Tanner
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Tanner in the Bible?
The occupation of tanning involved treating animal skins with substances like alum or tannins to produce durable leather. In first-century Judea, this profession was often viewed with social stigma due to the proximity to dead animals and the potential for ritual defilement. Simon the tanner, a resident of Joppa, hosted the Apostle Peter, providing a setting for significant early Christian events.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the social standing of tanners clarifies the cultural context of Peter's vision in Acts 10, where the breaking of dietary and purity laws is symbolized by the handling of unclean animals, illustrating the expansion of the early church beyond traditional Jewish boundaries.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Tanner in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Tanner clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.