Topical Encyclopedia
In the Bible, colors hold significant symbolic meanings and are often used to convey spiritual truths, divine attributes, and moral lessons. The use of colors in Scripture is not merely decorative but serves to enhance the narrative and deepen the theological message.
White: White is frequently associated with purity, holiness, and righteousness. In
Revelation 7:9, the multitude standing before the throne is described as wearing white robes, symbolizing their purity and victory through the Lamb. Similarly, in
Isaiah 1:18, the Lord invites, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow," indicating the cleansing power of God's forgiveness.
Red: Red often symbolizes blood, sacrifice, and atonement. The red heifer in
Numbers 19:2-6 is used for purification rites, pointing to the sacrificial system. In the New Testament, red is associated with the blood of Christ, as seen in
1 Peter 1:18-19, where believers are redeemed "with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot."
Blue: Blue is a color that represents the divine, heavenly, and the law. In
Exodus 24:10, the pavement under God's feet is described as being like sapphire stone, a deep blue, signifying His heavenly throne. The Israelites were instructed to include a blue cord in the tassels of their garments (
Numbers 15:38-39) to remind them of God's commandments.
Purple: Purple is a color of royalty, wealth, and power. In
Judges 8:26, the Midianite kings' garments are described as purple, indicating their royal status. In the New Testament, Jesus is mockingly dressed in a purple robe by the Roman soldiers (
Mark 15:17), highlighting His kingship even in the midst of suffering.
Scarlet: Scarlet is often associated with sin and judgment, as well as wealth and luxury. In
Isaiah 1:18, scarlet represents sin, contrasting with the purity of white. In
Revelation 17:4, the woman clothed in purple and scarlet represents opulence and corruption.
Green: Green symbolizes life, growth, and renewal.
Psalm 23:2 speaks of God leading His people beside "green pastures," indicating provision and rest. In
Revelation 9:4, the locusts are instructed not to harm the grass of the earth or any green plant, signifying the preservation of life amidst judgment.
Black: Black is often associated with mourning, famine, and judgment. In
Lamentations 4:8, the appearance of those suffering is described as "blacker than soot," reflecting the severity of their plight. In
Revelation 6:5, the rider on the black horse represents famine, a time of scarcity and hardship.
Gold: Gold is a symbol of divinity, purity, and kingship. The Ark of the Covenant and many items in the Tabernacle were overlaid with gold (
Exodus 25:10-11), signifying God's holiness and glory. In
Revelation 21:18, the New Jerusalem is described as being made of pure gold, reflecting the divine nature of the eternal city.
Throughout Scripture, colors are used to communicate deeper spiritual realities and truths. They serve as visual reminders of God's character, His promises, and the moral and spiritual lessons He imparts to His people.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
ColorsThe terms relative to color, occurring in the Bible, may be arranged in two classes, the first including those applied to the description of natural objects, the second those artificial mixtures which were employed in dyeing or painting. Thepurple and theblue were derived from a small shellfish found in the Mediterranean, and were very costly, and hence they were the royal colors.Red , both scarlet and crimson, was derived from an insect resembling the cochineal. The natural colors noticed in the Bible are white, black, red, yellow and green. The only fundamental color of which the Hebrews appear to have had a clear conception wasred ; and even this is not very often noticed.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
COLOR; COLORSkul'-er, kul'-erz: The word translated "color" in the King James Version is `ayin, which literally means "eye" or "appearance," and has been so translated in the Revised Version (British and American). In the New Testament the Greek prophasis, has the meaning of pretense or show (Acts 27:30; compareRevelation 17:4 the King James Version). The references to Joseph's coat of many colors (Genesis 37:3, 13, 12) and "garments of divers colors" (2 Samuel 13:18, 19) probably do not mean the color of the garment at all, but the form, as suggested in the American Revised Version, margin, "a long garment with sleeves." InJudges 5:30 the word for "dip" or "dye" appears in the original and has been so translated in the American Standard Revised Version. (see DYE). In1 Chronicles 29:2 riqmah, meaning "variegated," hence, "varicolored," is found. InIsaiah 54:11, pukh is used. This name was applied to the sulfide of antimony (Arabic kochl) used for painting the eyes. Hence, the American Revised Version, margin rendering "antimony" instead of "fair colors" (see PAINT). InEzekiel 16:16 Tala', is found, meaning "covered with pieces" or "spotted," hence, by implication "divers colors."
