סָכַךְ
properly, to entwine as ascreen; by implication, to fence in, cover over, (figuratively) protect
Definition
The Hebrew verb סָכַךְ (sākak) fundamentally means 'to cover' or 'to screen,' often describing the physical act of creating a protective barrier. In its most concrete sense, it refers to the cherubim covering the ark of the covenant with their wings (Exodus 25:20, 1 Kings 8:7). By extension, it signifies protection, as when God promises to cover Moses with His hand (Exodus 33:22). Figuratively, it can mean to hedge in or shut up, as seen when Samson is said to have 'covered himself' in the inner chamber of a house (Judges 3:24).
Biblical Usage
סָכַךְ is used 23 times in the Old Testament, primarily in narrative and descriptive contexts. Its usage spans from the detailed construction of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:20, 37:9) to divine protection (Exodus 33:22, Psalm 91:4) and even to hiding or concealment, as when David 'covered his feet' in a cave (1 Samuel 24:3). A pattern emerges where it describes both a physical, architectural covering and a metaphorical, providential shielding.
Etymology
Derived from a primitive root, סָכַךְ is related to the idea of interweaving or entwining to form a screen or hedge. Cognates in other Semitic languages support meanings of covering and protection. The alternate form שָׂכַךְ (śākak) in Exodus 33:22 shows a phonetic variation but carries the same core meaning.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it vividly portrays God's protective care over His people. In Exodus 33:22, God's act of covering Moses with His hand is a powerful image of divine shelter during the revelation of His glory. The cherubim covering the ark (Exodus 25:20) symbolizes the holiness of God and the mediation required to approach Him. Understanding סָכַךְ enriches reading by connecting physical descriptions in the tabernacle to the deeper reality of God's covering presence and salvation.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, covering or screening was a practical means of creating privacy, security, and sacred space. The use of סָכַךְ for the tabernacle's furnishings reflects the Israelite understanding that the holy required separation and protection. The concept of 'hedging in' (as in Job 1:10) would be understood in an agrarian society as building a protective wall or fence around a vineyard or flock.
כָּסָה (kāsâ, H3680) — a more general term for covering or concealing, often used for atonement (covering sin). חָסָה (ḥāsâ, H2620) — to seek refuge, emphasizing the act of fleeing to a protector. פָּנָה (pānâ, H6437) — to turn toward or away, sometimes used for God 'turning' His face in protection.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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