Lexical Summary mekasseh: Covering, cover Original Word: מְכַסֶּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance clothing, to cover, that which covers From kacah; a covering, i.e. Garment; specifically, a coverlet (for a bed), an awning (from the sun); also the omentum (as covering the intestines) -- clothing, to cover, that which covereth. see HEBREW kacah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kasah Definition a covering NASB Translation attire (1), awning (1), covering (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs מְכַסֶּה noun masculineIsaiah 23:18 covering; — ׳מ Leviticus 9:19; Isaiah 23:18; suffix מְכַסֵּךְ Ezekiel 27:7; plural suffix מְכַסֶּיךָ Isaiah 14:11; of fat covering (the inwards) Leviticus 9:19; worms, covering the dead Isaiah 14:11, deck of a ship Ezekiel 27:7 (Co Kajütenwand); garment Isaiah 23:18. II. כסה (√ of following; probably bind; compare Assyrian kasû, take captive, Pi`el fetter, kasîtu, kisittu, a fetter; ZehnpfBAS i, 596 DlBaer's Ezech. xii, HWB 342). Topical Lexicon Overview of Usage מְכַסֶּה describes a material “covering, spread, awning, garment” and appears four times in the Old Testament, each time coloring its context with the idea of something laid over or draped upon another object—whether as protection, adornment, or, in judgment, as a grim parody of luxury. Cultic Context: Leviticus 9:19 In the inaugural priestly sacrifices, “the fat covering the entrails” (Leviticus 9:19) is set apart for burning upon the altar. This fatty layer—called מְכַסֶּה—served as a natural shield for vital organs and, once placed on the fire, produced a rich, ascending aroma. The image anticipates the larger sacrificial motif that only what is fully covered, wholly given, and consumed by holy fire rises acceptably before the LORD (compare Romans 12:1). Ministerially, the passage urges believers to offer not mere externals but the inmost “fat” of the heart—those hidden reserves that shield cherished affections—to God’s purifying flame. Prophetic Irony of Judgment: Isaiah 14:11 Against the self-exalting king of Babylon the prophet taunts: “Maggots are spread out as your bed and worms are your covering” (Isaiah 14:11). The regal brocade is replaced by vermin; מְכַסֶּה shifts from luxury to loathing. The reversal underscores a consistent biblical principle: any earthly glory that rejects divine authority will be unmasked and re-clothed with corruption (Acts 12:23; Revelation 18:7-8). For Gospel proclamation this text becomes a sober warning: sin eventually furnishes its own funeral shroud. Commerce and Elegance: Isaiah 23:18 Speaking of Tyre’s restored trade, Isaiah foretells that her earnings “will provide abundant food and elegant clothing for those who dwell before the LORD” (Isaiah 23:18). Here מְכַסֶּה denotes high-quality garments woven for temple servants. The prophecy ennobles secular wealth only when it is redirected to serve covenant worship—a principle echoed when Paul commands that the rich be “generous and ready to share” (1 Timothy 6:18). Maritime Splendor: Ezekiel 27:7 Tyre’s trading vessel is pictured with sails of Egyptian linen while “your awning was of blue and purple from the coasts of Elishah” (Ezekiel 27:7). The ship’s מְכַסֶּה functions as an ornate canopy, advertising prestige across the Mediterranean. Yet the chapter’s ensuing lament (verses 25-36) illustrates how worldly coverings, however resplendent, cannot shield against sovereign judgment. Theological Threads 1. Covering and Protection: Whether natural fat, fabric, or ship-awning, מְכַסֶּה points to a covering that protects or beautifies. This prepares the way for the fuller doctrine of atonement (כִּפֶּר), where blood becomes the ultimate covering for sin (Leviticus 17:11). Ministry Application Summary מְכַסֶּה consistently evokes the act of draping, shielding, or adorning. Through sacrificial ritual, prophetic satire, and commercial imagery, Scripture uses this single noun to contrast the perishability of human glory with the enduring, redemptive covering found in the LORD. Forms and Transliterations וְהַֽמְכַסֶּה֙ וְלִמְכַסֶּ֥ה וּמְכַסֶּ֖יךָ והמכסה ולמכסה ומכסיך מְכַסֵּֽךְ׃ מכסך׃ mə·ḵas·sêḵ mechasSech məḵassêḵ ū·mə·ḵas·se·ḵā umechasSeicha ūməḵasseḵā vehamchasSeh velimchasSeh wə·ham·ḵas·seh wə·lim·ḵas·seh wəhamḵasseh wəlimḵassehLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Leviticus 9:19 HEB: הָאַ֔יִל הָֽאַלְיָ֤ה וְהַֽמְכַסֶּה֙ וְהַכְּלָיֹ֔ת וְיֹתֶ֖רֶת NAS: the fat tail, and the [fat] covering, and the kidneys KJV: the rump, and that which covereth [the inwards], and the kidneys, INT: the ram the fat and the covering and the kidneys and the lobe Isaiah 14:11 Isaiah 23:18 Ezekiel 27:7 4 Occurrences |
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