Leather
Summary
Animal skins processed by tanning, used for various purposes including clothing, containers, and writing materials.
☩Biblical References
The word 'leather' appears specifically in reference to Elijah's girdle ('a hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather,' 2 Kings 1:8) and John the Baptist's belt (Matthew 3:4; Mark 1:6). The same Hebrew word is often translated 'skin.' God made garments of skin for Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21), and numerous articles were made from leather: shoes, bottles, thongs, garments, ropes, and writing materials.
☩Tanning
The art of tanning (processing animal hides into leather) was known and practiced, as evidenced by Peter staying with 'Simon a tanner' in Joppa (Acts 9:43; 10:6, 32). Egyptian monuments show that tanning was practiced there, and the Israelites certainly knew the craft. However, tanning was held in low esteem by the Jews, partly because it involved handling dead animals and unclean substances, making tanners ritually impure. Simon's tannery was 'by the sea' (Acts 10:6), likely for both water supply and to locate the malodorous trade away from populated areas.
References
- 1.George Morrish, "Leather," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Leather," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).