Although the ancient Hebrews had no specific words for "color," "paint" or "painter," still, as we know, they constantly met with displays of the art of coloring among the Babylonians (Ezekiel 23:14) and Egyptians and the inhabitants of Palestine Pottery, glazed bricks, glassware, tomb walls, sarcophagi, wood and fabrics were submitted to the skill of the colorist. This skill probably consisted in bringing out striking effects by the use of a few primary colors, rather than in any attempt at the blending of shades which characterizes modern coloring. That the gaudy show of their heathen neighbors attracted the children of Israel is shown by such passages asJudges 8:27Ezekiel 23:12, 16.
Two reasons may be given for the indefiniteness of many of the Biblical references to color.
(1) The origin of the Hebrew people: They had been wandering tribes or slaves with no occasion to develop a color language.
(2) Their religious laws: These forbade expression in color or form (Exodus 20:4). Yielding to the attractions of gorgeous display was discouraged by such prophets as Ezekiel, who had sickened of the abominations of the Chaldeans (Ezekiel 23:14, 15, 16); "And I said unto them, Cast ye away every man the abominations of his eyes" (Ezekiel 20:7).
Indefiniteness of color language is common to oriental literature, ancient and modern. This does not indicate a want of appreciation of color but a failure to analyze and define color effects. The inhabitants of Syria and Palestine today delight in brilliant colors. Bright yellow, crimson, magenta and green are used for adornment with no evident sense of fitness, according to the foreigners' eyes, other than their correspondence with the glaring brightness of the eastern skies. A soapmaker once told the writer that in order to make his wares attractive to the Arabs he colored them a brilliant crimson or yellow. A peasant chooses without hesitation a flaring magenta or yellow or green zun-nar (girdle), rather than one of somber hues. The oriental student in the chemical or physical laboratory often finds his inability to distinguish or classify color a real obstacle. His closest definition of a color is usually "lightish" or "darkish." This is not due to color blindness but to a lack of education, and extends to lines other than color distinctions. The colloquial language of Palestine today is poor in words denoting color, and an attempt to secure from a native a satisfactory description of some simple color scheme is usually disappointing. The harmonious color effects which have come to us from the Orient have been, in the past, more the result of accident (see DYE) than of deliberate purpose, as witness the clashing of colors where modern artificial dyes have been introduced.
This inability of the peoples of Bible lands to define colors is an inheritance from past ages, a consideration which helps us to appreciate the vagueness of many of the Biblical references.
The following color words occur in the King James Version or Revised Version:
(1) bay,
(2) black,
(3) blue,
(4) brown,
(5) crimson,
(6) green,
(7) grey,
(8) hoar,
(9) purple,
(10) red,
(11) scarlet,
(12) sorrel,
(13) vermilion,
(14) white,
(15) yellow.
In addition there are indefinite words indicating mixtures of light and dark:
(a) grisled (grizzled),
(b) ringstraked (ringstreaked),
(c) speckled,
(d) spotted.
(1) Bay or Red:
Bay or red is more properly translated "strong" in the Revised Version (British and American).
(2) Black (Blackish):
Eight different words have been translated "black." They indicate various meanings such as "dusky like the early dawn," "ashen," "swarthy," "moved with passion." Black is applied to hair (Leviticus 13:31Songs 5:11Matthew 5:36); to marble or pavement (Esther 1:6); to mourning (Job 30:28, 30Jeremiah 14:2); to passion (Jeremiah 8:21 the King James Version;Lamentations 5:10); to horses (Zechariah 6:2, 6Revelation 6:5); to the heavens (1 Kings 18:45Job 3:5Proverbs 7:9 the King James Version;Jeremiah 4:28Micah 3:6); to the sun (Revelation 6:12); to the skin (racial) (Songs 1:5, 6); to flocks (Genesis 30:32, 33, 15, 40); to brooks because of ice (Job 6:16).
