Genesis 3:21
Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
Genesis 3:21
This verse records a compassionate provision: God makes garments of skins for Adam and Eve and clothes them. It is the first explicit act of animal sacrifice symbolism in Scripture, though the text doesn’t spell out the ritual. The clothing signifies God’s mercy and care even after judgment, pointing toward the need for covering sin. It also introduces the theme of God’s initiative in salvation—the initiative to clothe humanity—rather than leaving them exposed in their shame. The act occurs in the Garden after the Fall, demonstrating that while sin brings consequences, God’s grace remains active and practical.
Theologically, this moment prefigures the atonement. God’s provision of coverings foreshadows the ultimate covering of sin through the blood of Christ (Hebrews 9-10). It shows that God’s justice and mercy coexist: judgment is real, yet mercy is offered. The verse also reinforces God’s intimate care for human beings, even in their fallen state, and serves as a template for how humans ought to respond with compassion to others who are vulnerable or ashamed.
Practically, consider how you respond to others’ shame or vulnerability. Do you offer coverings of grace—kind words, accountability, or practical help—when someone feels exposed by their struggles? In households, this could translate to creating spaces where family members can admit mistakes without fear of rejection. Churches and communities can model garments of mercy by providing resources for healing, counseling, and reconciliation. The verse invites believers to live as agents of God’s restorative provision in everyday life.
Cross-References: Hebrews 9:22; Isaiah 61:10; Galatians 3:27; Romans 3:25