Colors are used symbolically throughout the Bible to represent various meanings and themes. Here is an overview of some of the main colors found in the Bible and their significance:
Red
Red is used to represent blood and sacrifice, as well as sin, passion, and anger. Some examples include:
- The red heifer that was sacrificed and its ashes used for purification rites (Numbers 19:1-10). This symbolized the blood sacrifice needed for the atonement of sins.
- The red cord Rahab hung out her window that spared her life when Jericho was attacked (Joshua 2:18-21). This was a symbol of salvation through blood.
- Esau selling his birthright to Jacob for some red stew (Genesis 25:29-34). This represented Esau’s passion overriding wisdom.
- “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18). Scarlet represents the stain of sin.
- The red dragon in Revelation (Revelation 12:3) symbolizing Satan.
Blue
Blue often represents the sky, divine revelation, and heaven. Examples include:
- The Lord instructing Moses and the Israelites to include blue thread in the tassels on their garments as a reminder of God’s commandments (Numbers 15:38-40).
- The sapphire pavement under God’s throne (Exodus 24:10). Sapphire’s blue color points to the heavens.
- “As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord” (Ezekiel 1:28). The rainbow’s blue color reminds us of God’s promises and faithfulness.
Purple
In ancient times, purple dye was expensive and associated with royalty and nobility. Purple in the Bible represents wealth, prominence, and kingship. Examples include:
- Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, who was converted under Paul’s ministry (Acts 16:14). Her trade in expensive purple cloth indicates her wealth.
- Jesus wore a purple robe mockingly placed on him by Roman soldiers (Mark 15:17, John 19:2). The color represented his kingship.
- Purple cloth covering the utensils, altar, and pillars in the tabernacle (Exodus 27:16, 38:18). Purple was a reminder of God’s sovereignty.
Scarlet
Scarlet has similarities to red and purple. It represents sin, sacrifice, wealth, and luxury. Examples include:
- A scarlet cord was used to help capture Jericho (Joshua 2:18, 21). This symbolized redemption through blood.
- Scarlet colored curtains and furnishings in the tabernacle indicated wealth, luxury, and the need for sacrifice (Exodus 25-28).
- The Beast in Revelation is scarlet, indicating wealth, self-indulgence, and evil (Revelation 17:3-4).
White
White often symbolizes purity, righteousness, and innocence. It can also represent victory and joy. Examples include:
- Jesus’ clothes became “white as the light” at his transfiguration (Matthew 17:2). This revealed his divine purity.
- “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7). Hyssop was used in cleansing rituals.
- The Great White Throne Judgment, where God judges the righteous and wicked (Revelation 20:11-15). White represents righteousness and impartiality.
- The white horse in Revelation. Its rider goes out “conquering and to conquer” (Revelation 6:2), representing righteousness triumphant.
Black
Black or darkness often represents sin, evil, death, and despair. Examples include:
- “The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep” (Genesis 1:2). Darkness was over the uncreated world.
- Job describes tragic events saying “my days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and are spent without hope” and “my face is red from weeping, and deep darkness is on my eyelids” (Job 7:6, 16:16).
- Jesus warns about the “outer darkness” where there will be “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:12).
Green
Green represents life, growth, nature, and frailty. Examples include:
- Psalm 23 says the Lord makes me lie down in “green pastures.” The green meadows suggest abundance of life.
- “Man is like grass, and all his glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls off” (1 Peter 1:24). Green grass represents how human life quickly fades.
- In Mark 6:39, the people sat down in groups on the “green grass.” Grass was fragile yet able to support people.
Golden/Yellow
The color gold often represents that which is precious, pure, valuable, and royal. Examples include:
- The lampstand in the tabernacle had gold elements, indicating the preciousness and value of the light (Exodus 25:31-40).
- Heaven’s streets are “pure gold, like transparent glass” (Revelation 21:21). Gold signifies the sanctity and worth of heaven.
- Jesus encourages us to buy “gold refined by fire” (Revelation 3:18). This represents faith purified through trials.
Silver
Like gold, silver represents what is precious, valuable, and pure. But it can also signify redemption and truth. Examples include:
- The sanctuary tax was collected using the silver half-shekel (Exodus 30:11-16). Silver was used as a form of currency and sacrifice.
- Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 silver coins (Matthew 26:14-15). This was the price of redemption for a slave (Exodus 21:32).
- Silver is melted and purified to remove impurities (Proverbs 25:4). God’s words are like purified silver.
Brown
The brown or dusty color of earth can represent what is ordinary, humble, lowly, and aged. Examples include:
- The Sermon on the Mount took place while Jesus sat on the earth (Matthew 5:1). This reflects Jesus’ humble coming.
- Dust returns to the earth as it was (Genesis 3:19, Ecclesiastes 12:7). Our earthly bodies return to dust.
- “For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground” (Isaiah 53:2). Jesus grew from humble beginnings.
Gray
The color gray can represent that which is gloomy, aged, decaying, or dying. Examples include:
- “Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted” (Isaiah 40:30). Strength fades and hair turns gray with age.
- “Remember him – before the silver cord is severed, or the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, or the wheel broken at the well, and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it” (Ecclesiastes 12:6-7). The aging process leads closer to death.
As we can see, colors are frequently used in Scripture to convey symbolic meanings that enrich our understanding. They add depth, emotion, and visual imagery to stories and prophetic visions. Examining the context helps reveal their significance. While not every color has a distinct symbolism, recognizing key colors deepens our reading experience. The varied palettes and hues ultimately point us to God, the master painter of the heavens and earth.