קֹ֫רַח (qo.rach)
qo.rach
Korah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 22 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Qorach means "bald" or "ice," appearing in Scripture as a designation for several distinct figures across different tribes. In Genesis, it identifies Edomite descendants of Esau, including a duke and a son of Eliphaz, establishing the name within the genealogies of Israel’s neighbors.
Most prominently, it belongs to the Levite who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. As recorded in Numbers 16, he challenged their leadership, resulting in his death by an earthquake and fire. This event cemented his legacy as a warning against insubordination.
A surprising connection links this rebel to worship. His descendants, known as Korahites, survived the judgment and later served as temple singers. Ten Psalms are attributed to them, including Psalm 84, transforming a name associated with destruction into one of enduring praise.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Korah appears in Scripture as a complex symbol of human ambition and divine mercy. In Numbers 16, Korah leads a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging God’s chosen leadership. The earth opens to swallow him, serving as a stark warning against pride and the desire for power that belongs to God alone.
Yet the story does not end in judgment. Numbers 26:11 records that the sons of Korah did not die. They survived to become temple singers, authoring Psalms like Psalm 84. This shift from rebellion to worship shows that God’s grace can redeem even those connected to serious sin. It reminds us that our past mistakes do not define our final standing before Him.
For your faith, this word offers a dual lesson: humility in submission to God’s order and hope in His ability to restore broken lines. Whether you feel distant from God or burdened by past failures, the Korahites’ legacy invites you into a life of praise rather than protest.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 22 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Korah18×
- and/ Korah1×
- [were] Korah1×
- [belonged] to/ Korah1×
- O Korah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קֹ֖רַח4×
- קֹ֔רַח4×
- קֹ֑רַח4×
- קֹ֥רַח2×
- קֹ֜רַח2×
- קֹֽרַח\׃1×
- קֹ֛רַח1×
- קֹ֛רֶח1×
- קֹ֙רַח֙1×
- לְ/קֹ֔רַח1×
- וְ/קֹֽרַח\׃\ \ס1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 16:1
Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took some men.
This verse introduces Korah’s coalition, establishing the specific challenge to Moses and Aaron’s authority that triggers the divine judgment.
-
Numbers 26:11
Notwithstanding, the sons of Korah didn’t die.
This brief note is crucial because it reveals the survival of Korah’s lineage, allowing for their later role as temple musicians.
-
Exodus 6:24
The sons of Korah: Assir, Elkanah, and Abiasaph; these are the families of the Korahites.
By listing Korah’s sons here, the text sets up the genealogical line that will eventually serve in the Tabernacle service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Korah mean?
Did Korah’s family suffer for his rebellion?
Why is Korah mentioned in Chronicles?
Every Occurrence (22 verses across 4 books)
Genesis 4 verses
Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. These are the sons of Esau, who were born to him in the land of Canaan.
Genesis 36:14These were the sons of Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon, Esau’s wife: she bore to Esau Jeush,…
Genesis 36:16chief Korah, chief Gatam, chief Amalek. These are the chiefs who came of Eliphaz in the land of Edom. These are the…
Genesis 36:18These are the sons of Oholibamah, Esau’s wife: chief Jeush, chief Jalam, chief Korah. These are the chiefs who came of…