Encyclopedia entry
Leather
A girdle of, worn by Elijah (2 Kings 1:8) and John the Baptist (Matt. 3:4). Leather was employed both for clothing (Num. 31:20; Heb. 11:37) and for writing upon. The trade of a tanner is mentioned (Acts 9:43; 10:6, 32). It was probably learned in Egypt.
Also from Smith's (1884) +−
The notices of leather in the Bible are singularly few; indeed the word occurs but twice in the Authorized Version, and in each instance in reference to the same object, a girdle. (2 Kings 1:8; Matthew 3:4) There are, however, other instances in which the word “leather” might with propriety be substituted for “skin.” (Leviticus 11:32; 13:48; Numbers 31:20) Though the material itself is seldom noticed, yet we cannot doubt that it was extensively used by the Jews; shoes, bottles, thongs, garments, ropes and other articles were made of it. The art of tanning, however, was held in low esteem by the Jews.
In the Bible
30
Verses where Leather is named. Berean Standard Bible (public domain).
- 2 Kings 1:8
“He was a hairy man, ” they answered, “with a leather belt around his waist.” “It was Elijah the Tishbite,” said the king.
- Exodus 25:5
ram skins dyed red and fine leather; acacia wood;
- Exodus 26:14
Also make a covering for the tent out of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of fine leather.
- Exodus 35:7
ram skins dyed red and fine leather; acacia wood;
- Exodus 35:23
Everyone who had blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, or articles of fine leather, brought them.
- Exodus 36:19
Additionally, he made for the tent a covering of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of fine leather.
+24 more verses naming Leather.
Scripture on Leather
17
Voices on Leather
5
Surfaced by name match — accuracy varies by title clarity.
Sources · Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897) · Smith's Bible Dictionary (1884)
Public-domain text. Modernized only where archaic spelling impedes reading; original facts preserved. Verify against an authoritative modern reference before quoting.