מִכְסֶה (mikh.seh)
mikh.seh
covering
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mikhseh refers to a protective covering or veil. It appears twelve times in the Old Testament, primarily within the instructions for building the Tabernacle in Exodus and Numbers, as well as in Genesis. The word describes materials placed over sacred structures or objects to shield them from view and damage.
Its most significant usage occurs in Exodus 26:33-34 and 35:12, where it denotes the specific coverings made of ram skins and fine linen that concealed the Ark of the Covenant and the holy tent. This layer served a practical purpose but also carried theological weight by marking the boundary between the holy space and the common world.
The term is distinct from words meaning simply "clothing" or "garment." Instead, it emphasizes function: hiding, protecting, or screening. In Genesis 9:21, Noah covers himself with a garment, using the same root idea of concealment for modesty or protection. The word consistently points to something placed over another thing to create separation or safety.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mikhseh describes a protective layer placed over something sacred or valuable. In the Old Testament, this term often refers to the coverings used in the Tabernacle, such as ram skins and fine linen. These materials shielded holy objects from dust, weather, and casual view, marking a clear boundary between the common world and the presence of God.
For your faith, this concept reminds us that God’s holiness is both precious and protected. Just as the Israelites carefully handled these coverings, we are called to approach God with reverence and care. His presence is not something to be taken lightly, but a gift safeguarded by His own design.
This idea of covering also appears in Genesis, where Noah uses it for modesty after the flood. It shows that protection and concealment can serve practical needs, from shielding sacred items to preserving dignity. In your daily life, consider how God provides coverings—whether through community, Scripture, or His grace—that keep you safe and focused on what truly matters.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] covering of4×
- with/ a covering of3×
- covering/ its3×
- and/ a covering of2×
- a covering2×
- and/ [the] covering of1×
- a covering of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/מִכְסֵ֛ה3×
- בְּ/מִכְסֵ֖ה3×
- מִכְסֶה֙2×
- מִכְסֵ֖ה2×
- מִכְסֵ֕/הוּ2×
- מִכְסֵ֥ה1×
- מִכְסֵ֣ה1×
- מִכְסֵ֞ה1×
- מִכְסֵ֑/הוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 26:14
You shall make a covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red, and a covering of sea cow hides above.
This verse specifies the exact materials (ram skins dyed red and sea cow hides) used as the outermost protective layer for the Tabernacle, emphasizing God's detailed instructions for safeguarding His dwelling place.
-
Exodus 40:19
He spread the covering over the tent, and put the roof of the tabernacle above on it, as Yahweh commanded Moses.
Here, Moses spreads the covering over the tent exactly as commanded, demonstrating obedience to God’s specific design for how His presence should be housed and protected among Israel.
-
Numbers 4:8
They shall spread on them a scarlet cloth, and cover it with a covering of sealskin, and shall put in its poles.
This instruction shows that even when moving the holy objects, priests must cover them with sealskin to prevent damage and unauthorized view, highlighting the seriousness of handling sacred things.