Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Isn’t it enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the Israelite community and brought you near himself to do the work at the LORD’s tabernacle and to stand before the community and minister to them? New Living Translation Does it seem insignificant to you that the God of Israel has chosen you from among all the community of Israel to be near him so you can serve in the LORD’s Tabernacle and stand before the people to minister to them? English Standard Version is it too small a thing for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself, to do service in the tabernacle of the LORD and to stand before the congregation to minister to them, Berean Standard Bible Is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel and brought you near to Himself to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them? Berean Literal Bible is it a small thing to you⁺ that the God of Israel has separated you⁺ from the congregation of Israel, to bring you⁺ near to Himself to do the work of the tabernacle of YHWH and to stand before the face of the congregation to serve them? King James Bible Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them? New King James Version Is it a small thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the work of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to serve them; New American Standard Bible Is it too small an honor for you that the God of Israel has singled you out from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to perform the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them; NASB 1995 is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them; NASB 1977 is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them; Legacy Standard Bible is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to perform the service of the tabernacle of Yahweh, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them; Amplified Bible does it seem but a small thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them; Berean Annotated Bible Is it not enough for you⁺ that the God {Elohe} of Israel (he wrestles with God) has separated you⁺ from the congregation of Israel and brought you⁺ near to Himself to perform the work at the LORD’s {YHWH} tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them? Christian Standard Bible Isn’t it enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the Israelite community to bring you near to himself, to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the community to minister to them? Holman Christian Standard Bible Isn’t it enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the Israelite community to bring you near to Himself, to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the community to minister to them? American Standard Version seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of Jehovah, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them; English Revised Version seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself; to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them; GOD'S WORD® Translation Isn't it enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the community of Israel? The LORD has brought you near himself to do the work for his tent and stand in front of the community to serve them. Good News Translation Do you consider it a small matter that the God of Israel has set you apart from the rest of the community, so that you can approach him, perform your service in the LORD's Tent, and minister to the community and serve them? International Standard Version Is it such an insignificant thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the Israelis to draw you to himself, appointing you to do the work of the tent of the LORD and to stand before the community to minister to them? NET Bible Does it seem too small a thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the community of Israel to bring you near to himself, to perform the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the community to minister to them? New Heart English Bible Is it a small thing to you, that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them; Webster's Bible Translation Seemeth it but a small thing to you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIs it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel and brought you near to Himself to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them? World English Bible Is it a small thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself, to do the service of Yahweh’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them; Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionis it little to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel to bring you near to Himself, to do the service of the Dwelling Place of YHWH, and to stand before the congregation to serve them? Berean Literal Bible is it a small thing to you⁺ that the God of Israel has separated you⁺ from the congregation of Israel, to bring you⁺ near to Himself to do the work of the tabernacle of YHWH and to stand before the face of the congregation to serve them? Young's Literal Translation is it little to you that the God of Israel hath separated you from the company of Israel to bring you near unto Himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of Jehovah, and to stand before the company to serve them? -- Smith's Literal Translation Is this small for you that the God of Israel separated you from the assembly of Israel to bring you near to him to serve the services of the dwelling of Jehovah, and to stand before the assembly to serve them? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIs it a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath spared you from all the people, and joined you to himself, that you should serve him in the service of the tabernacle, and should stand before the congregation of the people, and should minister to him? Catholic Public Domain Version Is it a small thing to you, that the God of Israel has separated you from all the people, and has joined you to himself, so that you would serve him in the rituals of the tabernacle, and stand before gatherings of the people, and minister to him? New American Bible Are you not satisfied that the God of Israel has singled you out from the community of Israel, to have you draw near him to maintain the LORD’s tabernacle, and to attend upon the community and to serve them? New Revised Standard Version Is it too little for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to allow you to approach him in order to perform the duties of the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation and serve them? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIs it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the whole congregation of Israel and brought you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD and to stand before the congregation to minister to them? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Is it not enough to you that the God of Israel has separated you from all of the assembly of Israel and has brought you to him to work the service of the Tabernacle of LORD JEHOVAH and before the assembly to serve them? OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917is it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them; Brenton Septuagint Translation Is it a little thing for you, that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, and brought you near to himself to minister in the services of the tabernacle of the Lord, and to stand before the tabernacle to minister for them? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Korah's Rebellion…8Moses also said to Korah, “Now listen, you sons of Levi! 9Is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel and brought you near to Himself to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them? 10He has brought you near, you and all your fellow Levites, but you are seeking the priesthood as well.… Cross References Is it not enough for you Ezekiel 44:6 Tell the rebellious house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I have had enough of all your abominations, O house of Israel. 1 Peter 4:3 For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. 2 Corinthians 12:9 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. that the God of Israel Exodus 24:10 and they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself. Psalm 68:8 the earth shook and the heavens poured down rain before God, the One on Sinai, before God, the God of Israel. Exodus 5:1 After that, Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness.’” has separated you from the congregation of Israel Numbers 8:14 In this way you shall separate the Levites from the rest of the Israelites, and the Levites will belong to Me. Deuteronomy 10:8 At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. 1 Chronicles 23:13 The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart forever to consecrate the most holy things, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister before Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name forever. and brought you near to Himself Psalm 65:4 Blessed is the one You choose and bring near to dwell in Your courts! We are filled with the goodness of Your house, the holiness of Your temple. James 4:8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Leviticus 10:3 Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent. to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle, Numbers 4:3 men from thirty to fifty years old—everyone who is qualified to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting. Numbers 4:23 from thirty to fifty years old, counting everyone who comes to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting. Numbers 3:7-8 They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle. / They shall take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting and fulfill obligations for the Israelites by attending to the service of the tabernacle. and to stand before the congregation to minister to them? 2 Chronicles 29:11 Now, my sons, do not be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, to minister before Him, and to burn incense.” Treasury of Scripture Seems it but a small thing to you, that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them? seemeth it but Numbers 16:13 Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us? Genesis 30:15 And she said unto her, Is it a small matter that thou hast taken my husband? and wouldest thou take away my son's mandrakes also? And Rachel said, Therefore he shall lie with thee to night for thy son's mandrakes. 1 Samuel 18:23 And Saul's servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king's son in law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed? separated Numbers 1:53 But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony. Numbers 3:41-45 And thou shalt take the Levites for me (I am the LORD) instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel… Numbers 8:14-16 Thus shalt thou separate the Levites from among the children of Israel: and the Levites shall be mine… Jump to Previous Community Congregation Enough Israel Israelite Minister Rest Seem Seemeth Separate Separated Service Small Stand Tabernacle WorkJump to Next Community Congregation Enough Israel Israelite Minister Rest Seem Seemeth Separate Separated Service Small Stand Tabernacle WorkNumbers 16 1. The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram23. Moses separates the people from the rebels' tents 31. The earth swallows up Korah, and a fire consumes others 36. The censers are reserved to holy use 41. 14,700 are slain by a plague, for murmuring against Moses and Aaron 46. Aaron by incense stays the plague Is it not enough for you This phrase addresses the dissatisfaction and rebellion of Korah and his followers. It highlights the human tendency to desire more than what God has provided, reflecting a lack of contentment and gratitude. This echoes the broader biblical theme of contentment found in passages like Philippians 4:11-13, where Paul speaks of being content in all circumstances. that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel and brought you near to Himself to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle and to stand before the congregation to minister to them Persons / Places / Events 1. KorahA Levite who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, questioning their leadership and the special role of the priesthood. 2. Moses The leader of Israel, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness. 3. Aaron Moses' brother and the first high priest, appointed by God to serve in the tabernacle. 4. The Tabernacle The portable dwelling place for the divine presence of God among the Israelites, where the Levites served. 