Numbers 4:11
Numbers 4:11 in Multiple Translations
Over the gold altar they are to spread a blue cloth, cover it with fine leather, and insert the poles.
And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badgers’ skins, and shall put to the staves thereof:
And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of sealskin, and shall put in the staves thereof:
On the gold altar they are to put a blue cloth, covering it with a leather cover; and they are to put its rods in their places.
They are to spread a blue cloth over the gold altar, cover it with fine leather, and then insert its carrying poles.
Also vpon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blewe silke, and couer it with a couering of badgers skinnes, and put to the barres thereof.
'And on the golden altar they spread a garment of blue, and have covered it with a covering of badger skin, and have placed its staves;
“On the golden altar they shall spread a blue cloth, and cover it with a covering of sealskin, and shall put in its poles.
And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put to it its staffs.
And they shall wrap up the golden altar also in a cloth of violet, and shall spread over it a cover of violet skins, and put in the bars.
“Then they must spread another blue cloth over the gold altar which is used for burning incense. Over this they must spread a nice covering made from the skins of goats. Then they must insert into the rings of that altar the poles for carrying it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 4:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 4:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַ֣ל
מִזְבַּ֣ח
הַ/זָּהָ֗ב
יִפְרְשׂוּ֙
בֶּ֣גֶד
תְּכֵ֔לֶת
וְ/כִסּ֣וּ
אֹת֔/וֹ
בְּ/מִכְסֵ֖ה
ע֣וֹר
תָּ֑חַשׁ
וְ/שָׂמ֖וּ
אֶת
בַּדָּֽי/ו
וְ/עַ֣ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
מִזְבַּ֣ח
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-ms
הַ/זָּהָ֗ב
zâhâb
H2091
gold
Art | N-ms
יִפְרְשׂוּ֙
pâras
H6566
to spread
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בֶּ֣גֶד
beged
H899
treachery
N-ms
תְּכֵ֔לֶת
tᵉkêleth
H8504
blue
N-fs
וְ/כִסּ֣וּ
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
Conj | V-Piel-3cp
אֹת֔/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
בְּ/מִכְסֵ֖ה
mikçeh
H4372
covering
Prep | N-ms
ע֣וֹר
ʻôwr
H5785
skin
N-ms
תָּ֑חַשׁ
tachash
H8476
leather
N-ms
וְ/שָׂמ֖וּ
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בַּדָּֽי/ו
bad
H905
alone
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 4:11
וְ/עַ֣ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מִזְבַּ֣ח
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
הַ/זָּהָ֗ב
zâhâb
H2091
"gold"
Art | N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
יִפְרְשׂוּ֙
pâras
H6566
"to spread"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word means to spread or break something apart, like scattering or stretching out. It is used to describe physical and figurative actions in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to spread, spread out, stretch, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to spread out, display 1a2) to spread over 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be spread out 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to spread out 1c1) to scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break, chop in pieces, lay open, scatter, spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out). See also: Exodus 9:29; Psalms 44:21; Psalms 68:15.
בֶּ֣גֶד
beged
H899
"treachery"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
תְּכֵ֔לֶת
tᵉkêleth
H8504
"blue"
N-fs
Describes the color blue or violet, obtained from a specific type of mussel, used to dye fabrics in Exodus 28. It is a distinct color in the biblical spectrum.
Definition: 1) violet, violet stuff 1a) violet thread 1b) violet stuff or fabric 2) (TWOT) blue (covering spectrum from brilliant red through deep purple)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: blue. See also: Exodus 25:4; Exodus 39:1; Jeremiah 10:9.
וְ/כִסּ֣וּ
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
Conj | V-Piel-3cp
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
אֹת֔/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בְּ/מִכְסֵ֖ה
mikçeh
H4372
"covering"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a physical covering, like the weatherboarding on a house or the animal skins covering the tabernacle. It is used in Exodus to describe the construction of the tabernacle.
Definition: 1) a covering 1a) covering (of the ark) 1b) covering (of the skins of the tabernacle)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: covering. See also: Genesis 8:13; Numbers 3:25; Numbers 4:25.
