Understanding δέρμα (derma) Strong’s G1192: The Living Covering that Reveals Divine Protection and Human Vulnerability

Pronunciation Guide: DEHR-mah (δέρ-μα)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1192: The Greek noun δέρμα (derma) refers to the skin or hide of an animal, particularly after it has been removed from the body. In biblical contexts, it often denotes animal skins used for clothing, coverings, or shelter. The word emphasizes both the protective function of skin as a covering and its connection to sacrifice and provision.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Noun (Neuter)
• Root Word: Derived from δέρω (derō), meaning “to skin, flay, or remove the hide”
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in narrative contexts, particularly in descriptions of extreme hardship or divine provision
• Semantic Domain: Physical objects, coverings, animal products

δέρμα Morphology:

• δέρμα (nominative singular) – a skin, hide
• δέρματος (genitive singular) – of a skin/hide
• δέρματι (dative singular) – with/by a skin/hide
• δέρμα (accusative singular) – a skin/hide (direct object)
• δέρματα (nominative/accusative plural) – skins/hides

Origin & History

The term δέρμα has ancient origins in classical Greek, where it consistently referred to the skin or hide of animals, particularly after being removed from the body. Homer uses the term in the Iliad (Book 9, line 548) when describing the famed Calydonian boar’s hide as a trophy. Herodotus employs it in his Histories (Book 4, 64) when describing Scythian customs of using human skin from enemies.

In the Septuagint (LXX), δέρμα appears several times, most notably in Exodus and Leviticus regarding animal skins used in tabernacle construction and priestly garments. In Exodus 25:5, it describes the rams’ skins dyed red for the tabernacle covering. This usage creates an important theological connection between covering, protection, and sacred space that carries forward into New Testament thinking. Early Church Father Clement of Alexandria references δέρμα in his Paedagogus (Book 2, Chapter 10) when discussing appropriate Christian clothing, contrasting luxurious garments with the simple animal skins worn by the heroes of faith.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Animal Hide – The skin of an animal after it has been removed, typically for use as material
• Protective Covering – A material used for sheltering, clothing, or preserving
• Symbol of Mortality – In theological contexts, represents the physical body’s vulnerability
• Material for Practical Use – Specifically prepared animal skin used for utilitarian purposes

δέρμα Translation Options:

• Animal skin – Most literal translation, emphasizing the material nature of the covering
• Hide – Emphasizes the processed nature of the skin after removal from an animal
• Leather – More specific translation when context suggests the hide has been prepared or tanned
• Pelt – Appropriate when the fur or hair remains attached to the skin
• Covering – Functional translation focusing on the purpose rather than the material itself

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, δέρμα appears only once, in Hebrews 11:37, where it describes the animal skins worn by persecuted believers who wandered in deserts and mountains. This powerful image connects these faithful followers to the ancient prophets who often wore simple animal skins as a mark of their calling and separation from worldly values (like Elijah in 2 Kings 1:8). The author uses δέρμα deliberately to invoke the imagery of vulnerability, suffering, and rejection by the world.

In the Septuagint, δέρμα appears more frequently, particularly in the Torah regarding tabernacle construction and sacrificial contexts. This creates a rich theological backdrop for understanding the Hebrews reference. The skins that once covered animals now cover God’s people, symbolizing both divine provision and human fragility.

• “They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins [δέρμασιν], in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated.” Hebrews 11:37
• “They shall also make a covering for the tent of rams’ skins [δέρματα] dyed red and a covering of porpoise skins above.” Exodus 26:14 (LXX)
• “As for the skin [δέρμα] of the bull and all its flesh with its head and its legs and its entrails and its refuse…” Leviticus 8:17 (LXX)
• “If a man or a woman has a bright spot on the skin [δέρματι] of the body…” Leviticus 13:38 (LXX)
• “But the skin [δέρμα] of the bull and all its flesh with its head and its legs…” Exodus 29:14 (LXX)

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, animal skins held profound significance beyond mere practical use. Following the Fall in Genesis, God Himself provided the first animal skin garments for Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21), replacing their inadequate fig leaf coverings with something more substantial—a powerful picture of divine provision through sacrifice. This established a pattern: animal skins in Scripture often symbolize both God’s provision and the cost of covering human vulnerability and shame.

For the heroes of faith described in Hebrews 11:37, wearing animal skins (δέρμασιν) would have carried multiple layers of cultural meaning. First, it identified them with prophets like Elijah and John the Baptist, who wore animal skins as visible rejection of worldly comfort and status. Second, in Greco-Roman society, fine woven garments signified civilization and status; those wearing crude animal skins were visibly marked as outsiders. The faithful described in Hebrews literally embodied their theological position—they were sojourners and strangers in this world (Hebrews 11:13), their clothing a visible testimony to their values and priorities.

