King James Version

What Does Numbers 4:6 Mean?

Numbers 4:6 in the King James Version says “And shall put thereon the covering of badgers' skins, and shall spread over it a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And shall put thereon the covering of badgers' skins, and shall spread over it a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof.”

Numbers 4:6 · KJV

Context

4

This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things:

5

And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and they shall take down the covering vail, and cover the ark of testimony with it:

6

And shall put thereon the covering of badgers' skins, and shall spread over it a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof.

7

And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon: cover: or, pour out withal

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The detailed covering procedure for the ark—'put thereon the covering of badgers' skins, and shall spread over it a cloth wholly of blue'—demonstrates that the most holy object required multiple protective layers. The Hebrew tachash (often translated 'badgers' or 'seals') provided waterproof outer covering, while the blue cloth symbolized heavenly origin. The careful wrapping protected the ark during transport and prevented unauthorized viewing (verse 20). This teaches that holy things require protective reverence. Christ similarly veils divine glory in incarnation, allowing sinners to approach without being consumed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The ark of the covenant contained the tablets of law, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna (Hebrews 9:4). Its covering procedure was most elaborate, reflecting its supreme holiness. The blue cloth represented heaven/divinity, the badger skins provided practical protection. Later, when David improperly transported the ark on a cart instead of using Levite-carried poles, Uzzah's death resulted (2 Samuel 6:6-7), showing that God's prescribed methods matter.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the careful covering of holy things inform our approach to sacred matters?
  2. What does Christ's veiling of divine glory in human flesh teach about God's accommodation to our weakness?
  3. Why does God care about methods of handling holy things, not just motives?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְנָֽתְנ֣וּ1 of 12

“And shall put”

H5414

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

עָלָ֗יו2 of 12
H5921

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

כְּסוּי֙3 of 12

“thereon the covering”

H3681

properly, covered, i.e., (as noun) a covering

ע֣וֹר4 of 12

“skins”

H5785

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

תַּ֔חַשׁ5 of 12

“of badgers”

H8476

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

וּפָֽרְשׂ֧וּ6 of 12

“and shall spread”

H6566

to break apart, disperse, etc

בֶֽגֶד7 of 12

“it a cloth”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

כְּלִ֛יל8 of 12

“wholly”

H3632

complete; as noun, the whole (specifically, a sacrifice entirely consumed); as adverb, fully

תְּכֵ֖לֶת9 of 12

“of blue”

H8504

the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith

מִלְמָ֑עְלָה10 of 12

“over”

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

וְשָׂמ֖וּ11 of 12

“and shall put”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

בַּדָּֽיו׃12 of 12

“in the staves”

H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

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 4:6 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 4:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 25:13-15Numbers 4:11-13Exodus 39:1Numbers 4:7-81 Kings 8:7-8Exodus 39:41

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