Reference: Colour
Easton
The subject of colours holds an important place in the Scriptures.
White occurs as the translation of various Hebrew words. It is applied to milk (Ge 49:12), manna (Ex 16:31), snow (Isa 1:18), horses (Zec 1:8), raiment (Ec 9:8). Another Hebrew word so rendered is applied to marble (Es 1:6), and a cognate word to the lily (Song 2:16). A different term, meaning "dazzling," is applied to the countenance (Song 5:10).
This colour was an emblem of purity and innocence (Mr 16:5; Joh 20:12; Re 19:8,14), of joy (Ec 9:8), and also of victory (Zec 6:3; Re 6:2). The hangings of the tabernacle court (Ex 27:9; 38:9), the coats, mitres, bonnets, and breeches of the priests (Ex 39:27-28), and the dress of the high priest on the day of Atonement (Le 16:4,32), were white.
Black, applied to the hair (Le 13:31; Song 5:11), the complexion (Song 1:5), and to horses (Zec 6:2,6). The word rendered "brown" in Ge 30:32 (R.V., "black") means properly "scorched", i.e., the colour produced by the influence of the sun's rays. "Black" in Job 30:30 means dirty, blackened by sorrow and disease. The word is applied to a mourner's robes (Jer 8:21; 14:2), to a clouded sky (1Ki 18:45), to night (Mic 3:6; Jer 4:28), and to a brook rendered turbid by melted snow (Job 6:16). It is used as symbolical of evil in 6/2/type/mstc'>Zec 6:2,6; Re 6:5. It was the emblem of mourning, affliction, calamity (Jer 14:2; La 4:8; 5:10).
Red, applied to blood (2Ki 3; 22), a heifer (Nu 19:2), pottage of lentils (Ge 25:30), a horse (Zec 1:8), wine (Pr 23:31), the complexion (Ge 25:25; Song 5:10). This colour is symbolical of bloodshed (Zec 6:2; Re 6:4; 12:3).
Purple, a colour obtained from the secretion of a species of shell-fish (the Murex trunculus, Illustration: Murex Trunculus) which was found in the Mediterranean, and particularly on the coasts of Phoenicia and Asia Minor. The colouring matter in each separate shell-fish amounted to only a single drop, and hence the great value of this dye. Robes of this colour were worn by kings (Jg 8:26) and high officers (Es 8:15). They were also worn by the wealthy and luxurious (Jer 10:9; Eze 27:7; Lu 16:19; Re 17:4). With this colour was associated the idea of royalty and majesty (Jg 8:26; Song 3:10; 7:5; Da 5:7,16,29).
Blue. This colour was also procured from a species of shell-fish, the chelzon of the Hebrews, and the Helix ianthina of modern naturalists. The tint was emblematic of the sky, the deep dark hue of the Eastern sky. This colour was used in the same way as purple. The ribbon and fringe of the Hebrew dress were of this colour (Nu 15:38). The loops of the curtains (Ex 26:4), the lace of the high priest's breastplate, the robe of the ephod, and the lace on his mitre, were blue (Ex 28:28,31,37).
Scarlet, or Crimson. In Isa 1:18 a Hebrew word is used which denotes the worm or grub whence this dye was procured. In Ge 38:28,30, the word so rendered means "to shine," and expresses the brilliancy of the colour. The small parasitic insects from which this dye was obtained somewhat resembled the cochineal which is found in Eastern countries. It is called by naturalists Coccus ilics. The dye was procured from the female grub alone. The only natural object to which this colour is applied in Scripture is the lips, which are likened to a scarlet thread (Song 4:3). Scarlet robes were worn by the rich and luxurious (2Sa 1:24; Pr 31:21; Jer 4:30; Re 17:4). It was also the hue of the warrior's dress (Na 2:3; Isa 9:5). The Phoenicians excelled in the art of dyeing this colour (2Ch 2:7).
