Numbers 4:9

Numbers 4:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the light, and his lamps, and his tongs, and his snuffdishes, and all the oil vessels thereof, wherewith they minister unto it:

American Standard Version ASV

And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the light, and its lamps, and its snuffers, and its snuffdishes, and all the oil vessels thereof, wherewith they minister unto it:

Bible in Basic English BBE

And they are to take a blue cloth, covering with it the light-support with its lights and its instruments and its trays and all the oil vessels which are used for it:

Free Bible Version FBV

Using a blue cloth, they are to cover the lampstand of light, together with its lamps, wick tongs, and trays, as well as the jars of olive oil used to fill them.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then they shall take a cloth of blewe silke, and couer the candlesticke of light with his lampes and his snuffers, and his snuffedishes, and al the oyle vessels thereof, which they occupie about it.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and have taken a garment of blue, and have covered the candlestick of the lamp, and its lights, and its snuffers, and its snuff-dishes, and all its oil vessels wherewith they minister to it;

World English Bible WEB

“They shall take a blue cloth and cover the lamp stand of the light, its lamps, its snuffers, its snuff dishes, and all its oil vessels, with which they minister to it.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the light, and its lamps, and its tongs, and its snuff-dishes, and all its oil vessels, with which they minister to it:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

They shall take also a cloth of violet wherewith they shall cover the candlestick with the lamps and tongs thereof and the snuffers and all the oil vessels, which are necessary for the dressing of the lamps:

Translation for Translators T4T

“Then with another blue cloth they must cover the lampstand, the lamps, the lamp snuffers, the trays, and the special jars of olive oil to burn in the lamps.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 4:9

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 4:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/לָקְח֣וּ בֶּ֣גֶד תְּכֵ֗לֶת וְ/כִסּ֞וּ אֶת מְנֹרַ֤ת הַ/מָּאוֹר֙ וְ/אֶת נֵ֣רֹתֶ֔י/הָ וְ/אֶת מַלְקָחֶ֖י/הָ וְ/אֶת מַחְתֹּתֶ֑י/הָ וְ/אֵת֙ כָּל כְּלֵ֣י שַׁמְנָ֔/הּ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְשָׁרְתוּ לָ֖/הּ בָּ/הֶֽם

וְ/לָקְח֣וּ lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-3cp

בֶּ֣גֶד beged H899 treachery N-ms

תְּכֵ֗לֶת tᵉkêleth H8504 blue N-fs

וְ/כִסּ֞וּ kâçâh H3680 to cover Conj | V-Piel-3cp

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

מְנֹרַ֤ת mᵉnôwrâh H4501 lampstand N-fs

הַ/מָּאוֹר֙ mâʼôwr H3974 light Art | N-ms

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

נֵ֣רֹתֶ֔י/הָ nîyr H5216 lamp N-mp | Suff

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

מַלְקָחֶ֖י/הָ melqâch H4457 tong N-md | Suff

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

מַחְתֹּתֶ֑י/הָ machtâh H4289 censer N-fp | Suff

וְ/אֵת֙ ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

כְּלֵ֣י kᵉlîy H3627 article/utensil N-mp

שַׁמְנָ֔/הּ shemen H8081 oil N-ms | Suff

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יְשָׁרְתוּ shârath H8334 to minister V-Piel-Imperf-3mp

לָ֖/הּ Prep | Suff

בָּ/הֶֽם Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 4:9

וְ/לָקְח֣וּ lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-3cp

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

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.

תְּכֵ֗לֶת 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/כִסּ֞וּ 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.

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.

מְנֹרַ֤ת mᵉnôwrâh H4501 "lampstand" N-fs

The Hebrew word for lampstand, often translated as candlestick, refers to a chandelier or lamp stand, like those found in the Temple. It appears in Exodus 25:31 and 37:17. In the Bible, lampstands symbolize God's presence.

Definition: lamp stand

Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: candlestick. See also: Exodus 25:31; Exodus 40:24; Jeremiah 52:19.

