Numbers 16:26 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Moses warns the people to leave the tents of the rebels and avoid their possessions.
The Context of Numbers 16:26
Moses relays God's warning, giving the innocent a final opportunity to separate from the rebels.
What Does Numbers 16:26 Mean?
Moses uses the word 'wicked' to describe those whose rebellion has been revealed as defiance of God. This is both a moral judgment and a warning: association with the rebels will bring the same judgment.
The instruction to touch nothing of their possessions emphasizes the totality of the judgment coming—anything belonging to these men will be destroyed along with them.
Numbers 16:26 in the Original Language
רְשָׁעִים (reshim, 'wicked') — those who act contrary to God's will; their rebellion is now publicly branded as wickedness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 16:26
What does Numbers 16:26 mean?
Moses warns the people to leave the tents of the rebels and avoid their possessions.
What is the context of Numbers 16:26?
Moses relays God's warning, giving the innocent a final opportunity to separate from the rebels.