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Numbers 16:30

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

But if the LORD does something completely new, and the earth opens up and swallows them alive along with everything they own, and they go down living into the grave, then you will understand that these men have made the LORD angry.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Moses is saying that if God causes the earth to open up and swallow his opponents alive, it will prove that they have rebelled against God.

📚 Historical Context

This was spoken by Moses during Korah's rebellion, when 250 Israelite leaders challenged Moses' and Aaron's authority in the wilderness. Moses called for God to demonstrate who He had truly chosen to lead His people. This dramatic test would settle the dispute about legitimate spiritual leadership once and for all.

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Translation & Methodology Sources

The original manuscript text provided is based on the King James Version (KJV), which is in the public domain. Our modern English simplifications are generated via proprietary philological synthesis, cross-referenced against Strong's Exhaustive Concordance and the Textus Receptus to ensure unwavering theological and etymological precision.

Read our full translation methodology →