Original Word: תַּחַשׁ
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: tachash
Pronunciation: tah-khash
Phonetic Spelling: (takh'-ash)
KJV: badger
NASB: porpoise, porpoise skin
Word Origin: [probably of foreign derivation]

1. a (clean) animal with fur, probably a species of antelope

Tahrea

Probably of foreign derivation; a (clean) animal with fur, probably a species of antelope -- badger.

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
perhaps porpoise (a kind of leather or skin)
NASB Translation
porpoise (12), porpoise skin (2).

I. תַּ֫חַשׁ noun masculine ta—aš, a kind of leather or skin, and perhaps the animal yielding it (probably the dugong, compare Arabic dolphin, Thes¹⁵⁰⁰ Di-Ry^{Exodus 25:5} Post^{Hast. DB BADGER}; Assyrian ta—šu (Dl^{Baer Ezech. xvi}), for which Dl^{Proi. 77 ff.; HWB 705} conjecture meaning sheep(skin); Bondi^{Egyptiaca 1 ff.} compare Egyptian ¾µ´, leather; see summary of views M'Lean-Shiply^{Ency. Bib. BADGERS' SKINS}); — absolute ׳ת Numbers 4:6 +, תָּחַשׁ Numbers 4:8 +; plural תְּחָשִׁים Exodus 25:5 +; — leather used for (woman's) sandals Ezekiel 16:10; elsewhere for cover of tabernacle Numbers 4:25, ׳עוֺר ת Numbers 4:6; Numbers 4:8; Numbers 4:10; Numbers 4:11; Numbers 4:12; Numbers 4:14, עֹרֹת (הַ)תְּחָשִׁים Exodus 25:5; Exodus 26:14; Exodus 35:7,23; Exodus 36:19; Exodus 39:34 (all P).

Occurrences and Distribution

The material designated as tachash appears fourteen times in the Old Testament. Thirteen of those references cluster around the construction, covering, and transport of the Tabernacle and its furnishings (Exodus 25:5; 26:14; 35:7, 23; 36:19; 39:34; Numbers 4:6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 25). The remaining instance is Ezekiel 16:10, where it provides luxurious footwear in the prophet’s allegory. Its usage is therefore both cultic and metaphorical, always connected with protection, value, and distinction.

Material and Historical Considerations

While scholars debate whether tachash refers to porpoise hide, fine leather, colored goatskin, or another exotic material, Scripture itself emphasizes two features: durability and quality. In the wilderness environment of Sinai, the Tabernacle required an outer layer that could withstand sun, wind, sand, and occasional rain. Tachash fulfilled that role, forming the visible surface of the sanctuary’s roof (Exodus 26:14) and the mobile wrappings for the holy vessels (Numbers 4). The people possessed such hides in quantity (Exodus 35:23), indicating that God had already provided sufficient resources as Israel left Egypt (cf. Exodus 12:36).

Context within the Tabernacle

1. Exposed covering: “Also make a covering for the tent of ram skins dyed red and a covering of fine leather over it” (Exodus 26:14). The ram skins supplied color and richness; the tachash layer shielded everything beneath.
2. Transport protection: Before the camp moved, the priests enveloped the Ark, the Table of the Bread of the Presence, the Lampstand, and other objects in blue cloth and then in tachash (Numbers 4:6–14). Thus the most precious articles were doubly wrapped—first in symbolic blue, then in rugged leather—illustrating that what is holy must be both honored and safeguarded.
3. Storage responsibility: The sons of Gershon carried these tachash coverings (Numbers 4:25), a sacred trust that underlined their place in Israel’s worship economy.

Symbolic and Theological Implications

Protective covering. Throughout Scripture, covering speaks of atonement and refuge (Psalm 91:4). Tachash, therefore, becomes a tangible reminder that God shelters His people and His own self-revelation.

Modesty and hidden glory. The outer layer of the Tabernacle was not ornate; its beauty lay inside. Likewise, the Messiah’s “form had no majesty that we should desire Him” (Isaiah 53:2), yet within dwelt the fullness of God. Tachash points forward to the Incarnation, where true splendor is veiled for the sake of redemptive purpose.

Provision in redemption history. Israel contributed tachash willingly (Exodus 35:5–24); their gifts became part of a corporate dwelling place for God. This anticipates New Testament teaching that believers, through offered gifts and service, become a living temple (1 Peter 2:5).

Connections to Ezekiel’s Allegory

“I clothed you with embroidered cloth and put sandals of fine leather on your feet” (Ezekiel 16:10). The prophet recounts the Lord’s gracious adoption of Jerusalem. The same material that covered the wilderness sanctuary is now fashioned into sandals for His beloved. The imagery elevates Israel from abandonment to covenant privilege. What once protected holy objects now adorns a redeemed people, signifying dignity, mobility, and readiness to walk in God’s ways.

Ministerial Applications

Integrity in worship: The craftsmen who prepared tachash coverings labored with skill and obedience (Exodus 36:8–38). Modern ministry likewise demands excellence that honors the Lord while protecting the purity of worship.

Stewardship of resources: The Israelites surrendered costly skins received from Egypt for sacred use. Believers today are urged to dedicate the best of their possessions and abilities for Kingdom purposes.

Guarding what is holy: Priestly care in wrapping the furnishings teaches that those entrusted with spiritual oversight must shield doctrine and congregational life from corruption, presenting them intact for God’s glory.

Summary

Tachash represents God-provided, durable, and precious covering. It sheltered the Tabernacle, protected the instruments of worship on Israel’s march, and in prophetic vision signified royal adornment. Through its consistent scriptural function, the material testifies to the Lord’s commitment to preserve His presence among His people and to clothe them with honor as they walk in covenant with Him.

הַתְּחָשִׁ֑ים הַתַּ֥חַשׁ התחש התחשים תְּחָשִׁ֖ים תַּ֔חַשׁ תַּ֖חַשׁ תָּ֑חַשׁ תחש תחשים hat·ta·ḥaš hat·tə·ḥā·šîm hatTachash hattaḥaš hattechaShim hattəḥāšîm ta·ḥaš tā·ḥaš Tachash taḥaš tāḥaš tə·ḥā·šîm techaShim təḥāšîmInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts