Dathan
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Dathan in the Bible?
Dathan, the son of Eliab and brother of Abiram, joined Korah in challenging the exclusive authority of Moses and Aaron. According to the biblical account, he and his household were consumed by the earth as a divine judgment for their insurrection.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Dathan's role clarifies the narrative tension between established tribal leadership and charismatic religious authority, illustrating the biblical theme that challenging divinely appointed order results in severe communal consequences.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Dathan reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Dathan in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Dathan clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Dathan." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/dathan/