from עוּר; skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather; hide, leather, skin.
Transliteration:ʻôwr
Pronunciation:ore
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun עוֹר (ʻôwr), Strong's `{{H5785}}`, is derived from the verb עוּר (ʻuwr), though the precise semantic connection is debated, possibly relating to "being bare" or "exposed." Its primary meaning is "skin," referring to the outer covering of a living being, whether human or animal. By extension and implication, it also denotes the "hide" of an animal (after removal) and "leather" (processed hide). The semantic range thus covers the biological integument, the raw material derived from it, and the finished product used for various purposes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻôwr appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, illustrating its diverse applications and significance:
* **Human Skin:** In [[Genesis 3:21]], God makes tunics of skin (ʻôwr) for Adam and Eve, a pivotal act of divine grace covering their nakedness and shame after the Fall. This is often seen as the first instance of sacrifice. The book of Job frequently uses ʻôwr to describe the physical suffering of Job, such as [[Job 2:4]] ("skin for skin!") and [[Job 19:26]] ("And after my skin has been thus destroyed..."). [[Psalm 102:5]] similarly depicts severe emaciation: "My bones cling to my skin." The extensive laws in [[Leviticus 13]] and [[Leviticus 14]] concerning leprosy (or skin diseases) highlight ʻôwr as a key indicator of ritual purity or impurity, requiring careful priestly examination.
* **Animal Hide/Leather:** ʻôwr is frequently used to describe animal hides, often processed into leather for various uses. In the construction of the Tabernacle, ʻôwr refers to the coverings made from ram skins dyed red and porpoise (or dugong) skins ([[Exodus 25:5]], [[Exodus 26:14]], [[Exodus 35:7]]). Priestly regulations stipulate that the priest who offers a burnt offering shall have the skin (ʻôwr) of the burnt offering ([[Leviticus 7:8]]). Articles made of skin were subject to purification rituals ([[Numbers 31:20]]). The prophet Elijah is described as wearing a garment of hair with a leather (ʻôwr) belt ([[2 Kings 1:8]]).
* **Figurative Use:** Beyond literal descriptions, ʻôwr can be used figuratively, as in [[Jeremiah 13:23]]: "Can the Ethiopian change his skin (ʻôwr) or the leopard his spots?" This rhetorical question emphasizes the deeply ingrained nature of human sin and the impossibility of self-transformation without divine intervention.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **עוּר (ʻuwr) `{{H5782}}`**: The verbal root from which ʻôwr is derived, meaning "to be awake," "to stir up." While the etymological link to "skin" is not immediately obvious in English, some scholars suggest a connection to "being exposed" or "bare," which suits the nature of skin as an outer covering.
* **בָּשָׂר (basar) `{{H1320}}`**: "Flesh." Often used in conjunction or contrast with ʻôwr. While ʻôwr refers to the outer covering, בָּשָׂר denotes the underlying substance of the body, or the whole human being in their frailty and mortality.
* **לְבוּשׁ (levush) `{{H3830}}`**: "Garment," "clothing." Directly related in [[Genesis 3:21]] where God provides ʻôwr as לְבוּשׁ (garments).
* **צָרַעַת (tsara'at) `{{H6883}}`**: "Leprosy" or "skin disease." The diagnostic and ritual laws surrounding צָרַעַת in Leviticus are inextricably linked to the appearance and condition of the ʻôwr.
* **Sacrifice/Atonement:** The use of animal skins for covering nakedness in [[Genesis 3:21]] inherently points to the concept of sacrifice, where an animal's life is given to provide a covering. This foreshadows the broader theme of atonement through the shedding of blood.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻôwr is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Divine Grace and Atonement:** The most foundational theological implication of ʻôwr is found in [[Genesis 3:21]]. God's provision of ʻôwr garments for Adam and Eve symbolizes His compassionate grace in covering their sin and shame, which they could not truly hide with their own efforts (fig leaves). This act requires the death of an animal, foreshadowing the necessity of a blood sacrifice for atonement, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.
2. **Purity and Impurity:** In the Mosaic Law, the condition of the ʻôwr (skin) was a visible sign of ritual purity or impurity, particularly in the context of צָרַעַת ([[Leviticus 13-14]]). Skin diseases were not merely physical ailments but could signify a state of defilement requiring separation from the community and ritual cleansing. This highlights the importance of outward appearance as an indicator of inward spiritual state and the need for God-ordained means of purification.
3. **Human Frailty and Mortality:** The references to ʻôwr in the wisdom literature ([[Job]], [[Psalm]]) underscore the vulnerability and transient nature of human existence. The skin, as the outermost layer, is exposed to suffering, disease, and decay, serving as a constant reminder of human mortality and dependence on God.
4. **Identity and Inherent Nature:** [[Jeremiah 13:23]] uses the ʻôwr as a metaphor for an unchangeable, inherent nature. Just as one cannot change their skin color, so too is it impossible for those accustomed to doing evil to change their ways without divine intervention, emphasizing the depth of human depravity and the need for a supernatural transformation.
5. **Sacred Space and Sanctification:** The use of animal skins in the construction of the Tabernacle ([[Exodus 26:14]]) signifies their transformation from mundane animal products into sacred materials. These coverings protected the holy sanctuary, symbolizing the sanctification of materials and human labor for divine purposes, contributing to the purity and distinctiveness of God's dwelling place.
### Summary
H5785 (ʻôwr) is a versatile Hebrew term primarily denoting "skin," extending to "hide" and "leather." Its biblical usage spans literal descriptions of human and animal integuments, practical applications in crafting and temple construction, and profound theological metaphors. The divine provision of skin garments in [[Genesis 3:21]] stands as a foundational act of grace and a prefigurement of atonement. The Levitical laws concerning skin diseases underscore its role in ritual purity, while wisdom literature uses ʻôwr to express human frailty and suffering. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful symbol for the unchangeable nature of sin and the consecration of materials for sacred use. Thus, ʻôwr encapsulates themes of divine provision, human vulnerability, ritual purity, and the transformative power of God's intervention.
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