Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He warned the assembly, “Move back from the tents of these wicked men! Do not touch anything belonging to them, or you will be swept away because of all their sins.” New Living Translation “Quick!” he told the people. “Get away from the tents of these wicked men, and don’t touch anything that belongs to them. If you do, you will be destroyed for their sins.” English Standard Version And he spoke to the congregation, saying, “Depart, please, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be swept away with all their sins.” Berean Standard Bible And he warned the congregation, “Move away now from the tents of these wicked men. Do not touch anything that belongs to them, or you will be swept away because of all their sins.” Berean Literal Bible And he spoke to the congregation, saying, “Depart now from the tents of these wicked men, and do not touch anything that is unto them, lest you⁺ be consumed in all their sins.” King James Bible And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins. New King James Version And he spoke to the congregation, saying, “Depart now from the tents of these wicked men! Touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed in all their sins.” New American Standard Bible and he spoke to the congregation, saying, “Get away now from the tents of these wicked men, and do not touch anything that belongs to them, or you will be swept away in all their sin!” NASB 1995 and he spoke to the congregation, saying, “Depart now from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing that belongs to them, or you will be swept away in all their sin.” NASB 1977 and he spoke to the congregation, saying, “Depart now from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing that belongs to them, lest you be swept away in all their sin.” Legacy Standard Bible and he spoke to the congregation, saying, “Turn aside now from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing that belongs to them, lest you be swept away in all their sin.” Amplified Bible And he said to the congregation, “Get away from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, or you will be swept away in all their sin.” Berean Annotated Bible And he warned the congregation, “Move away now from the tents of these wicked men. Do not touch anything that belongs to them, or you⁺ will be swept away because of all their sins. Christian Standard Bible He warned the community, “Get away now from the tents of these wicked men. Don’t touch anything that belongs to them, or you will be swept away because of all their sins.” Holman Christian Standard Bible He warned the community, “Get away now from the tents of these wicked men. Don’t touch anything that belongs to them, or you will be swept away because of all their sins.” American Standard Version And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins. Contemporary English Version Then Moses warned the people, "Get away from the tents of these sinful men! Don't touch anything that belongs to them or you'll be wiped out." English Revised Version And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins. GOD'S WORD® Translation He said to the community, "Move away from the tents of these wicked men. Don't touch anything that belongs to them, or you'll be swept away because of all their sins." Good News Translation He said to the people, "Get away from the tents of these wicked men and don't touch anything that belongs to them. Otherwise, you will be wiped out with them for all their sins." International Standard Version Then he told the community, "Move away from the camps of these wicked men and don't touch anything that belongs to them. That way you won't be destroyed along with all their sins." NET Bible And he said to the community, "Move away from the tents of these wicked men, and do not touch anything they have, lest you be destroyed because of all their sins." New Heart English Bible He spoke to the congregation, saying, "Depart, please, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed in all their sins." Webster's Bible Translation And he spoke to the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd he warned the congregation, “Move away now from the tents of these wicked men. Do not touch anything that belongs to them, or you will be swept away because of all their sins.” World English Bible He spoke to the congregation, saying, “Depart, please, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed in all their sins!” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand he speaks to the congregation, saying, “Now turn aside from the tents of these wicked men, and do not come against anything that they have, lest you are consumed in all their sins.” Berean Literal Bible And he spoke to the congregation, saying, “Depart now from the tents of these wicked men, and do not touch anything that is unto them, lest you⁺ be consumed in all their sins.” Young's Literal Translation and he speaketh unto the company, saying, 'Turn aside, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and come not against anything that they have, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.' Smith's Literal Translation And he will speak to the assembly, saying, Remove, now, from the tents of these guilty men, and ye shall not touch upon any thing which is to them lest ye shall he destroyed in all their sin. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe said to the multitude: Depart from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be involved in their sins. Catholic Public Domain Version and he said to the crowd, “Withdraw from the tabernacles of these impious men, and touch nothing which pertains to them, lest you become involved in their sins.” New American Bible Then he spoke to the community, “Move away from the tents of these wicked men and do not touch anything that is theirs: otherwise you too will be swept away because of all their sins.” New Revised Standard Version He said to the congregation, “Turn away from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, or you will be swept away for all their sins.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he spoke to all the congregation and said to them, Depart from the tents of these sinful men and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed in their sins. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he spoke with the whole assembly and he said to them: “Separate from the tents of these men who are sinners and you shall not touch anything that is theirs, that you will not be destroyed in their sins.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he spoke unto the congregation, saying: 'Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be swept away in all their sins.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And he spoke to the congregation, saying, Separate yourselves from the tents of these stubborn men, and touch nothing that belongs to them, lest ye be consumed with them in all their sin. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Moses Separates the People…25So Moses got up and went to Dathan and Abiram, and the elders of Israel followed him. 26And he warned the congregation, “Move away now from the tents of these wicked men. Do not touch anything that belongs to them, or you will be swept away because of all their sins.” 27So they moved away from the dwellings of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Meanwhile, Dathan and Abiram had come out and stood at the entrances to their tents with their wives and children and infants.… Cross References And he warned the congregation, Ezekiel 3:17-19 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me. / If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him or speak out to warn him from his wicked way to save his life, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, and I will hold you responsible for his blood. / But if you warn a wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness and his wicked way, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved yourself. 2 Chronicles 19:10 For every dispute that comes before you from your brothers who dwell in their cities—whether it regards bloodshed or some other violation of law, commandments, statutes, or ordinances—you are to warn them, so that they will not incur guilt before the LORD and wrath will not come upon you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not incur guilt. Acts 20:26-31 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. / For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God. / Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood. … “Move away now from the tents of these wicked men. Genesis 19:15-17 At daybreak the angels hurried Lot along, saying, “Get up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city.” / But when Lot hesitated, the men grabbed his hand and the hands of his wife and his two daughters. And they led them safely out of the city, because of the LORD’s compassion for them. / As soon as the men had brought them out, one of them said, “Run for your lives! Do not look back, and do not stop anywhere on the plain! Flee to the mountains, or you will be swept away!” Revelation 18:4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “Come out of her, My people, so that you will not share in her sins or contract any of her plagues. Jeremiah 51:6 Flee from Babylon! Escape with your lives! Do not be destroyed in her punishment. For this is the time of the LORD’s vengeance; He will pay her what she deserves. Do not touch anything that belongs to them, Isaiah 52:11 Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; come out from it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD. 2 Corinthians 6:17 “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” Haggai 2:13-14 So Haggai asked, “If one who is defiled by contact with a corpse touches any of these, does it become defiled?” “Yes, it becomes defiled,” the priests answered. / Then Haggai replied, “So it is with this people and this nation before Me, declares the LORD, and so it is with every work of their hands; whatever they offer there is defiled. or you will be swept away because of all their sins.” 2 Peter 2:6-9 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; / and if He rescued Lot, a righteous man distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless / (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— … Ezekiel 18:20 The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, and a father will not bear the iniquity of his son. The righteousness of the righteous man will fall upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked man will fall upon him. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 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.” Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. Proverbs 4:14-15 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. / Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by. Ephesians 5:11 Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. Treasury of Scripture And he spoke to the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of their's, lest you be consumed in all their sins. depart, I pray you. Leviticus 16:21-24 And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: … Genesis 19:12-14 And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place: … Deuteronomy 13:17 And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand: that the LORD may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and shew thee mercy, and have compassion upon thee, and multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers; Jump to Previous Assembly Belonging Belongs Congregation Consumed Depart Evil Move Perish Punishment Sin Sins Swept Tents Theirs Touch Touching Warned WickedJump to Next Assembly Belonging Belongs Congregation Consumed Depart Evil Move Perish Punishment Sin Sins Swept Tents Theirs Touch Touching Warned WickedNumbers 16 1. The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram23. 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 And he warned the congregation Moses, as the leader appointed by God, often acted as a mediator between God and the Israelites. His warning to the congregation highlights his role as a prophet and leader who communicates God's will. This moment reflects the seriousness of rebellion against God's appointed leaders, as seen earlier in the murmuring of the Israelites against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 14:2-4). The warning serves as a call to obedience and discernment, urging the people to separate themselves from those who oppose God's authority. Move away now from the tents of these wicked men Do not touch anything that belongs to them or you will be swept away because of all their sins Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In this passage, Moses is warning the congregation to separate themselves from the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. 2. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram These men led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging their God-given authority. They represent disobedience and defiance against God's established order. 3. The Congregation of Israel The assembly of the Israelites who are being warned by Moses to distance themselves from the rebels to avoid sharing in their punishment. 4. The Tents of the Wicked Men Symbolic of the dwelling places and possessions of those who have sinned against God. The tents represent the sphere of influence and the physical manifestation of their rebellion. 5. The Wilderness The setting of this event, representing both a place of testing and a place of divine provision for the Israelites. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceObedience to God's commands and His appointed leaders is crucial. Rebellion against God's order leads to severe consequences. Separation from Sin Just as the Israelites were warned to distance themselves from the tents of the wicked, Christians are called to separate themselves from sinful influences and practices. The Consequences of Rebellion The account of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram serves as a warning about the dangers of pride and rebellion against God's authority. Community Responsibility The congregation had a responsibility to heed Moses' warning. Similarly, believers today have a responsibility to uphold righteousness within their communities. God's Justice and Mercy While God is just in punishing sin, He is also merciful in providing warnings and opportunities for repentance. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 16:26?2. How can we apply "depart from the tents" to avoid ungodly influences today? 3. What does Numbers 16:26 teach about the consequences of associating with the wicked? 4. How does Numbers 16:26 connect with 2 Corinthians 6:17 on separation from sin? 5. Why is obedience to God's warning in Numbers 16:26 crucial for believers? 6. How can we discern when to "touch nothing of theirs" in our lives? 7. What does Numbers 16:26 reveal about God's judgment and holiness? 8. How does Numbers 16:26 challenge our understanding of obedience to God? 9. Why were the Israelites warned to separate from Korah's rebellion in Numbers 16:26? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 16? 11. Ezekiel 18 – Does any historical or archaeological evidence indicate that Israel ever fully practiced individual accountability rather than communal guilt? 12. Why does God's response in Numbers 16:44-45 seem inconsistent with His mercy in other parts of the Bible? 13. If the eastern tribes truly risked idolatry, as it appears in Joshua 22:16-18, why does the narrative not record any divine punishment or sign to confirm the seriousness of the offense? 14. If God is just, why were thousands punished for the actions of a few in Numbers 16:49? What Does Numbers 16:26 Mean And he warned the congregationMoses steps forward as God’s appointed shepherd, issuing a sober warning to everyone within earshot. Like a watchman on the wall (Ezekiel 3:17), he refuses to stay silent while danger approaches. His example reminds us that: • Spiritual leaders are responsible to speak plainly when sin threatens the flock (Acts 20:31; Hebrews 13:17). • A faithful warning is an act of love, not harshness—God always sounds an alarm before judgment falls (Amos 3:7). Move away now from the tents of these wicked men Physical distance becomes a picture of moral distance. The people must literally step back from Korah, Dathan, and Abiram so they will not be caught in the coming judgment. Scripture often pairs separation with holiness: • “Come out from among them and be separate” (2 Corinthians 6:17). • Lot was urged to leave Sodom before fire rained down (Genesis 19:12-17). • Walking with the wicked invites trouble; avoiding their path brings blessing (Psalm 1:1; Proverbs 4:14-15). God’s people are called to live in the world but not share in its rebellion. Do not touch anything that belongs to them Even their possessions are off-limits. Contact implies participation and, in this context, contamination. Similar safeguards appear elsewhere: • Israel was warned not to take any of Jericho’s plunder lest they be cursed (Joshua 6:18). • “Depart, depart, go out from there… touch no unclean thing” (Isaiah 52:11). • “Do not share in the sins of others” (1 Timothy 5:22). Holiness involves both external and internal separation—actions and affections alike must stay clean. or you will be swept away because of all their sins Judgment is imminent and comprehensive. Association with rebels invites shared consequences, a principle woven throughout Scripture: • “Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33). • Those who keep company with fools suffer harm (Proverbs 13:20). • Babylon’s downfall prompts a heavenly call: “Come out of her… so that you will not share in her sins and receive any of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4). God’s justice is never arbitrary; He deals with sin decisively, yet He graciously provides a clear way of escape for the obedient. summary Numbers 16:26 delivers a timeless message: when rebellion rises, God’s people must heed godly warnings, create distance from sin, refuse even minor compromise, and seek refuge in obedience. Separation is not isolation; it is alignment with God’s holiness. Those who step back under His instruction find safety, while those who cling to wickedness are swept away with it. Verse 26. - Touch nothing of theirs. Because they, and all that belonged to them, were anathema, devoted to destruction. Compare the case of Achan (Joshua 7:1).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And he warnedוַיְדַבֵּ֨ר (way·ḏab·bêr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue the congregation, הָעֵדָ֜ה (hā·‘ê·ḏāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5712: A stated assemblage “Move away ס֣וּרוּ (sū·rū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 5493: To turn aside now נָ֡א (nā) Interjection Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then' from מֵעַל֩ (mê·‘al) Preposition-m Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the tents אָהֳלֵ֨י (’ā·ho·lê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 168: A tent of these הָאֵ֔לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh) Article | Pronoun - common plural Strong's 428: These, those wicked הָֽרְשָׁעִים֙ (hā·rə·šā·‘îm) Article | Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 7563: Wrong, an, bad person men. הָאֲנָשִׁ֤ים (hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person Do not וְאַֽל־ (wə·’al-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 408: Not touch תִּגְּע֖וּ (tig·gə·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 5060: To touch, lay the hand upon, to reach, violently, to strike anything בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every that belongs to them, אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that or פֶּן־ (pen-) Conjunction Strong's 6435: Removal, lest you will be swept away תִּסָּפ֖וּ (tis·sā·p̄ū) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 5595: To sweep or snatch away, catch up because of all בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every their sins.” חַטֹּאתָֽם׃ (ḥaṭ·ṭō·ṯām) Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 2403: An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offender Links Numbers 16:26 NIVNumbers 16:26 NLT Numbers 16:26 ESV Numbers 16:26 NASB Numbers 16:26 KJV Numbers 16:26 BibleApps.com Numbers 16:26 Biblia Paralela Numbers 16:26 Chinese Bible Numbers 16:26 French Bible Numbers 16:26 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 16:26 He spoke to the congregation saying Depart (Nu Num.) |
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