Numbers 4:6
Numbers 4:6 in Multiple Translations
They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles.
And shall put thereon the covering of badgers’ skins, and shall spread over it a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof.
and shall put thereon a covering of sealskin, and shall spread over it a cloth all of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof.
And putting over it the leather cover and over that a blue cloth; and putting its rods in place.
On top of this they are to put a fine leather covering, spread a cloth of solid blue over it, and then insert its carrying poles.
And they shall put thereon a couering of badgers skinnes, and shall spread vpon it a cloth altogether of blewe silke, and put to the barres thereof:
and have put on it a covering of badger skin, and have spread a garment completely of blue above, and have placed its staves.
put a covering of sealskin on it, spread a blue cloth over it, and put in its poles.
And shall put on it the covering of badgers' skins, and shall spread over it a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staffs of it.
And shall cover it again with a cover of violet skins, and shall spread over it a cloth all of violet, and shall put in the bars.
Then they must cover that with a nice covering made from the skins of goats. Over that they must spread a blue cloth. Then they must insert into the rings on the chest the poles for carrying it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 4:6
BAB
Word Study
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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 4:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/נָתְנ֣וּ
עָלָ֗י/ו
כְּסוּי֙
ע֣וֹר
תַּ֔חַשׁ
וּ/פָרְשׂ֧וּ
בֶֽגֶד
כְּלִ֛יל
תְּכֵ֖לֶת
מִ/לְ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
וְ/שָׂמ֖וּ
בַּדָּֽי/ו
וְ/נָתְנ֣וּ
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
עָלָ֗י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
כְּסוּי֙
kâçûwy
H3681
covering
N-ms
ע֣וֹר
ʻôwr
H5785
skin
N-ms
תַּ֔חַשׁ
tachash
H8476
leather
N-ms
וּ/פָרְשׂ֧וּ
pâras
H6566
to spread
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
בֶֽגֶד
beged
H899
treachery
N-ms
כְּלִ֛יל
kâlîyl
H3632
entire
Adj
תְּכֵ֖לֶת
tᵉkêleth
H8504
blue
N-fs
מִ/לְ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
above
Prep | Prep | Adv | Suff
וְ/שָׂמ֖וּ
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
בַּדָּֽי/ו
bad
H905
alone
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 4:6
וְ/נָתְנ֣וּ
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
עָלָ֗י/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
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.
כְּסוּי֙
kâçûwy
H3681
"covering"
N-ms
A covering refers to something that is used to cover or conceal something else, such as a cloth or a lid. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a physical covering, like a garment or a veil. The concept of covering is important in many biblical stories and rituals.
Definition: covering, outer covering
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: covering. See also: Numbers 4:6; Numbers 4:14.
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.
תַּ֔חַשׁ
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.
וּ/פָרְשׂ֧וּ
pâras
H6566
"to spread"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
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.
בֶֽגֶד
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.
כְּלִ֛יל
kâlîyl
H3632
"entire"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means something that is complete or entire, like a whole burnt offering to God. It is used in passages like Leviticus 6:23 and 22:17, and symbolizes perfection or entirety, often in the context of sacrifices and worship.
Definition: adj 1) entire, all, perfect adv 2) entirety subst 3) whole, whole burnt offering, holocaust, entirety
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: all, every whit, flame, perfect(-ion), utterly, whole burnt offering (sacrifice), wholly. See also: Exodus 28:31; Judges 20:40; Psalms 51:21.
תְּכֵ֖לֶת
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.
מִ/לְ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Prep | Prep | Adv | Suff
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
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.
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 4:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 4:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 4:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 4:6
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:6
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 4:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 4:6
- Sermons on Numbers 4:6
Context — The Duties of the Kohathites
4This service of the Kohathites at the Tent of Meeting regards the most holy things.
5Whenever the camp sets out, Aaron and his sons are to go in, take down the veil of the curtain, and cover the ark of the Testimony with it.
6They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles.