(3) Blue:
Blue (tekheleth, a color from the cerulean mussel): This word was applied only to fabrics dyed with a special blue dye obtained from a shellfish. SeeDYE. shesh in one passage of the King James Version is translated "blue" (Esther 1:6). It is properly translated in the Revised Version (British and American) "white cloth." "Blueness of a wound" (Proverbs 20:30) is correctly rendered in the Revised Version (British and American) "stripes that wound." Blue is applied to the fringes, veil, vestments, embroideries, etc., in the description of the ark and tabernacle (Exodus 25Numbers 4:6;Numbers 15:38); to workers in blue (2 Chronicles 2:7, 14;2 Chronicles 3:14); to palace adornments (Esther 1:6); to royal apparel (Esther 8:15Jeremiah 10:9Ezekiel 23:6;Ezekiel 27:7, 24).
(4) Brown:
The Hebrew word meaning "sunburnt" or "swarthy" is translated "black" in the Revised Version (British and American) (Genesis 30:32).
(5) Crimson:
Crimson (karmil): This word is probably of Persian origin and applies to the brilliant dye obtained from a bug. A second word tola`ath, is also found. Its meaning is the same. SeeDYE. Crimson is applied to raiment (2 Chronicles 2:7, 14;2 Chronicles 3:14Jeremiah 4:30 the King James Version); to sins (Isaiah 1:18).
(6) Green (Greenish):
This word in the translation refers almost without exception to vegetation. The Hebrew yaraq, literally, "pale," is considered one of the three definite color words used in the Old Testament (see WHITE; RED). The Greek equivalent is chloros; compare English "chlorine." This word occurs in the following vs:Genesis 1:30;Genesis 9:3Exodus 10:15Leviticus 2:14 (the King James Version); 23:14 (the King James Version);2 Kings 19:26Psalm 37:2Isaiah 15:6;Isaiah 37:27Job 39:8; chloros,Mark 6:39Revelation 8:7;Revelation 9:4. ra`anan, closely allied in meaning to yaraq, is used to describe trees in the following passages:Deuteronomy 12:21 Kings 14:23;2 Kings 16:4;2 Kings 17:10;2 Kings 19:262 Chronicles 28:4;Job 15:32Psalm 37:35;Psalm 52:8Songs 1:16Isaiah 57:5Jeremiah 2:20;Jeremiah 3:6;Jeremiah 11:16;Jeremiah 17:2, 8;Ezekiel 6:13Hosea 14:8. In the remaining verses the Hebrew equivalents do not denote color, but the condition of being full of sap, fresh or unripe (compare similar uses in English) (Genesis 30:37 (the King James Version);Judges 16:7, 8Psalm 23:2Songs 2:13Job 8:16Ezekiel 17:24;Ezekiel 20:47;Luke 23:31). InEsther 1:6 the Hebrew word refers to a fiber, probably cotton, as is indicated by the American Revised Version, margin. Greenish is used to describe leprous spots inLeviticus 13:49;Leviticus 14:37. The same word is translated "yellow" inPsalm 68:13.
(7) Gray:
The Hebrew sebhah, means old age, hence, refers also to the color of the hair in old age (Genesis 42:38;Genesis 44:29;Genesis 44:31Deuteronomy 32:25Psalm 71:18Hosea 7:9). See Hoar, next paragraph.
(8) Hoar (Hoary):
The same word which in other verses is translated "gray" is rendered "hoar" or "hoary," applying to the hair in1 Kings 2:6, 9Isaiah 46:4Leviticus 19:32Job 41:32Proverbs 16:31. Another Hebrew word is translated "hoar" or "hoary," describing "frost" inExodus 16:14Job 38:29Psalm 147:16.
