Korah

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.

Did You Know?

• Korah is listed as a son of Esau and a duke of Edom in Genesis (Genesis 36:5, Genesis 36:18).
• A different Korah is a Levite, son of Izhar, who rebels against Moses (Exodus 6:21, Numbers 16:1).
• Korah's sons Assir, Elkanah, and Abiasaph became the families of the Korhites (Exodus 6:24).
• The earth swallowed Korah and his company, but his children survived (Numbers 16:32, Numbers 26:11).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Korah, son of Izhar, is an individual who appears in the Biblical Book of Numbers of the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) and four different verses in the Quran, known for leading a rebellion against Moses." — Korah "Woe to them! They have followed in the footsteps of Cain; they have abandoned themselves to the error of Balaam for the sake of gain; and they have perished in the rebellion of Korah." — Korah "And Korah gathered all the congregation against them at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. Then the glory of the Lord appeared to all the congregation." — Korah