7Over the table of the Presence they are to spread a blue cloth and place the plates and cups on it, along with the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering. The regular bread offering is to remain on it. 8And they shall spread a scarlet cloth over them, cover them with fine leather, and insert the poles.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 25:13–15 | And make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, in order to carry it. The poles are to remain in the rings of the ark; they must not be removed. |
| 2 | Exodus 35:19 | and the woven garments for ministering in the holy place—both the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons to serve as priests.” |
| 3 | Numbers 4:7–8 | Over the table of the Presence they are to spread a blue cloth and place the plates and cups on it, along with the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering. The regular bread offering is to remain on it. And they shall spread a scarlet cloth over them, cover them with fine leather, and insert the poles. |
| 4 | Exodus 39:41 | and the woven garments for ministering in the sanctuary, both the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons to serve as priests. |
| 5 | Numbers 4:11–13 | Over the gold altar they are to spread a blue cloth, cover it with fine leather, and insert the poles. They 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. Then they shall remove the ashes from the bronze altar, spread a purple cloth over it, |
| 6 | Exodus 39:1 | From the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn they made specially woven garments for ministry in the sanctuary, as well as the holy garments for Aaron, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 8:7–8 | For the cherubim spread their wings over the place of the ark and overshadowed the ark and its poles. The poles extended far enough that their ends were visible from the Holy Place in front of the inner sanctuary, but not from outside the Holy Place; and they are there to this day. |
Numbers 4:6 Summary
In Numbers 4:6, we see the careful preparation and covering of the ark, which was the symbol of God's presence among the Israelites. The multiple layers of covering, including fine leather and a solid blue cloth, were used to protect the ark and to signify its importance and holiness. This reminds us of the importance of reverence and respect for God's presence and Word, as seen in (Hebrews 12:28-29) where we are called to worship God with reverence and awe. By covering the ark, the Levites were able to handle it without touching it, which teaches us about the need to approach God with care and humility, as seen in (2 Samuel 6:6-7) where Uzzah was struck down for touching the ark.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of covering the ark with multiple layers in Numbers 4:6?
The multiple layers, including fine leather and a solid blue cloth, were used to protect the ark and to signify its importance and holiness, as seen in Numbers 4:5 where the veil of the curtain is used to cover it, similar to how God instructed Moses in Exodus 25:17-22 to make a mercy seat for the ark.
Why was a solid blue cloth used to cover the ark in Numbers 4:6?
The solid blue cloth was likely used to represent heaven and God's throne, as blue was often associated with divine things in the Bible, such as in Exodus 24:10 where the pavement under God's throne was like sapphire, and in Ezekiel 1:26 where God's throne is described as being above a dome with the color of lapis lazuli.
What is the significance of inserting the poles in Numbers 4:6?
The poles were inserted to allow the Levites to carry the ark without touching it, as touching the ark was strictly forbidden, as seen in Numbers 4:15 and 2 Samuel 6:6-7 where Uzzah was struck down for touching the ark.
How does the covering of the ark in Numbers 4:6 relate to our lives today?
The careful covering and handling of the ark in Numbers 4:6 teach us about the importance of reverence and respect for God's presence and Word, as seen in Hebrews 12:28-29 where we are called to worship God with reverence and awe, and in 1 Corinthians 10:31 where we are told to do everything for the glory of God.
Reflection Questions
- What does the meticulous preparation and covering of the ark in Numbers 4:6 teach me about my own approach to worship and reverence for God?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of handling holy things with care, as seen in Numbers 4:6, to my own life and relationship with God?
- How does the use of multiple layers to cover the ark in Numbers 4:6 illustrate the concept of progressive revelation and the gradual unfolding of God's plan of salvation?
- What role does the color blue play in the biblical narrative, and how does it relate to the covering of the ark in Numbers 4:6?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:6
And shall put thereon the covering of badgers' skins,.... Not that which covered the tabernacle, for that was committed to the Gershonites, Numbers 4:25; but a covering made of these on purpose for
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:6
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 4:6
By the covering of badgers’ skins the ark was secured from the injuries of the weather:. Object. How could these staves be put in, when they were never to be taken out, , compared with . Answ. 1. These places may speak of the staves while the ark and tabernacle stood, but when they were to be removed the posture of all things was altered. 2. The Hebrew verb doth not signify putting in, but barely putting, or placing, or disposing, and may be understood not of putting the staves into the rings, wherein they constantly remained, but of the putting of them either upon their shoulders to try and fit them for carriage, or into the holes or receptacles which probably were made in these coverings for the receiving and covering of these gilded staves, to keep them both from the touch of the Levites, and from the inconveniences of bad weather.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 4:6
(6) And shall put in the staves thereof.—The staves had been removed whilst the Ark was being covered; otherwise they remained in their places (Exodus 25:15). (Comp. 2 Chronicles 5:9.)
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:6
1–20. The Kohathites and their duties.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 4:6
wholly of blue - Compare Exodus 25:4 note. The third and external covering of the ark only was to be of this color. The table of showbread had Numbers 4:8 an outer wrapping of scarlet; the altar Numbers 4:13 one of purple.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 4:6
6. The covering — This must be distinguished from the outside covering of the whole ohel, or tabernacle. Hence it should be translated “a covering,” made specially to enwrap the ark for carrying.
Sermons on Numbers 4:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Burden Under Badger Skins by Allan Halton | Allan Halton preaches on the importance of bearing one another's burdens, emphasizing the beautiful law of Christ where we carry each other's burdens, reflecting Christ's act of ca |
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(Exodus) Exodus 39 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to study and teach the word of God. He explains that studying the Bible has been a rewarding expe |
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(Exodus) Exodus 39:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being able to hear the bells of worship on Sunday morning. He criticizes the use of gimmicks and protests in churches and |
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From the Exodus Out of Egypt to the Rejection of the Generation by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus describes the construction of the tabernacle and the garments of the priests, highlighting the intricate details and symbolic meanings behind each element. The tab |