1192. derma

Lexical Summary

derma: Skin, hide

Original Word: δέρμα
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: derma
Pronunciation: DER-mah
Phonetic Spelling: (der'-mah)
KJV: skin
Word Origin: [from G1194 (δέρω - beat)]

1. a hide

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

skin.

From dero; a hide -- skin.

see GREEK dero

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from deró
Definition
the skin
NASB Translation
goatskins* (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1192: δέρμα

δέρμα, 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).
2. Willingness to be reproached together with Christ (Hebrews 13:13).
3. Hope in the “better resurrection” (Hebrews 11:35).

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.
2. Prophetic Witness. Prophets often adopted rugged attire to confront a complacent populace (Zechariah 13:4). δέρμα thus speaks of truth-tellers unconcerned with status.
3. Sacrifice and Martyrdom. The faithful in Hebrews 11 exemplify Romans 12:1: presenting their bodies as living sacrifices. Hides on their bodies hint at lives laid down for a higher glory.

Ministry Significance Today

• Contentment. Leaders learn that gospel service may require foregoing material ease (1 Timothy 6:6-8).
• Solidarity with the Persecuted. δέρμασιν calls churches to remember prisoners “as if bound with them” (Hebrews 13:3).
• Prophetic Simplicity. Modern ministry benefits from visible authenticity that contrasts with worldly opulence.
• Hope beyond Loss. By recalling saints in skins, believers are equipped to face opposition with joyful confidence (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

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 dérmasin

Englishman's Concordance

Hebrews 11:37 N-DNP
GRK: ἐν αἰγείοις δέρμασιν ὑστερούμενοι θλιβόμενοι
INT: in goats' skins being destitute being oppressed

Strong's Greek 1192
1 Occurrence

δέρμασιν — 1 Occ.