Numbers 16:34 Meaning and Explanation
“And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →All nearby Israelites flee in terror, fearing the earth will swallow them too.
The Context of Numbers 16:34
The judgment creates widespread terror and flight among the people.
What Does Numbers 16:34 Mean?
The judgment produces terror throughout the assembly. The sound of the rebels' cry as they descend and the sight of the earth's destruction create an overwhelming sense of God's presence and power.
The fear that 'the earth swallow us up also' shows the people now understand that defying God's appointed leaders means defying God Himself. The distinction between the innocent and the rebels, carefully maintained by Moses' warning, now preserves the innocent from the same fate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 16:34
What does Numbers 16:34 mean?
All nearby Israelites flee in terror, fearing the earth will swallow them too.
What is the context of Numbers 16:34?
The judgment creates widespread terror and flight among the people.