King James Version

What Does Numbers 4:13 Mean?

Numbers 4:13 in the King James Version says “And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon:” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon:”

Numbers 4:13 · KJV

Context

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:

13

And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon:

14

And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, even the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and the basons, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers' skins, and put to the staves of it. basons: or, bowls

15

And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The blue cloth covering speaks of the heavenly origin and divine nature of the tabernacle furnishings. Blue, derived from expensive dyes, consistently represents the celestial and holy throughout Scripture. Covering the sacred objects before transport protected both the objects and the carriers—the holiness of God's presence required proper mediation. This reflects the Reformed understanding that sinful humanity cannot approach God's holiness directly but requires divine provision and protection.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Kohathites, though privileged to carry the most sacred objects, could not even look upon them under penalty of death. Aaron and his sons alone could cover the furniture. This strict separation maintained the holiness necessary for God's presence to dwell among a sinful people.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the blue cloth teach us about the heavenly nature of true worship?
  2. How does the prohibition against viewing the holy objects illustrate humanity's inability to approach God apart from mediation?
  3. In what ways does Christ fulfill the protective covering that the blue cloth represented?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְדִשְּׁנ֖וּ1 of 7

“And they shall take away the ashes”

H1878

to be fat; transitively, to fatten (or regard as fat); specifically to anoint; figuratively, to satisfy; to remove (fat) ashes (of sacrifices)

אֶת2 of 7
H853

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ3 of 7

“from the altar”

H4196

an altar

וּפָֽרְשׂ֣וּ4 of 7

“and spread”

H6566

to break apart, disperse, etc

עָלָ֔יו5 of 7
H5921

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

בֶּ֖גֶד6 of 7

“cloth”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

אַרְגָּמָֽן׃7 of 7

“a purple”

H713

purple (the color or the dyed stuff)

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 4:13 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 4:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 6:12-13Exodus 39:41Numbers 4:6-9Exodus 27:1-8Numbers 4:11-12Exodus 39:1

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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