Numbers 16:33 Meaning and Explanation
“They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The rebels and everything belonging to them descend alive into the pit, and the earth seals over them.
The Context of Numbers 16:33
The earthly judgment is complete and irreversible; the rebels are gone from Israel.
What Does Numbers 16:33 Mean?
The repetition of 'alive into the pit' and 'earth closed upon them' emphasizes the definitiveness of the judgment. There is no escape, no second chance. The earth itself becomes their tomb, closing the opening immediately.
Their removal from 'among the congregation' is complete and final. The text stresses that they are erased from the people's midst, preventing any ongoing influence or appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 16:33
What does Numbers 16:33 mean?
The rebels and everything belonging to them descend alive into the pit, and the earth seals over them.
What is the context of Numbers 16:33?
The earthly judgment is complete and irreversible; the rebels are gone from Israel.