Original Word: מְסֻכָּה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: mcukkah
Pronunciation: meh-soo-KAH
Phonetic Spelling: (mes-ook-kaw')
KJV: covering
NASB: covering
Word Origin: [from H5526 (סָכַך שָׂכַך - To cover)]

1. a covering, i.e. garniture

covering

From cakak; a covering, i.e. Garniture -- covering.

see HEBREW cakak

Word Origin
from sakak
Definition
that with which one is covered, a covering
NASB Translation
covering (1).

[מְסֻכָֿה] noun feminine that with which one is covered, covering; — suffix מְסֻכָֿתָ֑ךָ Ezekiel 28:13 (so Baer Ginsb; van d. H. ׳מְסֻכּ) all precious stones were thy covering (= thou wast covered with them); — the tradition is strong in favour of Raph¢, but sense favours derivation from סכך.

Biblical Context

The term designates the “covering” that adorned the figure addressed in Ezekiel 28:13: “You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you…”. Whether the passage is read as a taunt against the historical king of Tyre, a portrait of a guardian cherub, or both, the single usage portrays a magnificently ornamented garment or canopy composed of precious stones.

Literary Setting in Ezekiel

Ezekiel 28 forms part of a series of oracles against foreign powers. By moving from literal Tyre to Edenic imagery, the prophet exposes the pride that leads created beings—human or angelic—to rival their Creator. The “covering” stands at the center of the contrast: what was meant to display God’s splendour became an object of self-exaltation, leading to judgment (Ezekiel 28:17).

Symbolic Significance of the Jeweled Covering

1. Glory Borrowed, Not Native: The adornment is bestowed, not earned (“they were prepared” on the day of creation). It points to a derived glory that should direct praise back to God (Psalm 104:1–2).
2. Priestly Echoes: The nine stones listed overlap with the twelve on the high-priestly breastpiece in Exodus 28:17–20, hinting that the figure once served in a sacred, mediating role.
3. Vulnerability of Splendour: The later removal of the covering (Ezekiel 28:16) shows that external beauty cannot secure inner righteousness (Proverbs 31:30).

Historical and Cultural Background

Tyre dominated Mediterranean trade, including the gem market (cf. Ezekiel 27:22). A royal “canopy” inlaid with jewels would have been a familiar emblem of status. Ezekiel harnesses that imagery to unmask the city’s hubris. For exilic Israel, the oracle reassured the remnant that no earthly splendour, however dazzling, could withstand the sovereignty of God.

Theological Themes

• Creation and Accountability: The day of preparation links the covering to the Creator’s design; the subsequent downfall emphasizes moral responsibility.
• Sanctity Profaned: Like the sanctuary that is “defiled” by sin (Leviticus 16:16), the jeweled garment becomes polluted through unrighteous trade and violence (Ezekiel 28:16).
• True Covering in Redemption: Isaiah 61:10 anticipates a superior “robe of righteousness” supplied by the Lord. Where the first covering is lost through pride, the second is granted through grace, fulfilled in Christ (Galatians 3:27).

Implications for Worship and Ministry

• Humility in Leadership: Any beauty or gifting is a stewardship; leaders resist the temptation to make God’s endowments a platform for vanity.
• Discipleship Focused on Inner Character: Churches nurture virtues that outlast external trappings (1 Peter 3:3–4).
• Evangelistic Appeal: The image of a forfeited covering highlights humanity’s universal need for the righteousness that only the Gospel provides (Romans 3:23–24).

Related Scriptures

Genesis 3:21 – First divinely provided covering after sin.

Exodus 28:17–20 – Priestly breastpiece of judgment.

Psalm 91:4 – “He will cover you with His feathers…”

Isaiah 14:11–15 – Parallel fall of a prideful ruler.

Revelation 21:19 – Precious stones adorning the New Jerusalem, where glory is permanently secured in Christ.

מְסֻכָתֶ֙ךָ֙ מסכתך mə·su·ḵā·ṯe·ḵā mesuchaTecha məsuḵāṯeḵāInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts