Deuteronomy 11:6 Meaning and Explanation
“And what he did unto Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, the son of Reuben: how the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their households, and their tents, and all the substance that was in their possession, in the midst of all Israel:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God judged those who rebelled against His leadership, swallowing them into the earth.
The Context of Deuteronomy 11:6
Moses cites a dramatic judgment against internal rebellion to emphasize the cost of disobedience.
What Does Deuteronomy 11:6 Mean?
Moses recalls a stark episode: the rebellion of Dathan and Abiram against Moses' leadership (Numbers 16). The earth literally opened and consumed them, their families, and all their possessions—a total erasure witnessed by the entire nation.
This example illustrates the consequences of rejecting God's appointed covenant structure. Embedded in the historical catalog, it signals that obedience to God's commands is not optional but essential to belonging to His people.
Deuteronomy 11:6 in the Original Language
bala (בָּלַע), 'swallowed' — to swallow up, engulf, or consume completely, implying total destruction or absorption.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 11:6
What does Deuteronomy 11:6 mean?
God judged those who rebelled against His leadership, swallowing them into the earth.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 11:6?
Moses cites a dramatic judgment against internal rebellion to emphasize the cost of disobedience.