5. The Congregation of Israel The assembly of the Israelites, whom God had chosen as His people. Teaching Points Divine Appointment and ContentmentGod assigns roles and responsibilities according to His divine wisdom. We should find contentment and purpose in the roles He has given us, rather than coveting others' positions. The Danger of Rebellion Korah's rebellion serves as a warning against challenging God's established order. Rebellion against God-appointed leadership is ultimately rebellion against God Himself. The Privilege of Service Serving in any capacity within God's kingdom is a privilege. The Levites were set apart for a special purpose, and we too are called to serve in various ways within the body of Christ. Respect for God's Order Just as the Israelites were to respect the roles of Moses and Aaron, we are to respect the leadership and structure God has established in the church today. Drawing Near to God The Levites were brought near to God to serve. In Christ, we are all invited to draw near to God, serving Him with reverence and awe. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 16:9?2. How does Numbers 16:9 challenge us to appreciate God's chosen roles for us? 3. What does "set you apart" in Numbers 16:9 reveal about God's purpose? 4. How can we avoid the rebellion mindset seen in Numbers 16:9 today? 5. Connect Numbers 16:9 with Romans 12:4-5 on valuing diverse roles in Christ. 6. How can we apply Numbers 16:9 to foster unity in our church community? 7. What does Numbers 16:9 reveal about God's expectations for leadership and service among His people? 8. How does Numbers 16:9 challenge our understanding of authority and rebellion in a faith community? 9. In what ways does Numbers 16:9 highlight the importance of humility in spiritual leadership? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 16? 11. What are the main themes of the Bible's books? 12. How do priests and Levites differ in their roles? 13. Numbers 31:7-18: How can the command to kill non-virgin women and boys be reconciled with claims of a compassionate God? 14. Why does God allow genocides to happen, including those commanded in the Bible (Numbers 31:17-18)? What Does Numbers 16:9 Mean Is it not enough for you• Moses’ question exposes discontent in Korah and his followers (Numbers 16:1–3). • Scripture treats grumbling against God-given roles as unbelief (Philippians 2:14; Jude 11). • The Lord calls His people to contentment with what He assigns (1 Timothy 6:6; Philippians 4:11). • When we forget grace already received, envy takes root (Luke 12:15; James 3:16). that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel • God Himself selected the Levites after the golden-calf crisis (Exodus 32:26-29; Numbers 3:11-13). • “Separated” underscores holiness—set apart for His purpose (Leviticus 20:26; 2 Corinthians 6:17). • The privilege was unique: no other tribe shared this consecration (Deuteronomy 10:8). • Believers today share a similar calling as “a chosen people” (1 Peter 2:9). and brought you near to Himself • Nearness to God was a costly grace; only those He appointed could approach (Leviticus 16:1-2). • The Levites camped closest to the tabernacle, a daily reminder of intimacy (Numbers 1:53). • God’s desire is always relational—He draws His servants close before sending them out (Exodus 19:4-6; James 4:8). • In Christ we have an even fuller access (Ephesians 2:13; Hebrews 10:22). to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle • Their tasks ranged from guarding the sanctuary to handling sacred objects (Numbers 4:15-20; 8:22-26). • Service was not drudgery but worship (Psalm 84:10). • Faithfulness in assigned work matters more than craving another’s platform (1 Corinthians 12:18; Colossians 3:23-24). • God evaluates obedience, not self-promotion (1 Samuel 15:22). and to stand before the congregation to minister to them? • Levites acted as mediators—representing God to people and people to God (Deuteronomy 10:8). • “Stand before” hints at accountability; visible ministry carries weight (Luke 12:48; Acts 6:4). • Their calling served the common good, not personal status (Numbers 18:6; 1 Peter 4:10). • Korah’s revolt ignored the blessing of serving others, seeking priesthood for self-gain (Numbers 16:10). summary Numbers 16:9 reminds us that God-assigned roles are gifts of grace. The Levites had been set apart, brought near, entrusted with sacred service, and placed before the people to bless them. Discontent with such honor revealed hearts blind to God’s generosity. The verse challenges us to cherish our calling, celebrate others’ callings, and serve the Lord where He has planted us, gratefully and faithfully. Verse 9. - Seemeth it a small thing to you. Rather, "is it too little for you." חַמְעַט מִכֶּם.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Is it not enoughהַמְעַ֣ט (ham·‘aṭ) Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 4592: A little, fewness, a few for מִכֶּ֗ם (mik·kem) Preposition | second person masculine plural Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of you that כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the God אֱלֹהֵ֨י (’ĕ·lō·hê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative of Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc has separated you הִבְדִּיל֩ (hiḇ·dîl) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 914: To be divided, separate from the congregation מֵעֲדַ֣ת (mê·‘ă·ḏaṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 5712: A stated assemblage of Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc and brought you near לְהַקְרִ֥יב (lə·haq·rîḇ) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct Strong's 7126: To come near, approach to Himself אֵלָ֑יו (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to to perform לַעֲבֹ֗ד (la·‘ă·ḇōḏ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 5647: To work, to serve, till, enslave the work עֲבֹדַת֙ (‘ă·ḇō·ḏaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 5656: Work of any kind at the LORD’s יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel tabernacle מִשְׁכַּ֣ן (miš·kan) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4908: A residence, the Tabernacle and to stand וְלַעֲמֹ֛ד (wə·la·‘ă·mōḏ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations before לִפְנֵ֥י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face the congregation הָעֵדָ֖ה (hā·‘ê·ḏāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5712: A stated assemblage to minister to them? לְשָׁרְתָֽם׃ (lə·šā·rə·ṯām) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 8334: To attend as a, menial, worshipper, to contribute to Links Numbers 16:9 NIVNumbers 16:9 NLT Numbers 16:9 ESV Numbers 16:9 NASB Numbers 16:9 KJV Numbers 16:9 BibleApps.com Numbers 16:9 Biblia Paralela Numbers 16:9 Chinese Bible Numbers 16:9 French Bible Numbers 16:9 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 16:9 Seems it but a small thing (Nu Num.) |
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