Brief Overview of δερμάτινος (G1193: dermátinos)

Dermátinos (pronounced der-MAH-tee-nos) is a Greek adjective that refers to something made of leather or skin. The word is derived from the noun δέρμα (dérma), which means “skin” or “hide,” and the suffix -ινος (-inos), which is used to form adjectives that describe material or origin. Therefore, δερμάτινος literally means “leathern” or “made of skin.” This word is used to describe objects, particularly garments or other items, that are crafted from animal hides.

Root Word and Part of Speech:

• Root Word: δέρμα (dérma), meaning “skin” or “hide.”
• Part of Speech: Adjective.

Primary Meanings:

• Leathern: The primary meaning of δερμάτινος is “leathern” or “made of leather.” It is used to describe anything that is crafted from animal skin, especially clothing or accessories.

Scripture References

1. Mark 1:6: “Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather (δερμάτινος, dermátinos) belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.”

• Transliteration: dermátinos

1. Matthew 3:4: “Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather (δερμάτινος, dermátinos) belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.”

• Transliteration: dermátinos

These verses describe the attire of John the Baptist, highlighting his simple and rugged lifestyle. The δερμάτινος belt symbolizes his ascetic lifestyle, as leather was commonly used for practical and durable items.

Detailed Description

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BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature) defines δερμάτινος as “leathern,” focusing on its use to describe items made of leather. BDAG notes that the term is often used in the context of clothing or accessories, particularly belts or other garments that were made from animal hides.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon also describes δερμάτινος as “made of leather,” emphasizing its application in the New Testament to describe the leather belt worn by John the Baptist. Thayer’s highlights that leather was a common material for belts and other durable goods in ancient times, particularly in the harsh environments where people like John the Baptist lived.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary supports this understanding, noting that δερμάτινος is used to describe any item made from leather. Vine’s emphasizes that in the New Testament, the term specifically refers to the belt worn by John the Baptist, symbolizing his simplicity and connection to the wilderness.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance provides a concise definition of δερμάτινος as “leathern” or “made of leather,” focusing on its literal meaning and connection to items crafted from animal hides.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Homer’s “Iliad”: While δερμάτινος is not directly used, references to leather armor, belts, and other items made from animal hides are common in Homeric descriptions of warriors and their equipment. The concept of leathern goods would be closely related to the items described in these epic works.
2. Herodotus’ “Histories”: Herodotus describes various uses of leather in different cultures, particularly in the making of belts, shields, and other practical items. The term δερμάτινος would be applicable in these descriptions, highlighting the importance of leather in ancient craftsmanship.
3. Plato’s “Republic”: Plato mentions the use of leather in various contexts, including in clothing and accessories. The use of δερμάτινος would fit within these discussions of practical items made from animal skins.

Summary

Dermátinos (G1193) is a Greek adjective meaning “leathern” or “made of leather,” derived from the noun δέρμα (dérma), which means “skin” or “hide.” The word is used in the New Testament to describe the leather belt worn by John the Baptist, symbolizing his ascetic lifestyle and connection to the wilderness. Dermátinos is closely associated with items made from animal skins, particularly clothing and accessories, which were common in the ancient world for their durability and practicality. Classical Greek literature reflects the widespread use of leather in various contexts, emphasizing its importance in everyday life and its symbolic significance in certain cultural practices.