Korah
Two figures named Korah: an Edomite duke and a Levite rebel.
In the book of Genesis, Korah is a son of Esau by his wife Aholibamah (Genesis 36:5, Genesis 36:14) and is listed among the dukes of Edom (Genesis 36:18). In the book of Exodus and Numbers, Korah is a son of Izhar, a Kohathite Levite (Exodus 6:21, Numbers 16:1), who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron.
Quick Facts
- Son of esau
- Genesis 36:5, Genesis 36:14
- Duke of edom
- Genesis 36:18
- Son of izhar (levi)
- Exodus 6:21, Numbers 16:1
- Rebel leader
- Numbers 16:1, Numbers 16:19
- Swallowed by earth
- Numbers 16:32, Numbers 26:10
- Children survived
- Numbers 26:11
Lore & Background
In Genesis, Korah is introduced as a son of Esau and Aholibamah, born in Canaan (Genesis 36:5). He is later named among the dukes descended from Aholibamah in Edom (Genesis 36:18). This Korah is a tribal chief in the lineage of Esau, with no further narrative in the provided passages. In Exodus and Numbers, a different Korah appears as a Levite, the son of Izhar (Exodus 6:21). He is the father of Assir, Elkanah, and Abiasaph, who become the families of the Korhites (Exodus 6:24). This Korah is central to a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, gathering the congregation against them (Numbers 16:19). The earth opens and swallows Korah, his household, and all his goods (Numbers 16:32, Numbers 26:10), though his children are spared (Numbers 26:11).
Reader's Guide
The passages portray Korah in two separate roles. In Genesis, he is a genealogical figure, a son of Esau and a duke of Edom, with no actions described. The citations simply list him among Esau's descendants and Edomite leaders (Genesis 36:5, Genesis 36:14, Genesis 36:18). In Exodus and Numbers, Korah is a Levite who leads a challenge to the authority of Moses and Aaron. He is identified as the son of Izhar (Exodus 6:21, Numbers 16:1) and gathers a company against them (Numbers 16:19). Moses addresses him directly (Numbers 16:8, Numbers 16:16), and the rebellion results in Korah and his company being swallowed by the earth (Numbers 16:32, Numbers 26:10). The incident becomes a warning against unauthorized incense offering (Numbers 16:40). Notably, the children of Korah do not die (Numbers 26:11), and a later reference distinguishes a man who died in his own sin from those in Korah's company (Numbers 27:3). The passages do not reconcile the two Korahs or suggest they are the same person.
Elsewhere in Figures of Scripture
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