(9) Purple:
The Hebrew equivalent is 'argaman; Greek porphura. The latter word refers to the source of the dye, namely, a shell-fish found on the shores of the Mediterranean. SeeDYE. This color, which varied widely according to the kind of shellfish used and the method of dyeing, was utilized in connection with the adornment of the tabernacle (Exodus 25;Exodus 26;Exodus 26 27; 28; 35; 36; 38; 39Numbers 4:13). There were workers in purple called to assist in beautifying the temple (2 Chronicles 2:7, 14;2 Chronicles 3:14). Purple was much used for royal raiment and furnishings (Judges 8:26Esther 1:6;Esther 8:15Songs 3:10Mark 15:17, 20John 19:2, 5). Purple was typical of gorgeous apparel (Proverbs 31:22Jeremiah 10:9Songs 7:5Ezekiel 27:7, 16;Luke 16:19Acts 16:14Revelation 17:4;Revelation 18:12, 16).
(10) Red:
The Hebrew 'adhom, is from dam, "blood," hence, "bloodlike." This is one of the three distinctive color words mentioned in the Old Testament (see GREEN; WHITE), and is found in most of the references to red. Four other words are used:
(a) chakhlili, probably "darkened" or "clouded" (Genesis 49:12Proverbs 23:29);
(b) chamar, "to ferment" (Psalm 75:8 margin;Isaiah 27:2 the King James Version);
(c) bahaT, probably "to glisten" (Esther 1:6);
(d) purros "firelike" (Matthew 16:2, 3Revelation 6:4;Revelation 12:3). Red is applied to dyed skins (Exodus 25:5;Exodus 26:14;Exodus 35:7, 23; 36:19:00; 39:34); to the color of animals (Numbers 19:2Zechariah 1:8;Zechariah 6:2Revelation 6:4;Revelation 12:3); to the human skin (Genesis 25:25; ruddy,1 Samuel 16:12;1 Samuel 17:42Songs 5:10Lamentations 4:7); to the eyes (Genesis 49:12Proverbs 23:29); to sores (Leviticus 13); to wine (Psalm 75:8 m;Proverbs 23:31Isaiah 27:2 the King James Version); to water (2 Kings 3:22); to pavement (Esther 1:6); to pottage (Genesis 25:30); to apparel (Isaiah 63:2); to the sky (Matthew 16:2, 3); to sins (Isaiah 1:18); to a shield (Nahum 2:3).
(11) Scarlet:
Scarlet and crimson colors were probably from the same source (see CRIMSON; DYE). tola`ath, or derivatives have been translated by both "scarlet" and "crimson" (Greek kokkinos). A Chaldaic word for purple has thrice been translated "scarlet" in the King James Version (Daniel 5:7, 16, 29). Scarlet is applied to fabrics or yarn used
(a) in the equipment of the tabernacle (Exodus 25Numbers 4:8);
(b) in rites in cleansing lepers (Leviticus 14); in ceremony of purification (Numbers 19:6); to royal or gorgeous apparel (2 Samuel 1:24Proverbs 31:21Lamentations 4:5; "purple";Nahum 2:3Matthew 27:28Revelation 17:4;Revelation 18:12, 16); to marking thread (Genesis 38:28, 30Joshua 2:18, 21); to lips (Songs 4:3); to sins (Isaiah 1:18); to (Revelation 17:3); to wool (Hebrews 9:19).
(12) Sorrel:
This word occurs once in the Revised Version (British and American) (Zechariah 1:8).
(13) Vermilion:
This word, shashar, occurs in two passages (Jeremiah 22:14Ezekiel 23:14). Vermilion of modern arts is a sulfide of mercury. It is not at all improbable that the paint referred to was an oxide of iron. This oxide is still taken from the ground in Syria and Palestine and used for decorative outlining.
