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/nsb'>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/nsb'>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
The first one was reddish. His skin was like a hairy robe, so he was named Esau.
He said to Jacob: I am starving! Give me some of that red stuff. (That is why he was named Edom.)
Let me go through all of your flocks today and take every speckled and spotted sheep, every black lamb, and every spotted and speckled goat. They will be my wages.
As she was giving birth, one of them put out his hand. The midwife took a scarlet thread and tied it on his wrist and said: This one came out first.
Then his brother, who had the scarlet thread on his wrist, came out and he was given the name Zerah.
His eyes are darker than wine. His teeth are whiter than milk.
The house of Israel called its name manna. It was like coriander seed, white in color. It tasted like wafers made with honey.
Construct the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twisted linen and blue and purple and scarlet material. Make them with cherubim, the work of a skillful workman.
Make fifty violet loops along the edge of the end curtain in each set,
Build a canopy of violet, purple, and bright red yarn. Creatively work an angel design of cherubim into fine linen yarn.
Make a screen for the doorway of the tent of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen, the work of a weaver.
Make a courtyard for the tent (tabernacle). The south side of the courtyard (toward the Negeb) should be one hundred and fifty feet long and have curtains made out of fine linen yarn.
Take the gold and blue thread and wool that is dyed bright read and the fine linen and prepare the ephod with fine linen yarn. Embroider gold, violet, purple, and bright red yarn into the fabric.
Make the belt that is attached to the ephod from the same fabric.
Prepare the breast piece for decision-making using a skilled craftsman. Make it like the ephod out of gold, violet, purple, and bright red yarn and out of fine linen yarn.
Then the breastplate should be fastened by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a violet cord. Attach it just above the belt of the ephod. This will hold the breastplate in place.
Make the robe that is worn with the ephod entirely of violet material.
Fasten it on a blue cord and on the turban. It should be at the front of the turban.
He made the courtyard. The south side curtains of the courtyard were fine twisted linen, one hundred and fifty feet long.
They wove inner robes out of fine linen for Aaron and his sons. They also made the chief priest's turban and the other beautiful turbans out of fine linen. They made the undergarments and belt out of fine linen yarn.
If the priest examines you and finds the sore does not appear to be deeper than the surrounding skin, but there are still no healthy hairs in it, he will isolate you for seven days.
the priest will order that two ritually clean birds be brought, along with a piece of cedar wood, a red cord, and a sprig of hyssop.
He will take the other bird and dip it, together with the cedar wood, the red cord, and the hyssop, in the blood of the bird that was killed.
Then he will take the cedar wood, the hyssop, the red cord, and the live bird and dip them in the blood of the bird that was killed and in the fresh water. He will sprinkle the house seven times.
He must dress in a holy linen robe and wear linen undergarments. He must wear a linen belt and turban. These are holy clothes. He should wash his body and put them on.
High Priest, properly ordained and consecrated to succeed his father, is to perform the ritual of purification. He must dress in priestly garments
Speak to the Israelites and tell them: For generations to come they must wear tassels on the corners of their clothes. Each tassel should have violet threads.
This is a requirement of the law Jehovah has commanded: 'Tell the Israelites to bring you a red cow that is perfect, with no defects. Also, it must never have worn a yoke.
The priest will take some cedar wood, a hyssop sprig, and some red yarn and throw them onto the burning cow.
When we come into the land, tie this scarlet cord in the window from which you let us down. Bring your father, mother, brothers and sisters and your father's entire household into your home.
Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father's household, and all that she had. She dwells in Israel even to this day because she hid the messengers Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.
The gold earrings that Gideon got weighed over forty pounds. This did not include the ornaments, necklaces, and purple clothes that the kings of Midian wore. It also did not include the collars that were around the necks of their camels.
The gold earrings that Gideon got weighed over forty pounds. This did not include the ornaments, necklaces, and purple clothes that the kings of Midian wore. It also did not include the collars that were around the necks of their camels.
Daughters of Israel, weep over Saul. He clothed you in scarlet with luxury.
After a very little time, the heaven became black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. Ahab went in his carriage to Jezreel.
Send me a man with skill in engraving, in working gold, silver, copper, and iron, and in making blue, purple, and red cloth. He will work with the craftsmen of Judah and Jerusalem whom my father David selected.
There were hangings of white and green and blue, fixed with cords of purple and the best (cotton) linen to silver rings and pillars of polished stone. The seats were of gold and silver on a floor of red and white and yellow and black stone.
Mordecai went out from before the king, dressed in king-like robes of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold and clothing of purple and the best linen. The entire town of Shushan gave loud cries of joy.
My skin grows black on me and my bones burn with fever.
Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it shines in the cup, when it goes down smoothly.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household. All her household is clothed with scarlet.
Let your garments be always white; and let your head lack no ointment.
Let your garments be always white; and let your head lack no ointment.
I am lovely and black, O you daughters of Jerusalem. I am like the tents of Kedar and the curtains of Solomon.
(The Shulamite) My beloved is mine and I am his. He feeds among the lilies.
He made the pillars of silver; the bottom of gold and its cover was of purple. The interior was paved with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem.
Your lips are like a thread of scarlet and your mouth is lovely. Your temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within your locks.
(The Shulamite) My beloved is white and ruddy, the chief among ten thousand.
(The Shulamite) My beloved is white and ruddy, the chief among ten thousand. His head is as the finest gold. His locks are like date clusters, bushy and black as a raven.
Your head is like Carmel, and the hair of your head like purple; the king is held in the galleries.
Come now, let us reason together (make things right) (correct matters) between us! Says Jehovah. Though your sins are like scarlet, they will become as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, they will become as white as wool.
Come now, let us reason together (make things right) (correct matters) between us! Says Jehovah. Though your sins are like scarlet, they will become as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, they will become as white as wool.
Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.
The earth will mourn, and the sky will grow black. I have spoken, and I have determined it. I will not change my plans, and I will not turn back!
You are going to be destroyed! What are you going to do? Why do you dress in scarlet (crimson) and put on gold jewelry? Why do you wear eye shadow? You are making yourself beautiful for nothing. Your lovers despise you. They want to kill you.
For the brokenness of the daughter of my people I am broken. I mourn and dismay has taken hold of me.
Beaten silver is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz. It is the work of a craftsman and of the hands of a goldsmith. Violet and purple are their clothing. They are all the work of skilled men.
Judah mourns and its gates collapse. The people of Judah are filled with bereavement as they sit on the ground. Their cry goes up from Jerusalem.
Judah mourns and its gates collapse. The people of Judah are filled with bereavement as they sit on the ground. Their cry goes up from Jerusalem.
Woe to him who says: 'I will build myself a roomy house with spacious upper rooms, and cut out its windows. I will panel it with cedar and paint it bright red (vermilion).'
Their face is blacker than night. In the streets no one has knowledge of them. Their skin is hanging on their bones, and they are dry, they have become like wood.
Our skin is heated like an oven because of our burning heat from the need of food.
So she increased her acts of fornication. And she saw men portrayed on the wall, images of the Chaldeans portrayed with vermilion (reddish-orange color),
Your sail was of fine embroidered linen from Egypt. It became your distinguishing mark. Your awning was blue and purple from the coastlands of Elishah.
The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. / The king spoke to the wise men of Babylon: Whoever reads this writing, and shows me the interpretation of it will be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about his neck. He will be the third ruler in the kingdom.
I have heard that you can give interpretations and dissolve doubts. If you can read the writing and make the interpretation known to me you will be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about your neck, and will be the third ruler in the kingdom.
Then Belshazzar commanded, and they clothed Daniel with purple, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made proclamation concerning him that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
Therefore you will have night. You will have no vision! It will be dark to you. You will not perform divination. The sun will go down on the prophets and they will be in the dark.
The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men are dressed in scarlet: the chariots flash with steel in the day of his preparation, and the cypress tree [spears] are brandished.
He said: I had a vision in the night. I saw someone riding a red horse. He stopped among some myrtle trees in a valley, and behind him were other horses, red, speckled, and white.
He said: I had a vision in the night. I saw someone riding a red horse. He stopped among some myrtle trees in a valley, and behind him were other horses, red, speckled, and white.
In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;
In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;
In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses; and in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grizzled strong horses.
The chariot with the black horses goes toward the North Country. The white went forth after them; and the grizzled went forth toward the South Country.
The chariot with the black horses goes toward the North Country. The white went forth after them; and the grizzled went forth toward the South Country.
They entered the tomb. They were amazed at what they saw. A young man dressed in a white robe was sitting on the right side of the tomb.
A rich man dressed in the most expensive clothes and lived in great luxury every day.
She saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
I saw a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow. A crown was given to him and he conquered.
Another horse that was red went out: and power was given to him who sat on it to take peace from the earth. He was given a great sword so that men could kill one another. When he opened the third seal I heard the third beast say: Come! I saw a black horse; and he who sat on him had a pair of scales in his hand.
Another sign appeared in heaven. It was a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet. She was adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls. She had a golden cup in her hand. It was full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication.
The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet. She was adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls. She had a golden cup in her hand. It was full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication.
It was granted to her that she dress in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen represents the righteous acts of the holy ones.
The armies in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.