Skin: Clothes of
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In the biblical narrative, the concept of clothing made from skin is introduced early in the book of Genesis. This topic is significant as it marks a pivotal moment in the relationship between humanity and God, reflecting themes of sin, judgment, and divine provision.

Genesis 3:21
The first mention of clothes made from skin occurs in Genesis 3:21: "The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them" . This event follows the fall of man, where Adam and Eve, having disobeyed God by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, become aware of their nakedness. In response to their newfound shame, God provides them with garments made from animal skins.

This act of God clothing Adam and Eve is rich with theological implications. It signifies God's continued care and provision for humanity even after the fall. The use of animal skins suggests the first instance of death in the biblical narrative, implying a sacrificial element. This can be seen as a foreshadowing of the sacrificial system that would later be established in the Mosaic Law, and ultimately, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the atonement of sin.

Symbolism and Theological Themes
The clothing of Adam and Eve with skins can be interpreted as a symbol of God's grace and mercy. Despite their disobedience, God does not abandon them but instead provides for their immediate physical needs. This act also represents a covering of their sin and shame, pointing to the necessity of atonement and the covering of sin through sacrifice.

In a broader theological context, the garments of skin can be seen as a precursor to the concept of righteousness being imputed to believers. Just as God provided a covering for Adam and Eve, so too does He provide a covering of righteousness for those who are in Christ. This is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are described as being clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:27).

Contrast with Fig Leaves
Prior to God providing garments of skin, Adam and Eve attempted to cover their nakedness with fig leaves (Genesis 3:7). This contrast highlights the insufficiency of human efforts to address sin and shame. The fig leaves, a product of human endeavor, were inadequate, whereas the garments of skin, provided by God, were sufficient. This underscores the biblical theme that human efforts cannot achieve redemption; only God can provide the necessary covering for sin.

Implications for Understanding Sin and Redemption
The narrative of God clothing Adam and Eve with skins serves as an early illustration of the cost of sin and the necessity of divine intervention for redemption. It sets the stage for the unfolding account of salvation history, where God continually provides for His people, ultimately culminating in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

In summary, the clothes of skin in the Bible are more than mere garments; they are a profound symbol of God's provision, the seriousness of sin, and the foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice that would restore humanity's relationship with God.
Nave's Topical Index
Genesis 3:21
To Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek
5509. chiton -- a tunic
... 5509 -- a tunic (under-garment) worn next to the skin. ... kethoneth Definition a tunic
NASB Word Usage clothes (1), coats (1), garment (1), shirt (2), tunic (2 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5509.htm - 7k

2440. himation -- an outer garment, a cloak, robe
... a cloak; the garment worn the 5509 ("the under-garment worn to the skin"). ... garment,
a cloak, robe NASB Word Usage cloak (8), cloaks (1), clothes (1), clothing ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2440.htm - 7k

Library

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... For the he-goat is an evil-smelling animal; and from its skin clothes are made having
a pungent odor; to signify the stench, uncleanness and the sting of sin. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

Of the Perfect Stripping of the Soul which is United to God's Will ...
... self-esteem which is as closely fixed to the spirit as the skin to the ... others think,
and then, the time prefixed by God having expired, he resumed his clothes. ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xvi of the perfect.htm

Letter cxviii. To Julian.
... only reached the point at which you give hide for hide, skin for skin, and are ... once
you stand on the housetop you must think no more of your clothes within; to ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxviii to julian.htm

The Way of Transgressors.
... I must have got the bed-clothes off of me in the night ... From dancing in a warm room,
the pores of your skin were all opened, and the striking of moist chilly air ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/the way of transgressors.htm

The Next Morning, Diamond's Mother Said to his Father...
... Beside the great, red, round barrel, Ruby, all body and no legs, Diamond
looked like a clothes-horse with a skin thrown over it. ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 33 the next morning.htm

The Burial and Assumption of the Blessed virgin
... John laid the grave-clothes reverently on the little table before the place where
the Blessed Virgin used to ... His skin was of a browner color than one sees here ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xix the burial and assumption.htm

Here Followeth the History of Job
... To whom Satan said: Skin for skin, and all that ever a man hath he shall ... to comfort
him, and when they considered his misery they tare their clothes and cast ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here followeth the history of.htm

First Evangelistic Efforts
... us. We wondered about it at the time, but afterwards found that it was
our clothes, and not our skin, that gave rise to it. As we ...
/.../taylor/a retrospect/chapter x first evangelistic efforts.htm

Change not Always Improvement.
... masculine sex by an incredible mutation"bruised within his skin and without ... Certainly,
when first it clothes this wisdom [60] which renounces superstitions ...
/.../tertullian/on the pallium/chapter iv change not always improvement.htm

Dialogue iii. --The Impassible.
... of them were duly fitted together, and how He made sinews and veins and arteries
grow with all the flesh pertaining to them and the skin that clothes them all ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/dialogue iii the impassible.htm

Resources
What does it mean that the Shulammite had dark skin (Song of Solomon 1:6)? | GotQuestions.org

Was Jesus black? | GotQuestions.org

Was Jesus white? | GotQuestions.org

Skin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Skin

Skin Color

Skin for Covering the Tabernacle

Skin: Clothes of

Skin: Diseases of

Related Terms

Skin-disease (2 Occurrences)

Wine-skin (2 Occurrences)

Water-skin (1 Occurrence)

Skin-mark (1 Occurrence)

Skin-bottles (1 Occurrence)

Skin-plates (1 Occurrence)

Infection (24 Occurrences)

Deeper (18 Occurrences)

Knitted (9 Occurrences)

Leprous (27 Occurrences)

Woof (9 Occurrences)

Infectious (19 Occurrences)

Article (17 Occurrences)

Diseased (39 Occurrences)

Itch (11 Occurrences)

Mildew (26 Occurrences)

Warp (9 Occurrences)

Appears (38 Occurrences)

Peel (1 Occurrence)

Pronounced (63 Occurrences)

Examine (48 Occurrences)

Leather (34 Occurrences)

Scall (9 Occurrences)

Bottle (28 Occurrences)

Leper's (14 Occurrences)

Isolate (9 Occurrences)

Isolation (7 Occurrences)

Rash (18 Occurrences)

Examines (12 Occurrences)

Eruption (6 Occurrences)

Pale (16 Occurrences)

Pronounce (47 Occurrences)

Bright (85 Occurrences)

Woven (40 Occurrences)

Spot (42 Occurrences)

Scab (7 Occurrences)

Wineskins (7 Occurrences)

Somewhat (30 Occurrences)

Infected (5 Occurrences)

Faded (12 Occurrences)

Tetter (1 Occurrence)

Examination (10 Occurrences)

Dim (22 Occurrences)

Marks (25 Occurrences)

Scale (38 Occurrences)

Pill

Swelling (14 Occurrences)

Badger (9 Occurrences)

Farther (33 Occurrences)

Sore (156 Occurrences)

Spreading (74 Occurrences)

Offal (6 Occurrences)

Looks (76 Occurrences)

Wine-skins (7 Occurrences)

Woollen (4 Occurrences)

Fretting (6 Occurrences)

Freckled (1 Occurrence)

Reddish (6 Occurrences)

Eczema (3 Occurrences)

Parchment

Body's (3 Occurrences)

Contamination (3 Occurrences)

Camel's (3 Occurrences)

Spots (6 Occurrences)

Spreads (31 Occurrences)

Spreadeth (37 Occurrences)

Seventh (123 Occurrences)

Garment (143 Occurrences)

Increased (165 Occurrences)

Dung (27 Occurrences)

Seems (99 Occurrences)

Plague (142 Occurrences)

Sees (135 Occurrences)

Wool (34 Occurrences)

Leprosy (51 Occurrences)

Disease (213 Occurrences)

Leper (34 Occurrences)

Material (61 Occurrences)

Yellowish (3 Occurrences)

Skin for Covering the Tabernacle
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