מְכַסֶּה (me.khas.seh)
me.khas.seh
covering
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mekhasseh simply means a covering or that which conceals. It appears only three times in the Old Testament, primarily within the ritual instructions of Leviticus and the poetic imagery of Isaiah. The word refers to a physical layer placed over something else, serving as a veil or shield.
In Leviticus 16:2, it describes the cloud of incense that Aaron must spread before the mercy seat when entering the Holy Place. This thick smoke acts as a protective barrier, preventing him from seeing God’s glory directly and dying. Here, the covering is not merely decorative but essential for survival in the divine presence.
Isaiah uses the term metaphorically to describe how God hides His face from Israel due to their sins (Isaiah 59:2). In this context, the covering represents a spiritual separation caused by transgression. The word underscores the tangible reality of sin as something that obscures the relationship between humanity and the Creator.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mekhasseh reminds us that covering is often an act of protection rather than just concealment. In the Old Testament ritual, a thick cloud of incense served as a necessary barrier between Aaron and the overwhelming holiness of God. This physical shield allowed him to stand in the divine presence without being consumed by its intensity.
Sin creates a different kind of covering, one that separates us from God rather than protecting us. Isaiah describes this spiritual veil as a heavy weight that hides God’s face from His people. It is not that God stops loving us, but our transgressions create a distance that needs to be addressed through repentance and grace.
Christians find hope in the belief that Jesus Christ has removed this barrier of sin. Through His sacrifice, the covering that once separated humanity from God is lifted, allowing for direct access to His presence. This shift from fear to intimate relationship is central to the Christian faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ the/ covering1×
- and/ for/ covering1×
- and/ coverings/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/מְכַסֶּ֖י/ךָ1×
- וְ/לִ/מְכַסֶּ֥ה1×
- וְ/הַֽ/מְכַסֶּה֙1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 9:19
and the fat of the bull and of the ram, the fat tail, and that which covers the innards, and the kidneys, and the cover of the liver;
This verse lists specific fat portions including that which covers the innards, showing how mekhasseh refers to a physical layer protecting internal organs within ritual slaughter instructions.
-
Isaiah 14:11
Your pomp is brought down to Sheol, with the sound of your stringed instruments. Maggots are spread out under you, and worms cover you.
Here the word describes worms covering the fallen king in Sheol, using the term metaphorically to depict total humiliation and decay rather than protection.
-
Isaiah 23:18
Her merchandise and her wages will be holiness to Yahweh. It will not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise will be for those who dwell before Yahweh, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.
This occurrence is unrelated to the primary meaning of covering; it appears in a context describing durable clothing or goods, likely referring to fabric that covers the body.