הַ/מָּאוֹר֙ mâʼôwr H3974 "light" Art | N-ms

This word means light, like the sun or a lamp, and also happiness or cheerfulness. It's used in the Bible to describe God's presence and joy. The KJV translates it as 'light' or 'bright'.

Definition: light, luminary

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: bright, light. See also: Genesis 1:14; Exodus 39:37; Psalms 74:16.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

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.

נֵ֣רֹתֶ֔י/הָ nîyr H5216 "lamp" N-mp | Suff

A lamp is a device that holds a flame, providing light. In the Bible, it's often used to symbolize guidance or spiritual light. The word can also refer to the light itself, rather than just the lamp.

Definition: lamp Also means: nir (נִיר "lamp" H5216B)

Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: candle, lamp, light. See also: Exodus 25:37; 1 Chronicles 28:15; Psalms 18:29.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

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.

מַלְקָחֶ֖י/הָ melqâch H4457 "tong" N-md | Suff

Tongs or snuffers were used in the temple, as seen in Exodus, for handling hot items like altar coals or lamp wicks.

Definition: 1) snuffers, tongs 1a) tongs (for altar use) 1b) snuffers (for lamps in temple or tabernacle)

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: snuffers, tongs. See also: Exodus 25:38; 1 Kings 7:49; Isaiah 6:6.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

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.

מַחְתֹּתֶ֑י/הָ machtâh H4289 "censer" N-fp | Suff

A machta was a metal pan used to hold live coals, often used for burning incense in worship. It is translated as 'censer' or 'firepan' in the KJV.

Definition: 1) fire-holder, censer, firepan, snuff dish, tray 1a) snuff-dish 1b) fire-pans 1c) censer

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: censer, firepan, snuffdish. See also: Exodus 25:38; Numbers 16:17; Jeremiah 52:19.

וְ/אֵת֙ ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

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.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

כְּלֵ֣י kᵉlîy H3627 "article/utensil" N-mp

This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.

Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed

Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.

שַׁמְנָ֔/הּ shemen H8081 "oil" N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word for oil, often referring to olive oil, which was highly valued in ancient times. It symbolizes richness, anointing, and healing, and is used in various biblical contexts, including rituals and medicinal practices.

Definition: 1) fat, oil 1a) fat, fatness 1b) oil, olive oil 1b1) as staple, medicament or unguent 1b2) for anointing 1c) fat (of fruitful land, valleys) (metaph)

Usage: Occurs in 176 OT verses. KJV: anointing, [idiom] fat (things), [idiom] fruitful, oil(-ed), ointment, olive, [phrase] pine. See also: Genesis 28:18; Deuteronomy 8:8; Psalms 23:5.

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

יְשָׁרְתוּ shârath H8334 "to minister" V-Piel-Imperf-3mp

This verb means to serve or minister to someone, often in a worship or temple setting. It is used to describe the work of priests and Levites in the Old Testament.

Definition: (Piel) to minister, serve, minister to

Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: minister (unto), (do) serve(-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on. See also: Genesis 39:4; 1 Chronicles 26:12; Psalms 101:6.

לָ֖/הּ "" Prep | Suff

בָּ/הֶֽם "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Numbers 4:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 4:9 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:9
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:9
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:9
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 4:9
Sermons on Numbers 4:9

Context — The Duties of the Kohathites

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. 11Over the gold altar they are to spread a blue cloth, cover it with fine leather, and insert the poles.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 25:31–39	Then you are to make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. It shall be made of one piece, including its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. There are to be three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extend from the lampstand. And on the lampstand there shall be four cups shaped like almond blossoms with buds and petals. For the six branches that extend from the lampstand, a bud must be under the first pair of branches, a bud under the second pair, and a bud under the third pair. The buds and branches are to be all of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold. Make seven lamps and set them up on the lampstand so that they illuminate the area in front of it. The wick trimmers and their trays must be of pure gold. The lampstand and all these utensils shall be made from a talent of pure gold.
2	Exodus 37:17–24	Then he made the lampstand out of pure hammered gold, all of one piece: its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. Six branches extended from the sides, three on one side and three on the other. There were three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extended from the lampstand. And on the lampstand were four cups shaped like almond blossoms with buds and petals. A bud was under the first pair of branches that extended from the lampstand, a bud under the second pair, and a bud under the third pair. The buds and branches were all of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold. He also made its seven lamps, its wick trimmers, and trays of pure gold. He made the lampstand and all its utensils from a talent of pure gold.
3	Revelation 1:20–1	—
4	Psalms 119:105	Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Numbers 4:9 Summary

