For this incident see Numbers 16; Korah, the leader of the rebellion, is not mentioned here. See the Good News Translation model.

The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up: in many languages the idea of the earth opening its mouth will be an acceptable poetic metaphor. In others, however, it may not be natural to use this kind of language, in which the earth is pictured as a huge monster devouring its victims. The reader should not find the language unnatural or ridiculous. In such a case it will be helpful to show that Yahweh caused this event to occur; for example, “You saw how Yahweh caused the earth to open up underneath the tents of Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab from the tribe of Reuben. They, their families, their … fell down into the earth [or, this hole] and disappeared.”

Their households: this means all the members of their families (the heads of families are being referred to).

Every living thing that followed them: this includes servants and animals (see the same term in Gen 7.4, 23). Good News Translation makes this clear with “and all their servants and animals.”

In the midst of all Israel: the disaster took place right there in the camp, where all the other Israelites saw it happen. So Good News Translation has “In the sight of everyone.”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Deuteronomy. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .