δέρμα
dérma
G1192 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Skin, the outer covering of humans or animals; specifically, an animal hide (the pelt) as removed from the body, either for use—such as in clothing, containers, or parchments—or as an object. Also, generically, the surface or external layer of something. Contextually, most often refers to animal skin after removal, but can also denote human skin or, rarely, analogous surfaces in metaphoric senses.
Semantic Range
skin (of humans or animals), hide (animal skin after removal for use), pelt, surface layer, animal skin container or garment
Root / Etymology
From the root δερ-, found in the verb δέρω (“to skin, to flay, to beat”); δέρμα is a nominal derivative indicating the object produced by the verbal action—'that which is skinned or flayed,' i.e., the skin or hide.
Historical & Contextual Notes
δέρμα appears in Greek literature to denote both the skin of a living being (human or animal) and, more specifically, the hide of an animal after removal from the carcass. In earlier Greek (Homeric and Classical periods), it commonly refers to animal skins used for practical purposes (clothing, leather goods, tents). In Koine sources, including the Septuagint and New Testament, the term primarily indicates animal hides—frequently those prepared as coverings or containers (e.g., wine skins). In medical and philosophical texts, δέρμα may be used for the skin of living beings or as a technical term for the body's outer layer, sometimes distinguished from other layers (e.g., flesh, muscle). In the Septuagint, δέρμα commonly translates Hebrew עוֹר ('ôr), emphasizing the pelt rather than the living skin. English translations often render δέρμα as 'skin' or 'hide;' however, 'hide' typically refers specifically to the processed animal skin, while 'skin' may be overly generic in some contexts. Related terms: πέραμα (a separate Greek word for 'leather' or 'animal skin'), ἐπιδερμίς (the outermost or surface layer of the skin, especially in medical contexts), and σαρκίον (flesh; distinguished from δέρμα as inner tissue versus covering). In New Testament contexts, δέρμα occurs infrequently, primarily in references to animal skins used as containers (e.g., wineskins). There is continuity in meaning across periods, though the practical associations may vary depending on technological and cultural changes.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from δέρω; a hide:--skin.
Root Family
δέρμα (derma) — skin, hide, pelt, outer covering
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1192-01 |
δέρμασιν | dermasin | N DAT N PL |
with hides | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1192-01 |
Hebrews 11:37 | δέρμασιν | dermasin | N DAT N PL |
with hides |