In the biblical narrative, colors are not mere visual elements but profound carriers of divine messages and spiritual truths. Each hue, imbued with symbolic meaning, reflects the wisdom and majesty of the Creator. We are effected by the colors that surround us. Through the lens of scripture, let us delve into the biblical symbolism of colors and uncover the hidden layers of significance woven into the fabric of creation.
Red:
In the Bible, red symbolizes blood, sacrifice, and atonement. It represents the shedding of blood for the forgiveness of sins, as seen in Exodus 12:13: “The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you.” It also signifies redemption and victory, as in Revelation 7:14: “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
Orange:
While orange is not specifically mentioned in the Bible, its warm and vibrant nature evokes themes of fire, purification, and divine presence. The fiery presence of Adonai is depicted in Exodus 3:2 when Moses encountered the burning bush: “There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush.” Orange can also symbolize the refining fire of Adonai’s judgment and the purifying work of the Holy Spirit, as in 1 Corinthians 3:13: “Their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.”
Yellow:
Yellow symbolizes light, enlightenment, and divine revelation in the Bible. It represents the glory of Adonai’s presence and the radiance of His truth, as in Psalm 27:1: “Adonai is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? Adonai is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” Yellow also signifies faith, hope, and the promise of eternal life, as in Matthew 17:2, where Messiah’s face “shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.”
Green:
Green symbolizes growth, life, and abundance in the Bible. It represents flourishing faith and spiritual renewal, as in Psalm 1:3: “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” Green also signifies Adonai’s provision and care, as in Psalm 23:2: “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.”
Blue:
Blue symbolizes heavenly revelation, truth, and divine wisdom in the Bible. It is used in a command given to remember to keep Adonai’s commands. Numbers 15: 38 “Speak to the people of Isra’el, instructing them to make, through all their generations, tzitziyot on the corners of their garments, and to put with the tzitzit on each corner a blue thread. 39 It is to be a tzitzit for you to look at and thereby remember all of Adonai’s mitzvot and obey them, so that you won’t go around wherever your own heart and eyes lead you to prostitute yourselves; 40 but it will help you remember and obey all my mitzvot and be holy for your God. It represents the expanse of the heavens and the eternal nature of Adonai’s promises, as in Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of YHVH; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Blue also signifies purity and holiness, as in Exodus 24:10: “and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of lapis lazuli, as bright blue as the sky.”
Indigo:
Indigo also being a blue color is called a tertiary color, meaning 3rd in place, degree or rank. It was listed as the 6th color in the rainbow listed by Newton.
It represents the depth of Adonai’s wisdom and the mysteries of His divine plan, as in Romans 11:33: “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!”
Purple:
Purple symbolizes royalty, sovereignty, and divine authority in the Bible. It represents the color of royalty. Judges 8: 26…purple raiment that was on the kings of Midian,”
Messiah was wearing purple Mark 15:20 – And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.”
Purple also signifies humility and repentance.
Mark 15:17 – And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head…Mark 15:20 – And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.”
As we explore the biblical symbolism of colors, may we gain deeper insight into the rich tapestry of our Creator and His eternal truths revealed through the spectrum of colors.