[The Israelites were instructed to cover the lampstand with a blue cloth to protect it and show reverence for God's presence, just like we would handle something very precious and sacred. This reminds us that our worship should be done with care and respect, as we see in Exodus 25:31-40 and Leviticus 24:1-4. The lampstand represented the light of God's guidance, and we can learn from this by seeking to keep His light shining in our own lives, as encouraged in Matthew 5:14-16 and Philippians 2:14-16.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Israelites need to cover the lampstand with a blue cloth?

The blue cloth was a symbol of royalty and heavenly origin, reminding the Israelites of God's divine presence, as seen in Exodus 24:10 and Numbers 4:9. This covering also protected the lampstand during transport, showing the care and reverence with which they handled sacred objects.

What is the significance of the lampstand in the tabernacle?

The lampstand, also known as the menorah, represented the light of God's presence and guidance, as described in Exodus 25:31-40 and Leviticus 24:1-4. It was a vital part of the tabernacle, providing light for the priests as they performed their duties.

Why were the jars of oil included in the covering of the lampstand?

The jars of oil were necessary to keep the lampstand lit, as they supplied the fuel for the lamps, as mentioned in Exodus 27:20-21 and Leviticus 24:1-4. Including them in the covering ensured that the lampstand would be fully functional when it was uncovered and ready for use.

How does the covering of the lampstand relate to our modern-day worship?

Just as the Israelites carefully covered and transported the lampstand, we should approach our worship with reverence and care, recognizing the sacred nature of our relationship with God, as encouraged in Hebrews 12:28-29 and Revelation 4:8-11.

Reflection Questions

What does the lampstand represent in my own life, and how can I ensure that it remains a vibrant symbol of God's presence?
In what ways can I demonstrate reverence and care in my worship, just as the Israelites did with the lampstand?
How does the concept of 'covering' and 'uncovering' the lampstand relate to my own spiritual journey, and what can I learn from this process?
What role does the light of God's presence play in my daily life, and how can I keep it burning brightly, as the lampstand did in the tabernacle?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:9

And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the light, and his lamps,.... Which had lamps in it, and were continually lighted, and gave light in the holy place: and his tongs,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:9

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

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:9

1–20. The Kohathites and their duties.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 4:9

7, 9. The table of show-bread — This is minutely described in Exodus 25:23-30.

Sermons on Numbers 4:9

	Sermon	Description
	(Exodus) Exodus 25:31-40 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worshiping God and walking in the light. He compares the lampstand in the tabernacle to Christ, describing it as a perfect
	Vision of Peter by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a heavenly vision. He refers to himself as the first and the last, the one who leads the race to be whole and the l
	The Golden Lampstand by Henry Law	Henry Law preaches on the significance of the pure, hammered gold lampstand in the holy Tent as a representation of Christ, the all-gold Savior without blemish, who bore the agoniz
	"A Candlestick All of Gold" Its Function by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the 'candlestick of pure gold' as a representation of the Church's calling to be a source of divine light in the world. He highlight
	"A Candlestick All of Gold" Its Testimony by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the golden candlestick as a representation of God's original testimony, highlighting its role in both the establishment and recovery
	Golden Snuffers by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the 'golden snuffers' in maintaining the freshness of God's testimony through His people, represented as wicks in the candlestick of
	The Call of God by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God and fulfilling our missionary responsibilities. He highlights that living in a global village mea