Theological Significance

The single New Testament appearance of δέρμα in Hebrews 11:37 carries profound theological weight. The faithful wearing animal skins were not merely making a fashion statement but embodying a spiritual reality: they were willing to live as outsiders, embracing discomfort and rejection for the sake of faithfulness to יהוה (Yahweh). Their external coverings reflected an internal reality—these were people who understood that this world was not their home.

This connects powerfully to the broader biblical theme of covering. From Eden to the tabernacle to the cross, the Bible repeatedly shows that proper covering requires sacrifice. The animal skins that covered Adam and Eve’s nakedness, the tabernacle, and later the faithful in their wilderness wanderings all point toward the ultimate covering—the righteousness of the Messiah that covers human sin. This theological trajectory reveals God’s consistent character: He is a God who provides covering for His people at great cost to Himself.

The use of δέρμα in Hebrews also invites believers to consider what truly constitutes wealth and honor. Those wearing animal skins were described as “destitute, afflicted, ill-treated,” yet the text immediately adds that “the world was not worthy of them” (Hebrews 11:38). This profound inversion of values reveals God’s economy, where external poverty often accompanies spiritual riches, and worldly rejection is the mark of divine approval.

Personal Application

When we consider those faithful believers who wandered in δέρμασιν (animal skins), we’re confronted with a challenging question: What comforts and social acceptance might we need to sacrifice for the sake of faithfulness to God? These ancient heroes didn’t merely believe in God—they ordered their entire lives around that belief, accepting material deprivation and social rejection rather than compromising their faith.

In our modern context, few believers will literally wear animal skins, but the principle remains: authentic faith is visible. It affects our choices, priorities, and willingness to embrace discomfort when faithfulness demands it. The animal skins of Hebrews 11 challenge us to examine whether our faith is primarily internal or whether it shapes our external lives in ways that might sometimes mark us as different. The covering God provides through the Messiah Jesus isn’t meant to be hidden but to transform how we live in visible ways—even when that transformation brings challenges or suffering.

Related Words

• δέρω (derō) – to skin, flay, beat severely (pronunciation: DEH-roh) – The root verb from which δέρμα derives, emphasizing the process of removing skin, often with violence. While δέρμα focuses on the product, δέρω highlights the process of obtaining it. See G1194
• δορά (dora) – a skin, hide (pronunciation: doh-RAH) – A closely related term also referring to animal skin, but with slightly more emphasis on the hide as a trophy or valuable possession rather than merely a functional covering. See G1302
• βύρσα (byrsa) – tanned hide, leather (pronunciation: BEER-sah) – Refers specifically to processed or tanned animal skin, emphasizing its preparation for craftsmanship rather than its origin. See G1038
• σκέπασμα (skepasma) – covering, shelter (pronunciation: SKEH-paz-mah) – A broader term for coverings of any kind, including but not limited to animal skins, emphasizing the protective function rather than the material. See G4629
• χιτών (chitōn) – tunic, undergarment (pronunciation: khi-TONE) – A common garment in biblical times that might sometimes be made from processed animal skins, representing the practical application of animal hides in daily clothing. See G5509

Did you Know?

• Did you know that our modern medical term “dermatology” derives directly from the Greek δέρμα? This linguistic connection reminds us that the study of skin conditions has ancient roots. The biblical understanding of skin as a boundary between the internal and external world parallels modern medical understanding of skin as both protective barrier and indicator of internal health. When Scripture speaks of those wearing animal skins (δέρμασιν), it’s using terminology that would eventually form the foundation of an entire medical discipline.
• Did you know that in ancient Jewish practice, the writing of Torah scrolls required specially prepared animal skins known as “gevil” or “klaf”? While the New Testament uses δέρμα in reference to clothing, the cultural background includes the understanding that properly prepared animal skins were considered the only appropriate material for recording the sacred text. This reflects the Jewish understanding that God’s Word deserves the highest quality materials, connecting the concept of covering (skin) with the preservation of divine revelation.
• Did you know that the single New Testament use of δέρμα in Hebrews 11:37 creates a striking contrast with the elaborate priestly garments described in Exodus? The high priest wore garments of glory and beauty, including gold, fine linen, and precious stones. Those faithful believers in animal skins represent an alternative priesthood of sorts—their simple coverings highlighting that true worth in God’s economy often contrasts sharply with external appearance. This contrast challenges believers in every generation to consider what true spiritual “covering” looks like.

Remember This

The animal skins (δέρμα) worn by the faithful in Hebrews 11 remind us that genuine faith isn’t measured by comfort or acceptance but by willingness to follow God regardless of the cost—sometimes the most spiritually clothed appear the most materially bare.