Korah

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew Qōraḥ (“bald”)
• Period/Era: Patriarchal Period (Wilderness Wanderings)
• Main References: Numbers 16–17; Numbers 26:9–11; Deuteronomy 11:6
• Key Connections: Levite of the Kohathites; associated with Dathan and Abiram (Reubenites); opposed Moses and Aaron

Who was Korah?

Korah was a Levite from the Kohathite clan within Israel’s priestly tribe.
In the wilderness, he became a leading figure in a challenge to the authority and priestly role of Moses and Aaron.
His action is remembered as a community-threatening rebellion during Israel’s early national formation.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Organized a coalition challenging Moses and Aaron’s leadership and priestly prerogatives (Numbers 16:1–3).
• Event 2: Participated in the incense test at the tent of meeting as a means of disputing Aaron’s priesthood (Numbers 16:16–19).
• Event 3: Died under divine judgment when the earth opened and fire consumed the rebels, and his rebellion became a lasting warning in Israel (Numbers 16:31–35; Deuteronomy 11:6).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Korah’s revolt illustrates how internal challenges to divinely established leadership could endanger covenant community order in Israel’s wilderness era.

Key Verse

“And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the people who belonged to Korah and all their goods.” — Numbers 16:32, ESV