Numbers 16:5
And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.
Numbers 16:5 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse from the book of Numbers 16:5 speaks to the confrontation between Moses and Korah, a Levite who rebelled against Moses' leadership. In this verse, Moses asserts that the Lord will demonstrate who has been chosen and set apart for holy service. The imagery of coming near to the Lord signifies being accepted and favored by Him. This passage highlights the importance of obedience, humility, and trust in God's ultimate authority. It serves as a reminder that God will reveal His chosen ones in His own time and will bring them closer to Himself. This declaration by Moses conveys the idea that it is God who determines who is holy and chosen, and that He will make this distinction clear in due course.
Theological Overview
Within this verse, the theological interpretation reveals God’s sovereignty over His chosen people. The reference to God showing “who are His, and who is holy†emphasizes that God alone has the authority to select those who are set apart for His purpose. The concept of God causing the chosen ones to come near to Him highlights the divine initiative in calling individuals into a close relationship with Him. The word “holy†further underscores the sacredness and purity required for one to be in God’s presence. This verse reinforces the biblical theme of election, where God selects and calls people to Himself based on His divine will and not on human merit. It serves as a reminder of the importance of being chosen by God and the responsibility that comes with being set apart for His service.
Numbers 16:5 in other translations
American Standard Version
and he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, In the morning Jehovah will show who are his, and who is holy, and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he shall choose will he cause to come near unto him.
World English Bible
He said to Korah and to all his company, “In the morning, Yahweh will show who are his, and who is holy, and will cause him to come near to him. Even him whom he shall choose, he will cause to come near to him.
Douay-Rheims
And speaking to Core and all the multitude, he said: In the morning the Lord will make known who belong to him, and the holy he will join to himself: and whom he shall choose, they shall approach to him.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And spake to Korah and vnto all his companie, saying, To morow the Lord will shew who is his, and who is holy, and who ought to approche neere vnto him: and whom he hath chosen, hee will cause to come neere to him.