Movatterモバイル変換

◄ Skin Color►

Jump to:Topical •Library •Subtopics •Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Skin color, as a physical characteristic, is not a primary focus in the biblical narrative. However, the Bible does provide insights into the diversity of humanity, which can be understood to include variations in skin color. The biblical text emphasizes the unity and equality of all people before God, regardless of physical differences.

Creation and Diversity

The Bible begins with the creation of humanity in Genesis.Genesis 1:27 states, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This foundational verse underscores the inherent dignity and worth of all human beings, created in the image of God. The diversity of humanity, including variations in skin color, is part of God's creative design.

The Table of Nations

InGenesis 10, often referred to as the Table of Nations, the descendants of Noah's sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—are listed, representing the spread of humanity across the earth. This passage suggests the development of diverse ethnic groups and cultures. While the Bible does not explicitly mention skin color in this context, it implies a broad diversity among the peoples of the earth.

Biblical Figures and Ethnic Diversity

Several biblical figures are associated with different ethnic backgrounds, which may imply a variety of skin tones. For example, Moses' Cushite wife is mentioned inNumbers 12:1 : "Miriam and Aaron began to criticize Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married, for he had taken a Cushite wife." Cush is often associated with the region south of Egypt, which is traditionally linked to darker-skinned peoples.

The Song of Solomon also contains a reference to skin color. InSong of Solomon 1:5-6 , the Shulammite woman declares, "I am dark yet lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon. Do not stare because I am dark, for the sun has gazed upon me." This passage highlights the beauty and acceptance of darker skin.

Unity in Christ

The New Testament emphasizes the unity of all believers in Christ, transcending ethnic and cultural differences.Galatians 3:28 states, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This verse affirms that in the body of Christ, distinctions such as ethnicity and, by extension, skin color, do not affect one's standing before God.

The Great Commission and Global Church

The Great Commission inMatthew 28:19 commands, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." This directive underscores the global scope of the Gospel, calling for the inclusion of all peoples, regardless of ethnic or racial background.

Revelation 7:9 provides a vision of the redeemed in heaven: "After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb." This imagery celebrates the diversity of the redeemed, united in worship before God.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not focus explicitly on skin color, it affirms the equal value and dignity of all people, created in the image of God. The biblical narrative celebrates the diversity of humanity and calls for unity and love among all believers, transcending ethnic and cultural differences.

Topical Bible Verses

Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Topicalbible.org

Library

The Properties of Sanctifying Grace
... the individual. Thus the ability to laugh is a property of human nature,
whereas thecolor of theskin is an accident. How do the...

Of the Purifications.
... that nothing hindered, but if either Moses himself, or the multitude that was with
him, had been liable to such a misfortune in thecolor of hisskin, he might...

Concerning the Garments of the Priests, and of the High Priest.
... fingers broad, but so loosely woven, that you would think it were theskin of a... without
abating one; only over these he puts on a vestment of a bluecolor....

The Burial and Assumption of the Blessed virgin
... Hisskin was of a brownercolor than one sees here. He had been baptized; apart
from that he was just like an ignorant, obedient child....

By the Wayside
... in length, was a faint blue shape, cloudlike and almost merged with the coldcolor
of the... He held in one hand a brace of fowls, in the other askin of wine....

The Cry of the Heathen
... men like yourselves. What though ourskin be of acolor less fair than
your own? Yet he fashioneth our hearts alike. Oh tell us...

Pagan Shrines and Temples.
... [Objects offered] to Bubastis:"A costume of purple silk; another of turquoisecolor;
a marble vase with pedestal... For the blood andskin of a lamb iv asses....

Look not Upon Me Because I am Dark-Colored, Because the Sun Hath...
... my divine Sun has looked upon me with his constant, burning beams, and changed my
color.... It is the violence of love that dries up and tans myskin, and not its...

Jesus' Law for the Use of Money.
... being. It is as he is. It takes on thecolor of its ownership. Make... behind.
He passed out of this life stripped to theskin. Into...

Preface to the Anti-Manich??an Writings.
... the one red, the other green; the mantle of azure blue, that changedcolor as he...
mode of his death is uncertain, [27] but it seems that hisskin was stuffed...