מְסֻכָּה
a covering, i.e. garniture
Definition
The Hebrew noun מְסֻכָּה (mᵉçukkâh) refers to a covering or garniture, specifically a decorative overlay or setting. In its sole biblical occurrence in Ezekiel 28:13, it describes the precious stones that were 'set' or 'mounted' in the king of Tyre's royal adornments. The word conveys the idea of something being encased or fitted into a protective and ornamental covering, likely referring to the settings of jewels in a crown or garment. This specific usage highlights not just a simple covering, but one that is crafted and valuable, designed to hold and display precious items.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Ezekiel 28:13. It appears in a prophetic lament against the king of Tyre, within a list of precious stones and gold that constituted his magnificent covering and adornment. The context is one of opulent royal splendor and pride, describing the lavish materials that 'covered' him in the garden of Eden, a metaphorical description of his perfection and beauty before his fall.
Etymology
Derived from the root verb סָכַךְ (sākak, H5526), which means 'to cover,' 'to screen,' or 'to hedge in.' This root is used for physical coverings like a booth or shelter (Psalm 105:39) and for protection (Psalm 140:7). מְסֻכָּה is a noun form indicating the result or instrument of that covering action—a specific covering or setting. Cognates in other Semitic languages carry similar meanings of covering or protection.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, this word is theologically significant in its context. In Ezekiel 28:13, the 'covering' of precious stones is part of a portrait of the king of Tyre's original, God-given perfection and wisdom, which he corrupted through pride. It contributes to the passage's rich imagery of Edenic splendor and the fall of a proud being, often interpreted by Christians as having typological parallels to the fall of Satan. Understanding this specific term for a crafted, jeweled setting deepens the contrast between God's original glorious endowment and the hubris that led to judgment.
In the ancient Near East, jeweled settings on royal regalia (crowns, breastplates, garments) were symbols of supreme status, wealth, and divine favor. A 'covering' of this sort was not for modesty or protection but for extravagant display, signifying the king's exalted position. The specific mention in Ezekiel taps into this cultural understanding of royal adornment to emphasize the king's magnificent, almost divine, status before his pride caused his downfall.
כִּסּוּי (kissûy, H3682) — a more general term for a covering or concealment. סֻכָּה (sukkâh, H5521) — a booth or temporary shelter, from the same root, but for dwelling, not ornamentation.
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.
Full methodology & sources →