Leather, often referred to as "hide" in biblical contexts, is a material made from the tanned skins of animals. It holds significant historical and cultural importance in the biblical narrative, serving various practical and symbolic purposes throughout Scripture.

Biblical References and Uses

1. Garments and Clothing: Leather was commonly used for clothing and accessories. In Genesis 3:21, after the fall of man, "The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them." This passage suggests the use of animal hides, possibly indicating the first instance of leatherwork in the Bible.

2. Tents and Dwellings: Leather was also used in the construction of tents, which were essential for the nomadic lifestyle of the patriarchs. The Israelites, during their wilderness wanderings, utilized animal skins for their temporary dwellings. While the Bible does not explicitly mention leather tents, the use of durable materials like hides would have been practical.

3. Scrolls and Writing: Leather was a common material for writing surfaces in ancient times. Although the Bible does not specifically mention leather scrolls, historical evidence suggests that many biblical texts were originally written on leather parchments. This durable material helped preserve sacred writings over centuries.

4. Footwear and Belts: Leather was used for making sandals and belts, essential items for daily life in biblical times. In Mark 1:6, John the Baptist is described as wearing "a leather belt around his waist," highlighting the material's common use in personal attire.

5. Symbolism and Sacrifice: Leather, derived from animal hides, is closely associated with sacrifice and atonement. The use of animal skins for clothing in Genesis 3:21 can be seen as a foreshadowing of the sacrificial system, where the shedding of blood was necessary for the covering of sin.

Cultural and Theological Significance

Leather's durability and versatility made it a valuable resource in biblical times. Its use in clothing, shelter, and writing underscores its practical importance. Theologically, leather's connection to sacrifice and atonement reflects deeper spiritual truths about sin, redemption, and God's provision for humanity.

In the broader biblical narrative, leather serves as a reminder of humanity's dependence on God's creation for sustenance and survival. It also points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose atoning death provides the true covering for sin, fulfilling the symbolic role that leather garments played in the Old Testament.

Conclusion

Leather, or "hide," is a material deeply woven into the fabric of biblical history. Its presence in Scripture highlights both its practical applications and its symbolic meanings, offering insights into the daily lives and spiritual journeys of God's people. Through its various uses, leather reflects the themes of provision, sacrifice, and redemption that are central to the biblical message.Leviticus 8:17
But the bullock, and his hide, his flesh, and his dung, he burnt with fire without the camp; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Nave's Topical Index

1193. dermatinos -- made of skin, leathern
... Word Origin from derma Definition made of skin, leathern NASB Word Usage leather
(2). leathern, of a skin. From derma; made of hide -- leathern, of a skin. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1193.htm - 6k5785. or -- a skin
... hide, leather, skin. From uwr; skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather --
hide, leather, skin. see HEBREW uwr. 5784, 5785. or. 5786 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/5785.htm - 6k

Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and ...
... They were probably so called because they were designed to aid the wearer in ... These
were enclosed in a leather case and were fastened to the forehead and left ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cx jesus last public discourse.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... They shall be called the children of God', that is, they shall be accounted and ... If
he would put his stamp upon brass or leather, it would go as current as ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

David the Shepherd Youth.
... Jesse then called forward the third, who also walked past the old prophet with head ...
and soon they saw David, with his tunic pulled through his leather belt so ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

The Gospel According to --You.
... This Bible I have here is bound in"I think it is called sealskin. I tried ...
this. The best binding for the Gospel is shoe-leather. The ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/the gospel according toyou.htm

The People among whom we Labour (Continued).
... We have a large community called Chumars, "leather-people" as the word means,
though many of them have nothing to do with leather. ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xxix the people among.htm

Elijah and the Widow's Son.
... rough tunic girdled with a broad belt of leather, and thick ... received a message from
God to go and hide in the ... to kindle her fire, and the prophet called to her ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/elijah and the widows son.htm

The Original Text and Its History.
... called the greater (found only in Rabbinical Bibles), and a briefer, called the
less ... Hebrew manuscript, on the contrary, is a Pentateuch roll on leather, now at ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xiv the original text.htm

Faith
... The Spirit's working faith is called, The exceeding greatness of God's power.'
Ephesians 1:19 ... pass for current; if he would put his stamp upon leather, as well ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 faith.htm

A Savage Duel.
... The scourging was with bunches of leather strips with jagged pieces of bone and
lead fastened in the ends. ... The whole band of soldiers is called. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/a savage duel.htm

On Sin and Its Kinds
... of, and which is the cause of all our other sins, is called our predominant ... most
of it is taken from the lower animals"wool from the sheep, leather from the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 6 on sin and.htm

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