لَهُم مِّن جَهَنَّمَ مِهَادٌ وَمِن فَوْقِهِمْ غَوَاشٍ ۚ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ
39:17.
Important Words:
غواش (coverings) is the plural of غاشیة which is derived from غشی. They say غاشیه i.e. it covered or concealed him; or it overcame or overwhelmed him. غاشیه also means, he came to him. غاشیة (of which غواش is the plural) means, a covering; a calamity or misfortune; punishment; fire of Hell; a man’s resorters such as hangers-on, seekers of favours, servants and dependants; also visitors, guests and friends (Lane).
Commentary:
The word غواش rendered as "coverings" also means "servants", and "dependants". Taking the word in the latter sense, the sentence may mean that disbelievers will have their believing "servants" and "dependants" above them on the Day of Judgement.
39:17.