28:76
Qarun was doubtless, of the people of Moses; but he acted insolently towards them: such were the treasures We had bestowed on him that their very keys would have been a burden to a body of strong men, behold, his people said to him: “Exult not, for Allah loveth not those who exult (in riches).
The Qurʾānic figure of Qārūn is often identified with Korah mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. The Biblical account of Korah appears in the Book of Numbers (16:1–35), where he and a group of followers—reported to number 250 men—rebelled against Moses and Aaron. Their challenge was based on the claim that their status and influence within the community entitled them to equal authority in religious matters, including the right to perform priestly duties such as offering incense at the sacred altar, a role reserved specifically for the priesthood.
According to the Biblical narrative, this rebellion resulted in a severe and exemplary punishment. The text describes the earth opening and swallowing Korah, his followers, their households, and their possessions, after which the ground closed over them, causing their destruction and removal from the community. This account is often cited in discussions comparing the Qurʾānic narrative of Qārūn with earlier scriptural traditions.
References:
Yusuf Ali, Abdullah. Translation and Commentary of the Quran. (surah 28 verse 76).