The term "overlayeth" is an archaic form of the verb "overlay," which means to cover the surface of an object with a layer of another material. In the context of the Bible, "overlayeth" is often used to describe the process of covering objects, particularly those used in the tabernacle and temple, with precious metals such as gold or silver. This practice was significant in the construction of sacred items, symbolizing purity, holiness, and the divine nature of God’s dwelling place.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 25:11 : "Overlay it with pure gold, both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it." This verse refers to the Ark of the Covenant, which was to be overlaid with pure gold. The use of gold signifies the Ark's sacredness and the presence of God among His people.

2. Exodus 26:29 : "Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Also overlay the crossbars with gold." Here, the instructions for the construction of the tabernacle include overlaying the wooden frames and crossbars with gold, emphasizing the splendor and sanctity of the place where God would meet with His people.

3. 1 Kings 6:20-22 : "The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high. He overlaid it with pure gold and also overlaid the cedar altar. So Solomon overlaid the inside of the temple with pure gold, and he extended gold chains across the front of the inner sanctuary, which was overlaid with gold." In Solomon's Temple, the use of gold overlay was extensive, highlighting the temple as a place of immense holiness and the glory of God.

Symbolism and Significance:

The act of overlaying sacred objects with gold or other precious materials in the Bible carries deep symbolic meaning. Gold, being a metal that does not tarnish, represents the incorruptible and eternal nature of God. The overlaying process signifies the transformation of the ordinary into the extraordinary, setting apart the objects for divine purposes. This practice underscores the reverence and honor due to God, as well as the beauty and majesty of His presence.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the use of overlaying in the construction of the tabernacle and temple reflects the biblical theme of sanctification. Just as the objects were covered and set apart for holy use, believers are called to be sanctified, set apart for God's purposes. The overlaying with gold can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the New Covenant, where believers are covered by the righteousness of Christ, making them acceptable in the sight of God.

In summary, "overlayeth" in the Bible is more than a mere construction technique; it is a profound expression of worship, reverence, and the transformative power of God's presence among His people.Overlayeth (19 Occurrences)

Exodus 36:34
and the boards he hath overlaid with gold, and their rings he hath made of gold, places for bars, and he overlayeth the bars with gold.
(YLT)

Exodus 36:36
and he maketh for it four pillars of shittim 'wood', and overlayeth them with gold; their pegs 'are' of gold; and he casteth for them four sockets of silver.
(YLT)

Exodus 37:2
and he overlayeth it with pure gold within and without, and maketh for it a wreath of gold round about;
(YLT)

Exodus 37:4
and he maketh staves of shittim wood, and overlayeth them with gold,
(YLT)

Exodus 37:11
and overlayeth it with pure gold, and maketh for it a wreath of gold round about.
(YLT)

Exodus 37:15
And he maketh the staves of shittim wood, and overlayeth them with gold, to bear the table;
(YLT)

Exodus 37:26
and he overlayeth it with pure gold, its top and its sides round about, and its horns; and he maketh for it a wreath of gold round about;
(YLT)

Exodus 37:28
And he maketh the staves of shittim wood, and overlayeth them with gold;
(YLT)

Exodus 38:2
and he maketh its horns on its four corners; its horns have been of the same; and he overlayeth it with brass;
(YLT)

Exodus 38:6
and he maketh the staves of shittim wood, and overlayeth them with brass;
(YLT)

1 Kings 6:20
And before the oracle 'is' twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits 'is' its height; and he overlayeth it with gold refined, and overlayeth the altar with cedar.
(YLT)

1 Kings 6:21
And Solomon overlayeth the house within with gold refined, and causeth 'it' to pass over in chains of gold before the oracle, and overlayeth it with gold.
(YLT)

1 Kings 6:28
and he overlayeth the cherubs with gold,
(YLT)

1 Kings 10:18
And the king maketh a great throne of ivory, and overlayeth it with refined gold;
(YLT)

2 Chronicles 3:4
As to the porch that 'is' on the front, the length 'is' by the front of the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the height a hundred and twenty, and he overlayeth it within with pure gold.
(YLT)

2 Chronicles 3:6
and he overlayeth the house with precious stone for beauty, and the gold 'is' gold of Parvaim,
(YLT)

2 Chronicles 3:10
And he maketh in the most holy house two cherubs, image work, and he overlayeth them with gold;
(YLT)

2 Chronicles 9:17
And the king maketh a great throne of ivory, and overlayeth it with pure gold;
(YLT)

Isaiah 40:19
The image, a workman hath cast 'it', and the goldsmith overlayeth it with gold, and casteth 'for it' silver chains.
(ASV)

Overlayeth (19 Occurrences)
...Overlayeth (19 Occurrences). ... (YLT). Exodus 37:2 and he overlayeth it with pure gold
within and without, and maketh for it a wreath of gold round about; (YLT). ...
/o/overlayeth.htm - 11k

Refined (26 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 6:20 And before the oracle 'is' twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits
in breadth, and twenty cubits 'is' its height; and he overlayeth it with ...
/r/refined.htm - 14k

Wreath (21 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Exodus 37:2 and he overlayeth it with pure gold within and without,
and maketh for it a wreath of gold round about; (YLT). ...
/w/wreath.htm - 12k

Maketh (399 Occurrences)
... Exodus 36:36 and he maketh for it four pillars of shittim 'wood', and overlayeth
them with gold; their pegs 'are' of gold; and he casteth for them four sockets ...
/m/maketh.htm - 34k

Cherubs (52 Occurrences)
... the house, coming wing against wing; (YLT). 1 Kings 6:28 and he overlayeth
the cherubs with gold, (YLT). 1 Kings 6:29 and all the ...
/c/cherubs.htm - 22k

Overlay (15 Occurrences)

/o/overlay.htm - 11k

Causeth (209 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 6:21 And Solomon overlayeth the house within with gold refined, and causeth
'it' to pass over in chains of gold before the oracle, and overlayeth it ...
/c/causeth.htm - 38k

Overlaying (4 Occurrences)

/o/overlaying.htm - 8k

Perchance (5 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 40:19 The image, a workman hath cast it , and the goldsmith overlayeth
it with gold, and casteth for it'silver chains. (See JPS). ...
/p/perchance.htm - 7k

Pegs (22 Occurrences)
... Exodus 36:36 and he maketh for it four pillars of shittim 'wood', and overlayeth
them with gold; their pegs 'are' of gold; and he casteth for them four sockets ...
/p/pegs.htm - 12k

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