תַּ֫חַשׁ (ta.chash)
ta.chash
leather
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word tachash appears thirteen times in the Old Testament, primarily within the detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle in Exodus and the census records in Numbers. It refers to a specific type of durable leather or animal hide used for covering the sanctuary’s structures and tabernacle tent. Because the text does not specify the exact source animal, translators have long debated its identity.
Lexical sources suggest it may come from a now-extinct creature, with proposals ranging from badgers and dugongs to dolphins or sheep. The uncertainty stems from the fact that no living animal perfectly matches the description of a hide suitable for such heavy-duty, weather-resistant covering in the wilderness. This ambiguity has led to varied translations, including "badger skins," "sea cow hides," or simply "fine leather."
Its most notable usage is in Exodus 26:14 and 35:4, where tachash skins are layered over the blue, purple, and scarlet fabrics of the Tabernacle. This outer layer served a practical protective function, shielding the sacred interior from dust and rain during Israel’s journey. The word highlights the tangible, material aspects of worship, emphasizing that even the most holy spaces required robust, ordinary materials to withstand the harsh environment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tachash refers to a durable leather used to cover the Tabernacle during Israel’s journey through the wilderness. While we do not know the exact animal source, these skins provided essential protection against rain and dust for the sacred tent below. This detail reminds us that worship involves both beautiful fabrics and practical, sturdy materials.
God cared about the physical needs of His people as they traveled. The outer layer of tachash hides shielded the inner sanctuaries from the harsh desert environment. It shows that God values both the visible service of protection and the hidden holiness within. Every part of the Tabernacle served a purpose in their daily walk with Him.
Today, this word encourages us to see value in ordinary materials when they are used for holy purposes. Whether we use fine linens or simple leather, God accepts offerings made with care and obedience. It invites us to consider how our everyday resources can support the work of faith and community.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- dolphin6×
- dolphins5×
- the/ dolphins1×
- the/ dolphin1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תְּחָשִׁ֖ים5×
- תָּ֑חַשׁ4×
- תַּ֖חַשׁ1×
- תַּ֔חַשׁ1×
- הַ/תַּ֥חַשׁ1×
- הַ/תְּחָשִׁ֑ים1×
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 tachash covering as the outermost layer, protecting the inner tent from the elements.
-
Exodus 35:23
Everyone with whom was found blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats’ hair, rams’ skins dyed red, and sea cow hides, brought them.
Here the word highlights the voluntary contributions of the people, showing their willingness to provide durable materials for God's house.
-
Numbers 4:6
put a covering of sealskin on it, spread a blue cloth over it, and put in its poles.
In this census instruction, the sealskin covering is used to protect sacred items during transport, emphasizing practical care for holy things.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does tachash mean?
Why is there debate about the animal source?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (13 verses across 2 books)
Exodus 6 verses
rams’ skins dyed red, sea cow hides, acacia wood,
Exodus 26:14You shall make a covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red, and a covering of sea cow hides above.
Exodus 35:7rams’ skins dyed red, sea cow hides, acacia wood,
Exodus 35:23Everyone with whom was found blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats’ hair, rams’ skins dyed red, and sea cow hides,…
Exodus 36:19He made a covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red, and a covering of sea cow hides above.
Exodus 39:34the covering of rams’ skins dyed red, the covering of sea cow hides, the veil of the screen,