(14) White:
The principal word for denoting whiteness in the Hebrew was labhan, a distinctive color word. Some of the objects to which it was applied show that it was used as we use the word "white" (Genesis 49:12). Mt. Lebanon was probably named because of its snow-tipped peaks (Jeremiah 18:14). White is applied to goats (Genesis 30:35); to rods (Genesis 30:37); to teeth (Genesis 49:12); to leprous hairs and spots (Leviticus 13Numbers 12:10); to garments (Ecclesiastes 9:8;Ecclesiastes 7:9); as symbol of purity (Daniel 11:35;Daniel 12:10Isaiah 1:18); to horses (Zechariah 1:8;Zechariah 6:3, 1); to tree branches (Joel 1:7); to coriander seed (Exodus 16:31). The corresponding Greek word, leukos, is used in New Testament. It is applied to hair (Matthew 5:36Revelation 1:14); to raiment (Matthew 17:2;Matthew 28:3Mark 9:3;Mark 16:5Luke 9:29John 20:12;Acts 1:10Revelation 3:4, 5, 18;Revelation 6:11;Revelation 7:9, 13, 14; 19:14); to horses (Revelation 6:2;Revelation 19:11, 14); to a throne (Revelation 20:11); to stone (Revelation 2:17); to a cloud (Revelation 14:14). Besides labhan, four other Hebrew words have been translated "white":
(a) chori, or chur, meaning "bleached," applied to bread (Genesis 40:16); to linen (Esther 1:6;Esther 8:15);
(b) tsach, or tsachor, literally, "dazzling," is applied to asses (Judges 5:10); to human appearance (Songs 5:10); to wool (Ezekiel 27:18);
(c) dar, probably mother of pearl or alabaster (Esther 1:6);
(d) rir, literally, "saliva," and, from resemblance, "white of egg" (Job 6:6).
(15) Yellow:
This word occurs inEsther 1:6 to describe pavement; inLeviticus 13 to describe leprous hair; inPsalm 68:13 to describe gold.
Mixtures of colors:
(a) grizzled (grisled), literally, "spotted as with hail," applied to goats (Genesis 31:10, 12); to horses (Zechariah 6:3, 1);
(b) ringstreaked (ringstraked), literally, "striped with bands," applied to animals (Genesis 30:35;Genesis 31:8);
(c) speckled, literally, "dotted or spotted," applied to cattle and goats (Genesis 30:32;Genesis 31:8); to a bird (Jeremiah 12:9); to horses (Zechariah 1:8 the King James Version);
(d) spotted, literally, "covered with patches," applied to cattle and goats (Genesis 30:32). InJude 1:23 "spotted" means "defiled."
Figurative: For figurative uses, see under separate colors.
LITERATURE.
Perrot and Chipiez, History of Art in Ancient Egypt, History of Art in Chaldea and Assyria, History of Art in Phoenicia and its Dependencies; Wilkinson, The Ancient Egyptians; Jewish Encyclopedia;EB; Delitzsch, Iris.
James A. Patch
Greek
4182. polupoikilos -- of differingcolors... of differing
colors. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: polupoikilos Phonetic
Spelling: (pol-oo-poy'-kil-os) Short Definition: much varied, manifold
...4164. poikilos -- many colored
... colored. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: poikilos Phonetic Spelling:
(poy-kee'-los) Short Definition: various, of differentcolors Definition: various...
5472. chalkedon -- chalcedony (a precious stone)
... Masculine Transliteration: chalkedon Phonetic Spelling: (khal-kay-dohn') Short
Definition: chalcedony Definition: chalcedony, a small stone of variouscolors....
969. berullos -- beryl
... Transliteration: berullos Phonetic Spelling: (bay'-rool-los) Short Definition: a
beryl Definition: a beryl, a precious stone of variouscolors, the best known...
Strong's Hebrew
7552. Reqem -- "having manycolors," a Midianite king, also two...... 7551, 7552. Reqem. 7553 . "having many
colors," a Midianite king, also
two Israelites, also a city in Benjamin. Transliteration
...7553. riqmah -- variegated stuff
... from raqam Definition variegated stuff NASB Word Usage embroidered (4), embroidered
cloth (2), embroidered work (3), embroidery (1), manycolors (1), stones of...
1264. berom -- variegated cloth
... 1263, 1264. berom. 1265 . variegated cloth. Transliteration: berom Phonetic
Spelling: (ber-ome') Short Definition:colors. Word...
2556b. chamats -- to be red
... to be red. Transliteration: chamats Short Definition:colors. Word Origin a prim.
root Definition to be red NASB Word Usage glowingcolors (1). 2556a, 2556b....
2921. tala -- to patch, spot
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to patch, spot NASB Word Usage patched (1),
spotted (6), variouscolors (1). clouted, with diverscolors, spotted....
6446. pas -- flat (of the hand or foot)
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition flat (of the hand or foot) NASB
Word Usage long-sleeved (2), varicolored (3). diverscolors....