These four colours--white, purple, blue, and scarlet--were used in the textures of the tabernacle curtains (Ex 26:1,31,36), and also in the high priest's ephod, girdle, and breastplate (8/5/type/mstc'>Ex 28:5-6,8,15). Scarlet thread is mentioned in connection with the rites of cleansing the leper (Le 14:4,6,51) and of burning the red heifer (Nu 19:6). It was a crimson thread that Rahab was to bind on her window as a sign that she was to be saved alive (Jos 2:18; 6:25) when the city of Jericho was taken.
Vermilion, the red sulphuret of mercury, or cinnabar; a colour used for drawing the figures of idols on the walls of temples (Eze 23:14), or for decorating the walls and beams of houses (Jer 22:14).
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And he that came out first was red and rough over all, as it were a hide: and they called his name Esau.
and said to Jacob, "Let me sip of that red pottage, for I am fainty." And therefore was his name called Edom.
I will go about all thy sheep this day, and separate from them all the sheep that are spotted and of divers colors, and all black sheep among the lambs, and the party and spotted among the kids: And then such shall be my reward.
And as she travailed, the one put out his hand and the midwife took and bound a red thread about it, saying, "This will come out first."
And afterward came out his brother that had the red thread about his hand, which was called Zerah.
his eyes are roudier than wine, and his teeth whiter than milk.
And the house of Israel called it Manna. And it was like unto Coriander seed and white, and the taste of it was like unto wafers made with honey.
And thou shalt make a habitation with ten curtains of twined bysse, jacinth, scarlet and purple, and shalt make them with cherubims of broidered work.
"Then shalt thou make loops of jacinth colour, along by the edge of the one curtain even in the selvedge of the coupling curtain. And likewise shalt thou make in the edge of the utmost curtain that is coupled therewith on the other side.
And thou shalt make a veil of jacinth, of scarlet, purple and twined bysse, and shalt make it of broidered work and full of cherubims.
And thou shalt make a hanging for the door of the tabernacle: of jacinth, of scarlet, of purple and of twined bysse, wrought with needle work.
"And thou shalt make a court unto the habitation, which shall have in the south side hangings of twined bysse, being a hundred cubits long,
And they shall take thereto, gold, jacinth, scarlet, purple and bysse. And they shall make the ephod of gold, jacinth, scarlet, purple and white twined bysse with broidered work.
And the girdle of the ephod shall be of the same workmanship and of the same stuff: even of gold, jacinth, scarlet, purple and twined bysse.
And thou shalt make the breastlap of example with broidered work: even after the work of the ephod shalt thou make it: of gold, jacinth, scarlet, purple and twined bysse shalt thou make it.
And they shall bind the breastlap by his rings unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of jacinth, that it may lie close unto the broidered girdle of the ephod, that the breastlap be not loosed from the ephod.
And thou shalt make the tunicle unto the ephod, altogether of jacinth.
and put it on a lace of Jacincth and tie it unto the mitre,
And he made the court with hangings of twined bysse of a hundred cubits long upon the south side,
And they made coats of bysse of woven work for Aaron and his sons, and a mitre of bysse, and goodly bonnets of bysse, and linen breeches of twined bysse,
If, when the priest looketh on the breaking out, he see that it is no lower than the other skin and that there are black hairs therein, let him shut him up seven days.
then shall the priest command that there be brought for him that shall be cleansed two living birds that are clean, and cypress wood, and a piece of purple cloth and hyssop.
And the priest shall take the living bird and the cypress wood and the purple and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the slain bird, and in the running water,
and take the cypress wood, the hyssop, the purple and the living bird, and dip them in the blood of the slain bird and in the running water, and sprinkle upon the house seven times,
And he shall put the holy linen alb upon him, and shall have a linen breech upon his flesh, and shall gird him with a linen girdle, and put the linen mitre upon his head: for they are holy raiments. And he shall wash his flesh with water, and put them on.
And the priest that is anointed and whose hand was filled to minister in his father's stead, shall make the atonement and shall put on the holy linen vestments,
"Speak unto the children of Israel and bid them, that they make them guards upon the quarters of their garments throughout their generations, and let them make the guards of ribbons of Jacinth.
"This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD commandeth, saying, 'Speak unto the children of Israel and let them take thee a red cow without spot wherein is no blemish, and which never bare yoke upon her.
And let the priest take cypress wood, and Hyssop and purple cloth, and cast it upon the cow as she burneth.
Behold, when we come unto the land, thou shalt bind this purple threaden cord in the window, which thou lettest us down by. And thou shalt bring thy father, thy mother, thy brethren, and all thy father's household, even into the house to thee.
And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot, and her father's household and all that pertained unto her, and she dwelt in Israel - even unto this day - because she hid the messengers which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.
And the weight of the golden earrings was a thousand and seven hundred sicles of gold, beside brooches, ouches and garments of scarlet that were of the kings of Midian, and beside the chains, that were about their camels' necks.
And the weight of the golden earrings was a thousand and seven hundred sicles of gold, beside brooches, ouches and garments of scarlet that were of the kings of Midian, and beside the chains, that were about their camels' necks.
Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, which clothed you in purple and garments of pleasure, and bordered your raiment with ornaments of gold.
And within a little while, heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode and went to Jezreel.
send me now therefore a cunning man to work in gold, silver, brass, iron, scarlet, crimson and Jacinth colour, and that can skill to grave, to be with the cunning men that are with me in Judah and Jerusalem, which David my father did prepare.
where there hanged white, red and yellow cloths, fastened with cords of linen and scarlet in silver rings, upon pillars of Marble stone. The benches were of gold and silver made upon a pavement of green, white, yellow and black Marble.
As for Mordecai, he went out from the king in royal apparel of yellow and white, and with a great crown of gold, being arrayed with a garment of linen and purple, and the city of Susa rejoiced and was glad:
But they that fear the hoarfrost, the snow shall fall upon them.
My skin upon me is turned to black, and my bones are burnt with heat;
Look not thou upon the wine, how red it is, and what a color it giveth in the glass.
She feareth not that the cold of winter shall hurt her house, for all her household folks are double clothed.
Let thy garments be always white, and let thy head want none ointment.
Let thy garments be always white, and let thy head want none ointment.
I am black, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, like as the tents of the Kedarenes, and as the hangings of Solomon: but yet am I fair and well favored withal.
My love is mine, and I am his, which feedeth among the lilies,
the pillars are of silver, the covering of gold, the seat of purple, the ground pleasantly paved with love for the daughters of Jerusalem.
Thy lips are like a rose colored ribbon, thy words are lovely: thy cheeks are like a piece of a pomegranate, within thine hairs.
As for my loved, he is white and red colored, a singular person among many thousands;
As for my loved, he is white and red colored, a singular person among many thousands; His head is the most fine gold, the locks of his hair are bushed, and brown as the evening;
That head that standeth upon thee is like Carmel; the hair of thy head is like the king's purple folden up in plates.
And so though your sins be like to purple, they shall be made as white as snow; and though they be as red as scarlet, they shall be made like white wool.
And so though your sins be like to purple, they shall be made as white as snow; and though they be as red as scarlet, they shall be made like white wool.
Moreover all temerarious and seditious power, yea, where there is but a coat filled with blood, shall be burnt, and feed the fire.
And therefore let the earth mourn, and let the heaven be sorry above: for the things that I have purposed and taken upon me to do, shall not repent me, and I will not go from it."
What wilt thou now do, thou being destroyed? For though thou clothest thyself with scarlet, and deckest thee with gold. Though thou paintest thy face with colors, yet shalt thou trim thyself in vain. For those that hitherto have been thy great favorers, shall abhor thee, and go about to slay thee.
I am sore vexed, because of the hurt of my people: I am heavy and abashed,
namely, wood; silver, which is brought out of Tarshish, and beaten to plates; and gold from Ophir, a work that is made with the hand of the craftsman and the caster, clothed with yellow silk and scarlet: even so is the work of their wise men altogether.
