Lexical Summary mikseh: Covering, Cover Original Word: מִכְסֶה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance covering From kacah; a covering, i.e. Weather-boarding -- covering. see HEBREW kacah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kasah Definition a covering NASB Translation covering (16). Brown-Driver-Briggs מִכְסֶה noun [masculine] covering; — ׳מ Exodus 26:14; Exodus 36:19; construct מִכְסֵה Genesis 8:13 10t.; suffix מִכְסֵהוּ Exodus 35:11 2t.; — 1 covering of the ark, deck-roof (ᵐ5 στέγη) Genesis 8:13 (J). 2 of the skins of the tent of meeting Exodus 26:14 (twice in verse); Exodus 35:11; Exodus 36:19 (twice in verse); Exodus 39:34 (twice in verse); Exodus 40:19; Numbers 3:25; Numbers 4:8,10,11,12,25 (twice in verse) (all P). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Range of Use מִכְסֶה denotes a protective covering, spread, or overlay. In every instance it shields something holy or precious—from Noah’s ark (Genesis 8:13) to the wilderness tabernacle and its furnishings (Exodus and Numbers). The term conveys shelter, preservation, and separation from defilement. First Occurrence: Noah’s Ark Genesis 8:13 records the patriarch’s first act upon discerning dry ground: “Noah removed the covering of the ark and looked out, and behold, the surface of the ground was dry”. The ark, symbol of salvation through judgment, remained sealed until God’s appointed time. The covering safeguarded life inside and restrained Noah until divine deliverance was complete. Central Use in the Tabernacle From Exodus 26 onward מִכְסֶה dominates descriptions of the tabernacle’s outermost layer. “You are also to make a covering for the tent out of ram skins dyed red, and a covering of fine leather over it” (Exodus 26:14; repeated in 35:11; 36:19; 39:34; 40:19). Two visible truths emerge: 1. Protection—Ram skins and durable leather defended the sanctuary against desert heat, wind, and rain. Priestly Duties and Transport Numbers 3:25 assigns Gershon’s clan “the tent curtains, the Tent of Meeting, its covering”. Numbers 4 details the Kohathites’ meticulous wrapping of each sacred article: Every item received a colored cloth—then a fine-leather מִכְסֶה—before lifting onto carrying frames. The sequence underscored God-ordained order, concealed glory from casual gaze, and guarded against damage. Theological Reflections 1. Holiness safeguarded. The coverings reminded Israel that holy things cannot be handled lightly; separation sustains sanctity. Typological and Christological Significance • Blood-red ram skins recall substitutionary sacrifice, converging on the Lamb of God. Devotional and Ministry Applications • Reverence in worship: As the coverings shielded holy objects, ministers guard doctrine and sacrament from profanation. Summary מִכְסֶה threads Scripture from flood to wilderness, portraying God’s unwavering commitment to protect His people and His presence. Whether stretched over timbered ark or golden altar, the covering proclaims a gospel of shelter under atoning grace, carried forward until Christ Himself is fully revealed. Forms and Transliterations בְּמִכְסֵ֖ה במכסה וּמִכְסֵ֛ה ומכסה מִכְסֵ֑הוּ מִכְסֵ֕הוּ מִכְסֵ֖ה מִכְסֵ֞ה מִכְסֵ֣ה מִכְסֵ֥ה מִכְסֶה֙ מכסה מכסהו bə·miḵ·sêh bemichSeh bəmiḵsêh michSeh michSehu miḵ·sê·hū miḵ·seh miḵ·sêh miḵseh miḵsêh miḵsêhū ū·miḵ·sêh umichSeh ūmiḵsêhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 8:13 HEB: נֹ֙חַ֙ אֶת־ מִכְסֵ֣ה הַתֵּבָ֔ה וַיַּ֕רְא NAS: removed the covering of the ark, KJV: removed the covering of the ark, INT: removed Noah the covering of the ark and looked Exodus 26:14 Exodus 26:14 Exodus 35:11 Exodus 36:19 Exodus 36:19 Exodus 39:34 Exodus 39:34 Exodus 40:19 Numbers 3:25 Numbers 4:8 Numbers 4:10 Numbers 4:11 Numbers 4:12 Numbers 4:25 Numbers 4:25 16 Occurrences |