6320. puk -- antimony, stibium
... Word Origin perhaps of foreign origin Definition antimony, stibium NASB Word Usage
antimony (2), paint (1), painted* (1). faircolors, glistering, painted....
6648. tseba -- dye, dyed stuff
... divers,colors. From an unused root meaning to dip (into coloring fluid); a dye --
divers, colours. 6647, 6648. tseba. 6649 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
A Full-Length Picture inColors.
... The Plan for Jesus' Coming A Full-length Picture inColors. These are but
the beginnings. It is in the prophetic books, the third...
The Story of Joseph and his Coat of ManyColors
... THE STORY OF JOSEPH AND HIS COAT OF MANYCOLORS.... Jacob gave to Joseph a robe or coat
of brightcolors, made somewhat like a long cloak with wide sleeves....
I Will Take one Case that Will Serve Both as Symbol and Example...
... It lies in the fact that thecolors are presented in the wrong connection,
on the wrong scale, and, above all, from the wrong motive....
Letter xvii. Harmony of Christian Character.
... according to the laws of architecture; and the sensation of delight is still more
exquisite, on viewing the harmonious combination ofcolors, as exhibited in...
It is the Same in the Case of Girls. ...
... Boys play football, why shouldn't girls play football; boys have schoolcolors,
why shouldn't girls have school-colors; boys go in hundreds to day-schools, why...
Practical Observations.
... Take a map and delineate those countries which are most enlightened in brightcolors,
then shade others more and more as you approach barbarism and ignorance....
Whether Christ could Use this Knowledge by Turning to Phantasms?
... knowledge except by turning to phantasms, because, as is stated De Anima iii,
18,31,39, phantasms are compared to man's intellective soul ascolors to sight....
Concerning the Garments of the Priests, and of the High Priest.
... also is a long robe, reaching to his feet, [in our language it is called Meeir,]
and is tied round with a girdle, embroidered with the samecolors and flowers...
But You Will Say, the Good Will of a Friend Towards Me, Although I...
... same Psalm, and what was future foretold as already done; "There stood at Thy right
hand the Queen, in a vesture of gold, in raiment of diverscolors;" that is...
Whether the Intellectual Principle is United to the Body as Its...
... For the relation of phantasms to the intellect is like the relation ofcolors to
the sense of sight, as he says De Anima iii, 5,7. Therefore, as the species of...
Thesaurus
Colors (12 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia COLOR;
COLORS.
... Hence, the American Revised Version,
margin rendering "antimony" instead of "fair
colors" (see PAINT).
...Dyeing
... An analysis of the various Biblical references shows but fourcolors which were
produced on cloth by dyeing, namely, purple, blue (violet), crimson and scarlet...
Dye (1 Occurrence)
... An analysis of the various Biblical references shows but fourcolors which were
produced on cloth by dyeing, namely, purple, blue (violet), crimson and scarlet...
Divers (36 Occurrences)
... have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two; to Sisera a prey of
diverscolors, a prey of diverscolors of needlework, of diverscolors of...
Ornamented (14 Occurrences)
... Genesis 37:3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was
the son of his old age, and he made him a coat of manycolors. (See NIV)....
White (756 Occurrences)
... 1. (superl.) Reflecting to the eye all the rays of the spectrum combined; not tinted
with any of the propercolors or their mixtures; having the color of pure...
Paint (3 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) Fig.: To color, stain, or tinge; to adorn or beautify withcolors;
to diversify withcolors. 3. (vt) To form incolors a...
Sleeves (4 Occurrences)
... Genesis 37:3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was
the son of his old age, and he made him a coat of manycolors. (See RSV)....
Color (18 Occurrences)
... of light to the eye, by which individual and specific differences in the hues and
tints of objects are apprehended in vision; as, gaycolors; sadcolors, etc....
Varicolored (3 Occurrences)
... Genesis 37:3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was
the son of his old age, and he made him a coat of manycolors. (See NAS)....
Resources
Why did Jacob give Joseph a coat of many colors? | GotQuestions.orgIs there any significance to colors in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is structuralism? | GotQuestions.orgColors: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
