Lexical Summary derma: Skin, hide Original Word: δέρμα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance skin. From dero; a hide -- skin. see GREEK dero NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom deró Definition the skin NASB Translation goatskins* (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1192: δέρμαδέρμα, δέρματος, τό (from δέρω or δείρω, as κέρμα from κείρω), a skin, hide, leather: Hebrews 11:37. (Homer and following.) Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Hebrews 11:37 employs δέρμασιν to describe the faithful who “went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated”. This single New Testament usage situates the word within the roster of saints who endured persecution rather than deny their allegiance to God. Historical and Cultural Background In the Ancient Near East, animal skins functioned as the clothing of the poor, of prophets who embraced austerity, and of fugitives who possessed nothing else. Wearing hides signaled hardship, voluntary simplicity, or prophetic protest. Similar garb appears with Elijah (2 Kings 1:8), John the Baptist (Matthew 3:4), and certain ascetic Jewish sects of the Second Temple era. Thus, Hebrews invokes a well-known cultural image: God’s servants choosing faithfulness over comfort. Connection to the “Hall of Faith” Hebrews 11 catalogs believers who pleased God “through faith” (Hebrews 11:2). The mention of sheepskins and goatskins underscores that some expressions of faith do not culminate in visible triumphs (compare Hebrews 11:33-35) but in endurance amid deprivation (Hebrews 11:35-38). δέρμασιν therefore encapsulates: 1. Voluntary identification with the lowly (Philippians 2:5-8). Theological Reflections on “Skin” Imagery 1. Provision and Covering. Genesis 3:21 records, “And the LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and He clothed them”. God’s first act of grace after the fall prefigures atonement—a covering supplied at the cost of life. Ministry Significance Today • Contentment. Leaders learn that gospel service may require foregoing material ease (1 Timothy 6:6-8). Related Scriptures for Study Genesis 3:21; 2 Kings 1:8; Isaiah 20:2; Zechariah 13:4; Matthew 3:4; Mark 1:6; 2 Corinthians 11:23-27; Hebrews 10:32-34; Hebrews 11:33-40; Hebrews 13:3, 13; Revelation 6:9-11. Summary δέρμασιν in Hebrews 11:37 epitomizes the cost of discipleship. Those wrapped in humble skins remind the Church that faith may strip away earthly comforts while clothing believers with a testimony that endures forever. Forms and Transliterations δέρμα δερμασιν δέρμασιν δέρματα δέρματι δέρματί δέρματος dermasin dérmasinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Hebrews 11:37 N-DNPGRK: ἐν αἰγείοις δέρμασιν ὑστερούμενοι θλιβόμενοι INT: in goats' skins being destitute being oppressed |