מְכַסֶּה
a covering, i.e. garment; specifically, a coverlet (for a bed)
Definition
The Hebrew noun מְכַסֶּה (mᵉkaççeh) refers to a covering, often with a sense of something that conceals or protects. Its primary meaning is a garment or piece of clothing, as seen in Isaiah 14:11 where it describes the 'coverings' of a king's bed, symbolizing luxury and status. In a sacrificial context, it specifically denotes the 'omentum' or fatty membrane that covers the intestines of an animal, which was offered to God (Leviticus 9:19). It can also refer to an ornamental covering or awning, such as the fine embroidered linen used on a ship (Ezekiel 27:7).
Biblical Usage
This word appears only four times in the Old Testament, each in distinct contexts that illustrate its range. In Leviticus 9:19, it is used in priestly ritual for the fat covering of an animal's entrails. In prophetic literature, it describes luxurious bed coverings associated with the fallen king of Babylon (Isaiah 14:11) and fine maritime textiles from Sidon (Ezekiel 27:7). Its final use is metaphorical, where Tyre's merchandise becomes 'a covering' for God's people (Isaiah 23:18). The usage spans ritual law, prophetic judgment, and maritime trade.
Etymology
מְכַסֶּה is a noun derived from the common Hebrew root כָּסָה (kāsâ, H3680), meaning 'to cover, conceal, or clothe.' This root appears over 150 times in the Old Testament and generates several words related to covering, such as 'atonement' (כִּפֻּר, kippur), which involves the idea of covering sin. The noun form מְכַסֶּה specifically denotes the object that does the covering.
Semantic Range
This word connects to themes of concealment, provision, and dedication. In Leviticus, the 'covering' of fat is offered to God, highlighting the consecration of the best parts to Yahweh. In Isaiah and Ezekiel, luxurious coverings symbolize human pride and wealth that God will judge. The progression from a sacred ritual object to a symbol of vanity illustrates how material things can be dedicated to God or become idols. Understanding this range deepens appreciation for biblical metaphors about spiritual covering and exposure.
In ancient Israelite culture, coverings like garments and bedclothes indicated social status and wealth, as fine textiles were valuable. The ritual use reflects the detailed sacrificial system where specific animal parts held symbolic significance. The maritime covering in Ezekiel 27:7 points to international trade and the prestige associated with skilled craftsmanship in the ancient Near East.
לְבוּשׁ (lᵉḇûš, H3830) — a general term for clothing or garment. כְּסוּת (kᵉsûṯ, H3682) — a covering, often for protection like a blanket. מַעֲטֶה (maʿăṭeh, H4594) — a wrapping or cloak.
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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