ע֣וֹר
ʻôwr
H5785
"skin"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means skin, like human skin or animal hide, and is used in the Bible to describe leather. It appears in Exodus 25:5 to describe the materials used to build the tabernacle. The word is also used in Genesis 3:21 to describe the clothing God made for Adam and Eve.
Definition: 1) skin, hide 1a) skin (of men) 1b) hide (of animals)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: hide, leather, skin. See also: Genesis 3:21; Leviticus 13:35; Jeremiah 13:23.
תָּ֑חַשׁ
tachash
H8476
"leather"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a type of animal hide, possibly from a badger or antelope, used to make leather. It is mentioned in the Bible as a material for certain priestly items. The word appears in Exodus and Ezekiel.
Definition: 1) a kind of leather, skin, or animal hide 1a) perhaps the animal yielding the skin 1a1) perhaps the badger or dugong, dolphin, or sheep, or a now extinct animal
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: badger. See also: Exodus 25:5; Numbers 4:8; Ezekiel 16:10.
וְ/שָׂמ֖וּ
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בַּדָּֽי/ו
bad
H905
"alone"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
Study Notes — Numbers 4:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 4:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 4:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 4:11
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 4:11
- Sermons on Numbers 4:11
Context — The Duties of the Kohathites
9They are to take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand used for light, together with its lamps, wick trimmers, and trays, as well as the jars of oil with which to supply it.
10Then they shall wrap it and all its utensils inside a covering of fine leather and put it on the carrying frame.
11Over the gold altar they are to spread a blue cloth, cover it with fine leather, and insert the poles.
12They are to take all the utensils for serving in the sanctuary, place them in a blue cloth, cover them with fine leather, and put them on the carrying frame. 13Then they shall remove the ashes from the bronze altar, spread a purple cloth over it,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 40:5 | Place the gold altar of incense in front of the ark of the Testimony, and hang the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle. |
| 2 | Exodus 30:1–19 | “You are also to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense. It is to be square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns must be of one piece. Overlay with pure gold the top and all the sides and horns, and make a molding of gold around it. And make two gold rings below the molding on opposite sides to hold the poles used to carry it. Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. Place the altar in front of the veil that is before the ark of the Testimony —before the mercy seat that is over the Testimony—where I will meet with you. And Aaron is to burn fragrant incense on it every morning when he tends the lamps. When Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he must burn the incense perpetually before the LORD for the generations to come. On this altar you must not offer unauthorized incense or a burnt offering or grain offering; nor are you to pour a drink offering on it. Once a year Aaron shall make atonement on the horns of the altar. Throughout your generations he shall make atonement on it annually with the blood of the sin offering of atonement. The altar is most holy to the LORD.” Then the LORD said to Moses, “When you take a census of the Israelites to number them, each man must pay the LORD a ransom for his life when he is counted. Then no plague will come upon them when they are numbered. Everyone who crosses over to those counted must pay a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the LORD. Everyone twenty years of age or older who crosses over must give this offering to the LORD. In making the offering to the LORD to atone for your lives, the rich shall not give more than a half shekel, nor shall the poor give less. Take the atonement money from the Israelites and use it for the service of the Tent of Meeting. It will serve as a memorial for the Israelites before the LORD to make atonement for your lives.” And the LORD said to Moses, “You are to make a bronze basin with a bronze stand for washing. Set it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water in it, with which Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet. |
| 3 | Exodus 40:26–27 | Moses placed the gold altar in the Tent of Meeting, in front of the veil, and he burned fragrant incense on it, just as the LORD had commanded him. |
| 4 | Exodus 39:38 | the gold altar, the anointing oil, the fragrant incense, and the curtain for the entrance to the tent; |
| 5 | Exodus 37:25–28 | He made the altar of incense out of acacia wood. It was square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns were of one piece. And he overlaid with pure gold the top and all the sides and horns. Then he made a molding of gold around it. He made two gold rings below the molding on opposite sides to hold the poles used to carry it. And he made the poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold. |
Numbers 4:11 Summary
In Numbers 4:11, we see the Israelites carefully covering the gold altar with a blue cloth and fine leather to protect it during transport. This shows us the importance of handling sacred things with care and reverence, just like the Israelites did. As we worship God today, we can remember to approach Him with reverence and awe, as seen in Hebrews 12:28-29, and to offer our lives as spiritual sacrifices to Him, as mentioned in Romans 12:1. By doing so, we demonstrate our love and respect for God, just like the Israelites did when they carefully covered and transported the gold altar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was a blue cloth used to cover the gold altar in Numbers 4:11?
