גֶּלֶד
𐤂𐤋𐤃
geled
H1539 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
The outer covering of a human body; human skin. The term emphasizes the visible, external, and smooth aspect of the body's surface, as opposed to internal organs or bones. In biblical contexts, it refers specifically to the skin of a living person, not that of an animal or corpse. The word can denote skin as a boundary, or as the aspect of physical wholeness or health.
Semantic Range
skin (human), surface (of the human body), outer flesh
Root / Etymology
Root/etymology uncertain. Traditionally connected with an unused root g-l-d, speculated to mean 'to polish' or 'to make smooth', based on parallels in related Semitic languages (e.g., Arabic jalada, 'to make hard, solid'). However, no clear root is attested in biblical Hebrew.
Historical & Contextual Notes
גֶּלֶד (geled) is a rare term in the Hebrew Bible, occurring only in Job 10:11 and 16:15. It uniquely refers to human skin, in contrast to עוֹר (ʿor), the usual word for skin in both humans and animals. The usage in Job appears in poetic contexts with physiological emphasis, possibly highlighting the vulnerability, integrity, or physical suffering of the speaker. In these passages, גֶּלֶד appears alongside other anatomical terms, contributing to the vivid depiction of the human body in distress. Unlike עוֹר (ʿor), which has extended meanings including animal hide and leather, גֶּלֶד is specific, concrete, and less metaphorically expansive. Standard English translations render it as 'skin,' which fits its referent, but do not always convey its rare or special usage. There is no evidence the word bore any ethnic or cultic nuance; its references are strictly anatomical. Later Hebrew continues to use derivatives for 'crust,' 'scab,' or 'skin,' indicating a narrowing to physical coverings or surfaces.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root probably meaning to polish; the (human) skin (as smooth); skin.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
גלד (g-l-d) — smoothness, polished surface, outer covering
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1539-01 |
גִלְדִּ֑/י | giledi | HNcmsc/Sp1cs |
my skin | my skin | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1539-01 |
Job 16:15 | גִלְדִּ֑/י | giledi | HNcmsc/Sp1cs |
my skin | my skin |