Numbers 4:8
Numbers 4:8 in Multiple Translations
And they shall spread a scarlet cloth over them, cover them with fine leather, and insert the poles.
And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of badgers’ skins, and shall put in the staves thereof.
and they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of sealskin, and shall put in the staves thereof.
And over them they are to put a red cloth, covering it with a leather cover, and putting its rods in their places.
Over everything they are to spread a crimson cloth, next a fine leather covering, and then insert its carrying poles.
And they shall spread vpon them a couering of skarlet, and couer the same with a couering of badgers skinnes, and put to the barres thereof.
and they have spread over them a garment of scarlet, and have covered it with a covering of badger skin, and have placed its staves,
They shall spread on them a scarlet cloth, and cover it with a covering of sealskin, and shall put in its poles.
And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put in the staffs of it.
And they shall spread over it a cloth of scarlet, which again they shall cover with a covering of violet skins, and shall put in the bars.
Over all of this they must spread a scarlet/red cloth. Finally, they must put on top a nice covering made from the skins of goats. Then they must insert into the rings at the corners of the tables the poles for carrying it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 4:8
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 4:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/פָרְשׂ֣וּ
עֲלֵי/הֶ֗ם
בֶּ֚גֶד
תּוֹלַ֣עַת
שָׁנִ֔י
וְ/כִסּ֣וּ
אֹת֔/וֹ
בְּ/מִכְסֵ֖ה
ע֣וֹר
תָּ֑חַשׁ
וְ/שָׂמ֖וּ
אֶת
בַּדָּֽי/ו
וּ/פָרְשׂ֣וּ
pâras
H6566
to spread
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
עֲלֵי/הֶ֗ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
בֶּ֚גֶד
beged
H899
treachery
N-ms
תּוֹלַ֣עַת
tôwlâʻ
H8438
worm
N-fs
שָׁנִ֔י
shânîy
H8144
scarlet
N-ms
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 4:8
וּ/פָרְשׂ֣וּ
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.
עֲלֵי/הֶ֗ם
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.
בֶּ֚גֶד
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.
תּוֹלַ֣עַת
tôwlâʻ
H8438
"worm"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for worm or maggot, this term is also used to describe a deep red or crimson color. It's associated with a specific type of worm that produces a vibrant dye. In the Bible, it's used to describe the color of cloth or other materials.
Definition: 1) worm, scarlet stuff, crimson 1a) worm-the female 'coccus ilicis' 1b) scarlet stuff, crimson, scarlet 1b1) the dye made from the dried body of the female of the worm "coccus ilicis" Also means: to.le.ah (תּוֹלֵעָה "worm" H8438B)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: crimson, scarlet, worm. See also: Exodus 16:20; Exodus 39:2; Psalms 22:7.
שָׁנִ֔י
shânîy
H8144
"scarlet"
N-ms
This Hebrew word describes the deep red color of the coccus ilicis insect, used to dye fabric scarlet or crimson, like the scarlet thread in Joshua 2:18. It symbolizes wealth and importance.
Definition: 1) scarlet, crimson 1a) properly, the insect 'coccus ilicis', the dried body of the female yielding colouring matter from which is made the dye used for cloth to colour it scarlet or crimson
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: crimson, scarlet (thread). See also: Genesis 38:28; Exodus 39:1; Proverbs 31:21.
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 4:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 4:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 4:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 4:8
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 4:8
- Sermons on Numbers 4:8
Context — The Duties of the Kohathites
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.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 4:6–7 | They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles. 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. |
| 2 | 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, |
| 3 | Numbers 4:9 | They 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. |
Numbers 4:8 Summary
Numbers 4:8 is about covering and protecting the precious items in the tabernacle with a scarlet cloth and fine leather. This teaches us about the importance of protecting and preserving the things that are precious to God, just as the Israelites did. We can apply this principle to our lives by covering our hearts with the blood of Christ (Revelation 7:14) and carrying the presence of God with us, just as the Israelites carried the items in the tabernacle (Exodus 25:13-15). By doing so, we can preserve our faith and relationship with God, and be refined like gold in a furnace (1 Peter 1:7).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the scarlet cloth in Numbers 4:8?
The scarlet cloth in Numbers 4:8 symbolizes the blood of Christ, which covers our sins, as seen in Revelation 7:14 and Hebrews 9:14, where the blood of Christ cleanses us from sin.
Why did the Israelites need to cover the items with fine leather?
The fine leather covering in Numbers 4:8 served as a protective layer, similar to how God protects us, as stated in Psalm 91:4, where He covers us with His pinions and we take refuge under His wings.
What can we learn from the poles being inserted in Numbers 4:8?
The poles in Numbers 4:8 represent the means by which the items were carried, symbolizing how we are to carry the presence of God with us, as seen in Exodus 25:13-15, where the poles were used to carry the Ark of the Covenant.
How does Numbers 4:8 relate to our lives today?
Numbers 4:8 teaches us about the importance of covering and protecting the things that are precious to God, just as the Israelites covered the items in the tabernacle, and this principle can be applied to our lives as we strive to protect and preserve our faith, as seen in 1 Peter 1:7, where our faith is refined like gold in a furnace.
Reflection Questions
- What are the precious things in my life that need to be covered and protected, and how can I apply the principle in Numbers 4:8 to my daily life?
- How can I ensure that my heart is covered with the scarlet cloth of Christ's blood, and what does this mean for my relationship with God?
- In what ways can I carry the presence of God with me, just as the Israelites carried the items in the tabernacle, and what poles or means can I use to do so?
- What are the fine leather coverings in my life that protect me from the world, and how can I use them to preserve my faith and relationship with God?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:8
And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet,.... Upon the dishes and other vessels belonging to the shewbread table, and on the shewbread itself: and cover the same with a covering of badgers'
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:8
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
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 4:8
Numbers 4:8 And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of badgers’ skins, and shall put in the staves thereof.Ver. 8. And cover the same.] It is well observed, that only the ark (representing Christ), and the table with show bread, (representing the Church), had three coverings; all the other holy things had but two, for "a covert from storm and from rain." Thus, "upon all the glory shall be a defence."
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 4:8
(8) And cover the same.—Better, and cover it (the table).
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:8
1–20. The Kohathites and their duties.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 4:8
7, 9. The table of show-bread — This is minutely described in Exodus 25:23-30.
Sermons on Numbers 4:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |