Numbers 4:6

They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — The text addresses the Kohathite clan during the camp's preparation for departure, instructing them on the ark's handling immediately after Aaron and his sons remove the inner curtain.

The words — The verb נָתְנ֣וּ (na.te.Nu) translates literally as "they will put," while תַּ֔חַשׁ (Ta.chash) specifies a "skin of fine leather" serving as the primary protective layer.

The thread — The transport sequence and layered coverings correspond to the pole construction in Exodus 25:13 and the blue yarn specifications for sanctuary furnishings in Exodus 35:19 and Exodus 39:1.

Why it lands — The passage requires the reader to observe the exact sequence of coverings and the prohibition against direct contact, establishing a clear boundary between sacred objects and human handling.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Hebrew words

וְנָתְנ֣וּve./na.te.Nuand/ they will put עָלָ֗יו'a.La/vover/ it כְּסוּי֙ke.Suia covering of ע֣וֹרorskin of תַּ֔חַשׁTa.chashdolphin וּפָרְשׂ֧וּu./fa.re.Suand/ they will spread out בֶֽגֶד־ve.ged-a covering of כְּלִ֛ילke.Lilan entirety of תְּכֵ֖לֶתte.Khe.letviolet stuff מִלְמָ֑עְלָהmi/l./Ma.'e.la/hfrom/ to/ above/ <towards>וְשָׂמ֖וּve./sa.Muand/ they will put in בַּדָּֽיו׃ba.Da/vpoles/ its

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

Exodus 25:13 And make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold.
Exodus 35:19 and the woven garments for ministering in the holy place—both the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons to serve as priests.”
Exodus 39:1 From the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn they made specially woven garments for ministry in the sanctuary, as well as the holy garments for Aaron, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
Exodus 39:41 and the woven garments for ministering in the sanctuary, both the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons to serve as priests.
Numbers 4:7 Over the table of the Presence they are to spread a blue cloth and place the plates and cups on it, along with the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering. The regular bread offering is to remain on it.
Numbers 4:11 Over the gold altar they are to spread a blue cloth, cover it with fine leather, and insert the poles.
1 Kings 8:7 For the cherubim spread their wings over the place of the ark and overshadowed the ark and its poles.