Bible Dictionary
Dathan
Dathan was a Reubenite leader who joined Korah’s rebellion against Moses and Aaron. He and Abiram were judged when the earth opened and swallowed them, their households, and their possessions.
Definition
Dathan was a Reubenite leader and son of Eliab who joined Korah’s opposition to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness.
Biblical Usage
Dathan and Abiram disputed Moses’ authority and were swallowed by the earth with their families and possessions, while other followers of Korah perished by fire.
Historical Background
Dathan belonged to the family of Reuben. The sources do not establish the meaning of his name, though a similar name occurs in Assyrian records.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Welled; belonging to a fountain, a son of Eliab, a Reubenite, who joined Korah (q.v.) in his conspiracy, and with his accomplices was swallowed up by an earthquake (Num. 16:1; 26:9; Deut. 11:6; Ps. 106:17).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(belonging to a fountain) a Reubenite chieftain, son of Eliab, who joined the conspiracy of Korah the Levite. (Numbers 16:1; 26:9; 11:6; Psalms 106:17) (B.C. 1490-1452).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>da'-than (dathan, meaning and derivation unknown, though the name is found in Assyrian, in the records of Shalmaneser II): The son of Eliab the son of Pallu the son of Reuben (Nu 26:5 ff; De 11:6; Ps 106:17). He and his brother Abiram, with others, followed Korah the Levite in disputing the authority of Moses and Aaron in the wilderness (Nu 16-17; 26; De 11:6; Ps 106:17). Other followers of Korah perished by fire before the tent of meeting, but Dathan and Abiram were swallowed up by the earth, with their families and their goods, at their tents. See KORAH.</p><p>Willis J. Beecher</p>