Description and usage
Dye was a substance used to color materials, especially textiles. Dyes came from minerals, plants, insects (for example, all those based on the Hebrew root tla‘ were from a small worm), and sea animals (in particular, certain mollusks).
Translation
Translators and commentators differ concerning the exact meaning of the Hebrew word m’adam. Most understand it to mean that the rams’ skins or sheepskins (which it always modifies) have been “dyed red” (GNT, NIV, NJB) or “colored red” (FRCL, PV). However, RSV, CEV, and REB say “tanned” (see Leather).