from כָּסָה; 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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mᵉkaççeh**, represented by `{{H4374}}`, is a term for **a covering**. Based on the root word for "to cover," its meaning can range from a garment or a bed coverlet to the omentum that covers the intestines. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses**, illustrating its specific and varied applications in scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{H4374}}` is used in several distinct contexts. In a prophecy concerning Tyre, its merchandise is destined to become "durable **clothing**" for those who dwell before the Lord [[Isaiah 23:18]]. In a contrasting prophetic judgment, it describes a grim finality, where worms are the **cover** for the fallen in the grave [[Isaiah 14:11]]. For ceremonial purposes, it refers specifically to the fatty tissue that **covereth** the internal organs of a sacrificial animal [[Leviticus 9:19]]. Finally, it is used to depict luxury and wealth in a lament over Tyre, where a fine material from the isles of Elishah **covered** the ship as an awning [[Ezekiel 27:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of covering and spreading:
* `{{H3331}}` **yatsaʻ** (to strew as a surface; make (one's) bed, [idiom] lie, spread): This word is used in conjunction with `{{H4374}}` in the description of the grave, where the worm is **spread** under a person, while other worms are their **cover** [[Isaiah 14:11]].
* `{{H4666}}` **miphrâs** (an expansion; that which...spreadest forth, spreading): This term appears in the description of Tyre's ship, where fine linen was what thou **spreadest forth** for a sail, while the material from Elishah was what **covered** thee [[Ezekiel 27:7]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H4374}}` is revealed through its application in different literary forms.
* **Prophetic Symbolism:** The word serves as a powerful symbol in prophecy. It can represent humiliation in death, as a **cover** of worms [[Isaiah 14:11]], or the blessings of restoration, as durable **clothing** for God's people [[Isaiah 23:18]].
* **Ritual Specification:** In the Law, its use is highly specific, identifying the exact part of an animal—"that which **covereth** the inwards"—to be used in a holy offering to the Lord [[Leviticus 9:19]].
* **Imagery of Materialism:** The term is used to paint a picture of earthly splendor and pride, where a ship's expensive **cover** is part of a list of extravagant goods that characterize a worldly kingdom [[Ezekiel 27:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4374}}` is a precise term that carries weight far beyond its simple definition of "a covering." Its meaning is shaped entirely by its context, shifting from a practical piece of **clothing** [[Isaiah 23:18]] to a specific part of a sacrifice [[Leviticus 9:19]]. It functions as a potent image in prophecy, capable of illustrating both the depths of the grave [[Isaiah 14:11]] and the peak of worldly luxury [[Ezekiel 27:7]].
TRV