The Original Question was:
Why is it recorded in Genesis that Adam and Eve sewed together fig leaves for a loin cloth after the fall. Who gave them the materials, tools and knowledge to construct these items when they were not around after the fall?
Answer by Diane Eager and John Mackay
To answer this question it is best start with what Genesis tells us they actually made. Here are various translations of the relevant passage, Genesis 3:7:
KJV: And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
NIV: Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
NKJV: Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.
Footnote: Genesis 3:7 girding coverings
ESV: Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.
NASB: Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves waist coverings.
Note the common theme is they made a garment that was wrapped around their waist and hung down to form a modest covering. The term “loincloth” refers to where the garment is worn without specifying what it was made from. This is confirmed by checking the original Hebrew word, ḥăḡôr, which can mean covering, girdle or apron. Overall, we can see that Genesis is telling us what kind of garment it was, and where it was worn, but there is nothing to indicate it was made of woven cloth or sewn using a metal needle and spun thread.
In fact, we are told the garments were made of fig leaves. So, we need to ask would it be possible to sew together fig leaves to make a garment that would fit around the waist and hang down forming an apron-like covering?
Fig leaves are quite large and it would be possible to make such a garment by sewing together the leaf bases and wrapping this around the waist and securing with a knot. This would not need a metal needle or thread made from spun cotton or silk. Any strong thin plant fibre, such as fine tendrils from a vine, would serve the purpose for thread. A sliver of stiff plant material could be used to make holes in the leaf bases sufficient to thread the plant fibres through.
As to where they got the knowledge from – we need to remember that Adam and Eve had the best brains God ever made, so it would not have been difficult for them to work it out for themselves. They would have considered their need, looked at the resources around them, and put them to use. As they lived in a garden filled with trees, there were plenty of large leaves and plant fibres. Fig leaves are a good choice as they are large and pliable.
If God had not intervened and given them clothing made of animal skins, they could have gone on renewing their fig leaf garments on a regular basis. However, God did intervene and taught them that such plant leaf garments were not a suitable covering for sinners. God had warned them that the penalty for sin was death. In His mercy He provided garments of animal skins, not because they were more durable or warmer, but because they involved the death and the shedding of blood of an innocent creature. This act of judgement and grace was the first sacrifice for sin, in anticipation that God Himself would provide the ultimate sacrifice for sin when Jesus came to earth, shed His blood and died on the cross, and rose from the dead.
This does not mean we have to wear clothes made from animal skins. When God set up the system of sacrifices in the Old Testament, the priests’ garments were made of plant fibres – fine linen is made from flax fibres. Furthermore. the animals the priests sacrificed only brought them temporary atonement for sin until Jesus came. However, the fact that we wear clothes is a constant reminder we are sinners in need of a Saviour. It is also why people in rebellion against the Creator promote public nakedness.
Meanwhile, in this fallen world garments made from animal skins are a practical option in cold climates or where strength and durability are needed, e.g. protective clothes for tradesmen. Otherwise, we are free to use whatever resources we have to clothe ourselves for protection, comfort and to maintain modesty.
Related question:
DEATH: Did God really kill animals to clothe Adam and Eve, or did He create new skins for this purpose? Answer here.
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