Topical Bible: Dress of Skins

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Topical Encyclopedia

The "dress of skins" is a term that refers to the garments made from animal skins, as described in the early chapters of Genesis. This concept is significant in biblical theology and symbolism, representing themes of sin, atonement, and divine provision.

Biblical Account

The first mention of garments made from skins occurs in Genesis 3:21: "And the LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them" . This event takes place after the Fall, when Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Their eyes were opened, and they realized they were naked, prompting them to sew fig leaves together to cover themselves (Genesis 3:7). However, God, in His mercy, provided them with more durable clothing made from animal skins.

Theological Significance

1. Divine Provision and Mercy: The act of God clothing Adam and Eve with skins is seen as an act of divine provision and mercy. Despite their disobedience, God cares for their needs, providing them with garments that offer better protection and durability than the fig leaves they initially used.

2. Symbol of Atonement: The use of animal skins implies the shedding of blood, which many theologians interpret as the first instance of a sacrificial act. This prefigures the sacrificial system later established in the Mosaic Law, where the shedding of blood is necessary for the atonement of sins (Leviticus 17:11). It foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose death on the cross provides the final atonement for humanity's sins.

3. Covering of Sin: The garments of skin symbolize the covering of sin. Adam and Eve's nakedness represents their shame and guilt after the Fall. By clothing them, God covers their shame, pointing to the spiritual covering that would be provided through Christ's righteousness.

4. Humanity's Dependence on God: The provision of clothing underscores humanity's dependence on God for both physical and spiritual needs. It highlights the inadequacy of human efforts (represented by the fig leaves) to address the consequences of sin and the necessity of divine intervention.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, clothing was not only a practical necessity but also a symbol of status and identity. The transition from fig leaves to animal skins marks a shift from human effort to divine provision. Animal skins were likely more durable and suitable for the harsher conditions outside the Garden of Eden, indicating God's foresight and care for humanity's changed circumstances.

Typology and Christological Implications

The dress of skins can be seen as a typological foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work. Just as God provided a covering for Adam and Eve, Christ provides a covering for believers through His righteousness. The shedding of blood for the skins prefigures the sacrificial death of Christ, emphasizing the necessity of a blood sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins.

In summary, the dress of skins in Genesis is a profound symbol of God's mercy, the need for atonement, and the promise of redemption through Jesus Christ. It serves as a reminder of humanity's reliance on God's provision and the hope of restoration through His grace.

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

Library

The Cross and the Winepress.
... Japhet was very old; he wore a long beard, and a dress made of the skins of beasts;
and he looked at the new winepress with evident satisfaction. ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter lv the cross and.htm

The Review of the Troops at Doriscus.
... as marshaled in long array upon the plain, every possible variety of dress and
equipment. ... others wore linen tunics, or rude garments made of the skins of beasts ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter vi the review of.htm

On Clothes.
... base pleasure; wherefore also what is useful in the article of dress is to ... praised,
and the wool, about which many rave, be protected beneath skins, [1538] yet ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi name clothes.htm

Endurance of the World's Censure.
... they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about
in sheep-skins and goat-skins; being destitute ... His very dress is a memento. ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon x endurance of the.htm

Ascetic.
... The primary object of dress is said to be shewn by the words of Genesis, [549] where
God is said to have made Adam and Eve "coats of skins," or, as in the LXX ...
//christianbookshelf.org/basil/basil letters and select works/iii ascetic.htm

Whether it is Lawful for Religious to Wear Coarser Clothes than ...
... says (Heb.11:37): "They wandered about in sheep-skins in goat-skins," and a ... other
deeds whether his behavior is motivated by contempt of excessive dress or by ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful for 17.htm

The Shepherd of Pella
... his shoulders yet childish, his slim brown body half smothered in skins, half bare
as ... moon and the listless effort of coming day, her unmantled dress of silver ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter iii the shepherd of.htm

Introduction. Modesty in Apparel Becoming to Women,
... have desired too gladsome (not to say too ostentatious) a style of dress; so as ... And
do you think about adorning yourself over and above your tunics of skins? ...
/.../on the apparel of women/chapter i introduction modesty in apparel.htm

Chapter ii.
... aggravated by insult and mockery; for some were disguised in the skins of wild ... mock
Circensian entertainment; being a spectator of the whole, in the dress of a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/paley/evidences of christianity/chapter ii.htm

Chapter xii.
... frugal and merely necessary dress, that they may deceive those who are not on their
guard: for those sheep also ought not to lay aside their own skins, if at ...
/.../augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter xii 2.htm