"Judah shall mourn, men shall not go much more through his gates: the land shall be no more had in reputation, and the cry of Jerusalem shall break out.
"Judah shall mourn, men shall not go much more through his gates: the land shall be no more had in reputation, and the cry of Jerusalem shall break out.
He thinketh in himself, 'I will build me a wide house, and gorgeous parlors.' He causeth windows to be hewn therein, and the ceilings and joists maketh he of Cedar, and painteth them with Sinoper.
{Khet} But now their faces are very black: Insomuch, that thou shouldest not know them in the streets. Their skin cleaveth to their bones; It is withered, and become like a dry stock.
Our skin is as it had been burnt in an oven, for very sore hunger.
But she increased still in whoredom: for when she saw men painted upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans set forth with fresh colors,
Thy sail was of white small needle work out of the land of Egypt, to hang upon thy mast: and thy hangings of yellow silk and purple, out of the Isles of Elishah.
Wherefore the king cried mightily, that they should bring him the charmers, Chaldeans, and the conjurers of devils. The king spake also to the wise men of Babylon, and said, "Whoso can read this writing, and show me the plain meaning thereof: shall be clothed with purple, have a chain of gold about his neck, and rule the third part of my kingdom."
Then heard I say, that thou can expound dark things, and declare hard doubts. Well then, if thou can read this writing, and show me the meaning thereof: thou shalt be clothed with purple, have a chain of gold about thy neck, and rule the third part of my kingdom."
Then commanded Belshazzar to clothe Daniel with purple, to hang a chain of gold about his neck, and to make a proclamation concerning him: that he should be the ruler of the third part of his kingdom.
Therefore your vision shall be turned to night, and your prophesying to darkness. The Sun shall go down over those prophets, and the day shall be dark unto them.
The shield of his giants glistereth, his men of war are clothed in purple. His chariots are as fire when he maketh him forward, his archers are well decked and trimmed.
"I saw by night, and lo, there sat one upon a red horse, and stood still among the Myrtle trees, that were beneath upon the ground: and behind him were there red, speckled and white horses.
"I saw by night, and lo, there sat one upon a red horse, and stood still among the Myrtle trees, that were beneath upon the ground: and behind him were there red, speckled and white horses.
In the first chariot were red horses, in the second chariot were black horses,
In the first chariot were red horses, in the second chariot were black horses,
In the first chariot were red horses, in the second chariot were black horses, in the third chariot were white horses, in the fourth chariot were horses of divers colours and strong.
That with the black horses went in to the land of the north, and the white followed them, and the speckled horses went forth toward the south.
That with the black horses went in to the land of the north, and the white followed them, and the speckled horses went forth toward the south.
and they went into the sepulchre, and saw a young man, sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment, and they were abashed.
"There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple, and fine bysse, and fared deliciously every day.
and saw two angels clothed in white sitting the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where they had laid the body of Jesus.
And I saw, and behold there was a white horse, and he that sat on him had a bow, and a crown was given unto him, and he went forth conquering and for to overcome.
And there went out another horse that was red, and power was given to him that sat thereon, to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another. And there was given unto him a great sword. And when he opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, "Come and see." And I beheld, and lo, a black horse: and he that sat on him, had a pair of balances in his hand.
And there appeared another wonder in heaven, for behold a great red dragon, having seven heads, and ten horns, and seven crowns on his heads:
And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and decked with gold, precious stone, and pearls, and had a cup of gold in her hand, full of abominations, and filthiness of her fornication.
And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and decked with gold, precious stone, and pearls, and had a cup of gold in her hand, full of abominations, and filthiness of her fornication.
And to her was granted, that she should be arrayed with pure and goodly raynes" - For the raynes is the righteousness of saints.
And the warriors which were in heaven, followed him upon white horses, clothed with white and pure raynes: