging sin.

• By using “the LORD,” Scripture reminds Israel that the One speaking is the same God who delivered them from Egypt (Exodus 6:2–8) and who dwells among them in the tabernacle (Leviticus 26:11–12).

• His covenant faithfulness includes both mercy and discipline (Deuteronomy 32:36; Hebrews 12:6). In this context He protects the nation’s future by confronting a rebellion that could unravel their calling.

• The name also highlights His supreme authority; no human committee decides Israel’s destiny—Yahweh does (Isaiah 45:5–7).


said

God is a speaking God; His word creates, commands, and corrects (Genesis 1:3; Isaiah 55:11).

• When “the LORD said,” revelation occurs. Israel depends on His spoken word for guidance through the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4).

• Divine speech carries absolute authority. What He says will immediately shape events, as the ground soon opens to judge Korah’s faction (Numbers 16:31–33).

• His pattern of speaking through chosen leaders models how He now speaks through Scripture and, ultimately, through His Son (Hebrews 1:1–2).


to Moses

God addresses Moses personally, affirming him as the appointed mediator (Exodus 3:10–12; Numbers 12:6–8).

• Despite Korah’s claim that “all the congregation is holy” (Numbers 16:3), the Lord singles out Moses, confirming legitimate leadership.

• Speaking “to Moses” highlights intercession’s importance. Moses has just pleaded for the people (v. 22), and God’s answer now directs him to protect the innocent and confront the guilty—paralleling Abraham’s pleas for Sodom (Genesis 18:23–33).

• This reinforces the need for godly leadership that hears from God and guides His people faithfully (1 Peter 5:2–3).


summary

Numbers 16:23—“Then the LORD said to Moses”—may seem brief, yet each word pulses with meaning. “Then” ties God’s speech to a precise moment in a rebellion-filled narrative. “The LORD” reminds us of the covenant-keeping, all-powerful God who acts for His people’s good. “Said” underscores the creative, authoritative force of His word. “To Moses” affirms the divinely chosen mediator through whom guidance and deliverance flow. Together, the verse sets the stage for God’s swift, righteous action and invites us to trust His timing, heed His voice, and honor the leaders He appoints.

Verse 23. - The Lord spake unto Moses. No direct answer was apparently vouchsafed to the remonstrance of Moses and Aaron, but it was tacitly allowed.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

said
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר (way·ḏab·bêr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Moses,
מֹשֶׁ֥ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver


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OT Law: Numbers 16:23 Yahweh spoke to Moses saying (Nu Num.)
Numbers 16:22
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