Colors hold symbolic meaning in the Bible that reveals deeper truths about God and His plan for humanity. By studying color symbolism throughout Scripture, we gain insight into the divine messages God intended to convey through His inspired Word.
Understanding biblical color symbolism allows us to mine the richness of God’s Word on a deeper level.
Red Represents Sin, Sacrifice, and the Blood of Christ
The color red appears repeatedly throughout the Bible, often in the context of sin, sacrifice, and redemption. One of the most vivid examples is in Isaiah 1:18, where God declares, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Here, the bright red of scarlet symbolizes the stain of sin before it is cleansed and redeemed by God.
In the Old Testament, red was associated with sacrifice. During Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, a red heifer was sacrificed and its ashes used to ritually purify those who had become ceremonially unclean (Numbers 19:1-10). The shedding of animal blood played a key role in Old Testament atonement.
When Christ came, believers were redeemed through faith in His sacrificial blood shed on the cross. 1 Peter 1:19 describes this: “But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” As the ultimate sacrifice for sin, Christ’s blood provides eternal redemption.
Scarlet Thread of Redemption
A scarlet cord or thread is used at key moments throughout Scripture typifying redemption through blood. When Rahab helped the Israeli spies escape from Jericho, she hung a scarlet cord from her window so their comrades would spare her home (Joshua 2:18). During the birth of Perez, a scarlet thread emerged ahead of his twin (Genesis 38:28) indicating Perez would be the chosen line of the Messiah.
Hebrews 9:19-22 recounts how Moses used scarlet wool and hyssop to sprinkle the blood of sacrifice on the tabernacle and sacred vessels. Scarlet symbolized the Lamb’s blood sprinkled on hearts to atone for sin.
Blue Representing Heaven and the Spirit
Blue often represents the heavenly realm and Spirit of God in Scripture. The Israeilites were commanded to include blue dyes in the ephod worn by the high priest (Exodus 28:31). The blue cord on his robe symbolized his holy calling from God.
Later in Exodus, God instructs Moses to make tassels of blue twisted linen on the corners of their garments to remind them to be holy to God (Numbers 15:38-40). The blue dye came from a Mediterranean mollusk suggesting the tassels carried symbolic meaning related to the sea and heavens.
In Ezekiel 1, the prophet describes his vision of God’s glory where he saw “the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire” (Ezekiel 1:26). The brilliant blue sapphire stone echoes the blue heavenly throne room.
Blue Garments of the Virgin Mary
Blue holds deep symbolic meaning in Christianity in relation to the Virgin Mary. In medieval art, Mary is often depicted wearing blue robes to symbolize her role as the Queen of Heaven. The blue signifies she is human but also spiritually connected to the divine sphere.
Some Catholic traditions teach that Mary’s blue mantle shows her virtues of charity, humility, and spiritual wisdom. Blue also connects her to divine grace and sets her apart from other women as chosen to bear the Son of God.
White Symbolizing Purity, Light, and Innocence
White represents purity, righteousness, and innocence throughout the Bible. After cleansing lepers, priests commanded them to present white offerings to symbolize their restored purity (Leviticus 14:10). White raiments also adorned priests and the High Priest as they ministered, representing the holiness God required of them.
In Daniel’s vision, the “Ancient of Days” who sits upon a fiery throne is depicted with clothing “white as snow” symbolizing His purity and righteousness (Daniel 7:9). Christ also appears in radiant white raiment in the Transfiguration and at His resurrection, indicating His divine glory (Mark 9:3, John 20:12).
At the final judgment, saints who are deemed righteous will be given white garments representing purity and victory (Revelation 3:5, 18). White embodies the redeemed state of believers washed in Christ’s blood.
The Whiteness of Leprosy and Sin
Though white generally symbolizes purity, Scripture also associates the whiteness of leprosy and sin with corruption and death. In Numbers 12:10, God strikes Miriam with white leprosy as punishment for rebelling against Moses. The whiteness represents her sin and impurity.
David describes his guilt over sin in Psalm 51:7, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Here, the whiteness depicts the ugliness of his transgression now exposed.
Green Symbolizing Life, Growth, and Nature
The color green in the Bible represents life, growth, and nature. In Psalm 23, David speaks of the Lord leading him to “green pastures” and “green grass” where he restores his soul. The lush green surroundings evoke the fullness of life found in God’s presence.
In Mark 6:39, people sat in groups on the “green grass” to hear Jesus’ teaching and receive the bread of life that nourishes the soul. Green points symbolically to spiritual growth, vibrancy, and sustenance in Christ.
In Revelation 8-9, apocalyptic locusts emerge from the bottomless pit to torment those without God’s seal. Their power is so great that they darken the sun and turn green grass to brown. The scorched earth represents fallen creation under judgment.
Evergreen Trees and Eternal Life
Evergreen trees remain green year-round and symbolize eternal life in Scripture. The palm tree, cedar, fir, and pine all appear in contexts connected to God’s presence and enduring faithfulness. Palm branches were waved at Christ’s triumphal entry (John 12:13). Cedars of Lebanon were used to build Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 5:6).
Isaiah 60:13 describes messianic glory and the millennial kingdom, “The glory of Lebanon shall come to you, The cypress, the pine, and the box tree together, To beautify the place of My sanctuary.” All point to eternal life in God’s presence.
When we examine the symbolic meaning of colors in the Bible, we gain a richer understanding of God’s Word. Red speaks of humanity’s sinfulness and need for Christ’s redeeming blood. Blue connects to the heavenly realm and Holy Spirit. White represents purity, light, and innocence. Green signifies life, growth, and vibrant nature.
Intentionally incorporating color symbolism allows biblical writers to imbue their words with deeper meaning. As we study and meditate on Scripture, appreciating the richness of its color imagery better equips us to grasp the truths God wants to teach us through His eternal Word.