King James Version

What Does Numbers 4:10 Mean?

Numbers 4:10 in the King James Version says “And they shall put it and all the vessels thereof within a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put it upon a bar. — study this verse from Numbers chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they shall put it and all the vessels thereof within a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put it upon a bar.

Numbers 4:10 · KJV


Context

8

And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet , and cover the same with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put in the staves thereof.

9

And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the light, and his lamps, and his tongs, and his snuffdishes, and all the oil vessels thereof, wherewith they minister unto it:

10

And they shall put it and all the vessels thereof within a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put it upon a bar.

11

And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put to the staves thereof:

12

And they shall take all the instruments of ministry, wherewith they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue, and cover them with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put them on a bar:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The comprehensive wrapping—'put it and all the vessels thereof within a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put it upon a bar'—protected the lampstand completely. The Hebrew mot (bar/pole) indicates the carrying method. Everything was enclosed before Kohathites touched it, preventing both damage to sacred objects and death to transporters. This multi-layered protection teaches that holy things require complete safeguarding. Spiritual truth similarly needs protection from corruption—sound doctrine must be guarded carefully (2 Timothy 1:13-14), transported intact across generations without addition or subtraction.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Kohathites carried the covered holy objects on their shoulders using poles, never touching the objects directly. This honored the objects' holiness while enabling their transport. The method contrasted with Philistine cart-transport of the captured ark (1 Samuel 6:7), which God tolerated from pagans but would not accept from Israel. God's people must follow His prescribed methods, not adopt pagan pragmatism.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the careful transport of holy things inform how we handle and teach Scripture?
  2. What 'coverings' protect sound doctrine from corruption during transmission?
  3. Why must we follow God's prescribed methods for handling sacred truth rather than adopting cultural pragmatism?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְנָֽתְנ֖וּ1 of 12

And they shall put

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֹתָהּ֙2 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וְאֶת3 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל4 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כֵּלֶ֔יהָ5 of 12

it and all the vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

אֶל6 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִכְסֵ֖ה7 of 12

thereof within a covering

H4372

a covering, i.e., weatherboarding

ע֣וֹר8 of 12

skins

H5785

skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather

תָּ֑חַשׁ9 of 12

of badgers

H8476

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

וְנָֽתְנ֖וּ10 of 12

And they shall put

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עַל11 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַמּֽוֹט׃12 of 12

it upon a bar

H4132

a wavering, i.e., fall; by implication, a pole (as shaking); hence, a yoke (as essentially a bent pole)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 4:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 4:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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