The blue cloth was used to cover the gold altar as a symbol of heaven and God's presence, as seen in Exodus 24:10 where the pavement under God's throne is described as sapphire, a blue gemstone, and in Numbers 15:38 where the Israelites are instructed to put blue tassels on their garments to remind them of God's commandments.
What is the significance of the fine leather covering in Numbers 4:11?
The fine leather covering was used to protect the gold altar and other sacred objects from damage during transport, as the Israelites were instructed to be careful with the holy things, as mentioned in Numbers 4:15, and to handle them with reverence and care, as seen in 2 Samuel 6:6-7 where Uzzah's irreverent handling of the Ark of the Covenant resulted in his death.
Why were poles inserted into the gold altar in Numbers 4:11?
The poles were inserted into the gold altar to facilitate its transportation, as the altar was designed to be portable, and the poles allowed the Levites to carry it safely and efficiently, as described in Exodus 25:13-14 where the altar's construction includes the addition of poles for carrying.
How does the covering of the gold altar in Numbers 4:11 relate to our worship today?
The covering of the gold altar reminds us of the importance of reverence and care in our worship, as seen in Hebrews 12:28-29, where we are instructed to offer acceptable worship with reverence and awe, and in 1 Peter 2:5, where we are called to offer spiritual sacrifices to God, demonstrating our reverence for Him.
Reflection Questions
- What does the use of a blue cloth to cover the gold altar reveal about God's character and presence in our lives?
- How can we apply the principle of handling sacred things with care and reverence in our own worship and daily lives?
- What role does the altar play in our understanding of worship and sacrifice, as seen in Numbers 4:11 and other biblical passages, such as Romans 12:1 and Hebrews 13:10-12?
- In what ways can we demonstrate our reverence and awe for God in our worship, as reflected in the careful covering and transportation of the gold altar?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:11
And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue,.... The altar of incense, which was overlaid with gold, and therefore called a golden one, to which the allusion is in Revelation 8:3; and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:11
This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things: This shall be the service ... The Kohathites are mentioned first, from their close
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 4:11
The golden altar; all covered with plates of gold.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 4:11
(11) And shall put to the staves thereof.—Better, And shall put in the staves thereof, as in Numbers 4:6; Numbers 4:8; so also in Numbers 4:14.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:11
1–20. The Kohathites and their duties.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 4:11
11. The golden altar — This (described in Exodus 30:1-5) was also to be wrapped in a twofold cover of blue cloth and skins after it was cleansed of its ashes.
Sermons on Numbers 4:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Exodus) Exodus 27:9-21 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of light in the Bible and its connection to Christ. The speaker explains that while Jesus was on earth, he referred to himsel |
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(Exodus) Exodus 30:34-38 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the altar of incense in the tabernacle. The altar of incense represents prayer and worship, where believers offer their pr |
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(Exodus) Exodus 30:1-6 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the three articles of furniture in the main compartment of the tabernacle, which all represent worship. The lampstand and the table of showbre |
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(Exodus) Exodus 25:23-28 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of settling the sin question before being able to worship God. He explains that in the tabernacle, there are two articles of f |
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The Altar of Incense by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of the altar of incense in the temple, representing the prayers of the saints as a sweet aroma to God. He explains how the incense symbolize |
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The Yardstick for Measuring Your Life by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing our sins before approaching God. He compares the labor in the tabernacle, which was used for was |
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Hints on the Tabernacle Exodus 25-34 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby explores the significance of the tabernacle as a divine pattern reflecting heavenly realities, emphasizing that the tabernacle serves as a shadow of good things t |