### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word δέρμα (dérma, `{{G1192}}`) is a noun derived from the verb δέρω (dero, `{{G1194}}`), which means "to flay," "to skin," or "to beat." Consequently, the primary and most direct meaning of δέρμα is "skin" or "hide," specifically referring to the skin of an animal, often after it has been removed or prepared. It denotes the outer covering or integument, typically used as a material for clothing, shelter, or other practical purposes. The semantic range is quite narrow, focusing almost exclusively on this literal sense of an animal's hide.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term δέρμα (dérma, `{{G1192}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Hebrews, within the celebrated "hall of faith" chapter:
* [[Hebrews 11:37]]: "They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented."
In this sole occurrence, δέρμα is found in the plural, δέρμασιν (dermasin), and is explicitly conjoined with "sheepskins" (μηλωταῖς, `{{G3374}}`) and "goatskins" (αἰγείοις δέρμασιν). The context is a powerful enumeration of the sufferings endured by the faithful throughout history, particularly those Old Testament figures who lived by faith despite immense hardship. The mention of "sheepskins and goatskins" immediately evokes images of destitution, nomadic wandering, and a life stripped of comfort and societal standing. These were not garments of honor but crude coverings, signifying extreme poverty and vulnerability. The phrase highlights the severe conditions under which these believers maintained their faith, underscoring their marginalization and the physical trials they faced for their convictions.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Verb:** The foundational connection to δέρω (dero, `{{G1194}}`), "to flay" or "to skin," underscores that δέρμα refers to a hide that has been removed, often implying a violent or sacrificial act.
* **Specific Animal Coverings:** μηλωτή (mēlōtē, `{{G3374}}`), meaning "sheepskin," is directly linked with δέρμα in [[Hebrews 11:37]], emphasizing the specific type of animal hide.
* **General Terms for Clothing/Covering:** While δέρμα specifies animal hide, broader terms like χιτών (chitōn, `{{G5509}}`, tunic), ἱμάτιον (himatiōn, `{{G2440}}`, cloak), and ἔνδυμα (endyma, `{{G1742}}`, clothing) represent the general concept of attire. The use of δέρμα in [[Hebrews 11:37]] starkly contrasts with more refined garments, highlighting the extreme poverty of those described.
* **Concepts of Suffering and Deprivation:** The word is intimately tied to concepts such as destitution, affliction, persecution, and wilderness wandering, all of which are central themes in the [[Hebrews 11]] narrative.
### Theological Significance
While δέρμα (dérma, `{{G1192}}`) is a concrete, material noun, its singular New Testament appearance carries significant theological weight through its context. In [[Hebrews 11:37]], it serves as a powerful symbol of the extreme suffering and self-denial embraced by those who lived by faith. The "sheepskins and goatskins" are not merely descriptive details; they embody a radical detachment from worldly comforts and a profound reliance on God alone. This imagery resonates with the broader biblical narrative of prophets and faithful individuals who often lived on the margins of society, enduring hardship as a testament to their unwavering commitment to God's will.
The use of animal skins also subtly echoes earlier biblical themes, such as God providing skins for Adam and Eve after their sin ([[Genesis 3:21]]), signifying a covering provided through sacrifice and a change in their state. In [[Hebrews 11:37]], the skins represent a different kind of covering—one of humility and endurance for those who, through faith, have lost worldly comforts but gained spiritual fortitude. The passage implicitly contrasts the transient nature of material coverings with the enduring substance of faith, which empowers believers to persevere through the most severe trials. It underscores that true faith may lead to external deprivation but results in internal spiritual enrichment and a greater testimony to God's faithfulness.
### Summary
The Greek word δέρμα (dérma, `{{G1192}}`) denotes an animal "skin" or "hide," stemming from the verb "to flay." Its sole appearance in the New Testament, in [[Hebrews 11:37]], is profoundly evocative. Here, "sheepskins and goatskins" function as a poignant symbol of the extreme destitution, persecution, and nomadic existence endured by those who lived by faith. Far from being mere articles of clothing, these crude coverings underscore the severe vulnerability and hardship that God's people have historically faced, highlighting their unwavering reliance on divine strength amidst worldly deprivation. The word, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of discipleship and the enduring nature of faith in the face of profound adversity.
TRV