Num 16:31-35 | NET2full | STEP | When he had finished speaking all these words , the ground that was under them split open ,

‏ Numbers 16:31-35

31 When he had finished ^{▼▼tn The initial temporal clause is standard: It begins with the temporal indicator “and it was,” followed here by the Piel infinitive construct with the preposition and the subjective genitive suffix. “And it happened when he finished.”} speaking ^{▼▼tn The infinitive construct with the preposition ל (lamed) functions here as the direct object of the preceding infinitive. It tells what he finished.} all these words, the ground that was under them split open, 32 and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them, along with their households, and all Korah’s men, and all their goods. 33 They and all that they had went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed over them. So they perished from among the community. 34 All the Israelites ^{▼▼tn Heb “all Israel.”} who were around them fled at their cry, ^{▼▼tn Heb “voice.”} for they said, “What if ^{▼▼tn Heb “lest.”} the earth swallows us too?” 35 Then a fire ^{▼▼tn For a discussion of the fire of the Lord, see J. C. H. Laughlin, “The Strange Fire of Nadab and Abihu,” JBL 95 (1976): 559-65.} went out from the Lord and devoured the 250 men who offered incense.