The Colors in the BibleThe symbolic use of colors in the Bible is remarkably consistent and precise. Long before colorists vigorously expounded their pet theories about the emotional nature of color, the Bible used colors with deliberate expertise. Surrounded by our vibrant natural world, we associate particular colors with exclusive emotions. Perhaps it could be argued that we are culturally programmed that way. However, a more apt assessment would be that we’re universally designed to respond to color in similar ways, whether we reside in Georgetown or Zambia. When approaching a study of colors in the Bible, I thought that it would be more fun to tie these explorations to either art, poetry, or both together. Why don’t you participate, putting these colors to use in your work, to evoke similar emotion, or to infuse your art with symbolism? Let us first examine red, scarlet and crimson, some of the more provocative colors in the Bible. While all three are sometimes used in the same sentence in the Old Testament, there seems to be a subtle hierarchy. Red is common, earthy and ruddy. Red was the color used to describe Esau and David; both vibrant, earthy men known for their impulsive appetites. Ram skins were dyed red and used as a covering for the tabernacle.(Ex 39:34.) A red heifer was required as a sacrifice for cleansing and purification. (Num 19:2) Red, as a color in the Bible, seems to be the organic hue of this world – a color reflected in dusty earth and burning fires. It is the color that is employed to represent the use of the material world, to atone for the destructive fires of human sin. The other two colors in the Bible, scarlet and crimson, on the other hand, seem to be associated with finer, more expensive things – the elegant woven, embroidered linen and royal robes. Its deeper, richer hues are synonymous with luxury. These two colors in the Bible, described the sumptuously ornamented robes of the priesthood, tabernacle hangings… Scarlet and crimson, are always used to describe objects of great labor, skill and cost. On studying the colors in the Bible, it appears as if when God refers to the cost of sin, scarlet and crimson are the colors of choice. " Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."Isaiah1:18 KJV How consistent that our sin, which cost us our fellowship with the Father, and an existence far below what He intended for us, should be expressed in the costly scarlet and crimson! The authors of the various books of the Bible (a few of which are referred to below), could not have fully comprehended the specific significance of color usage, or the unfolding plan of salvation. Yet they used the precise names of these colors, in context, with the exactitude of an expert artist. That is rather mind boggling, isn’t it? Unless another Author was the mastermind!
Rahab’s cord was scarlet. (Joshua 2:18) It won her and her household salvation, despite her questionable background. The wise and confident woman of Proverbs 31 is unafraid of the change of seasons because – you guessed it, her household is clothed in costly scarlet! Gen 38:25-30 describes the awful sinful relationship between Tamar and Judah. Gen 38:27-29"And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins were in her womb. And it came to pass, when she travailed, that [the one] put out [his] hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first. And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? [this] breach [be] upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez."KJV This is the same Pharez mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in Luke 3! But most precious of all, is the color used in the verse below describing the price that Jesus paid for each of us! “And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.” Mat27:28 As an artist, I know that you are conscious of harmonious color. When we paint , we make conscious color choices , sensitive to every nuance and variance in the colors. While sometimes intuitive, it is often the result of a good measure of training.
The use of colors in the Bible reflects an unusual and astute knowledge of the subtleties of color. Knowing the diversity of authorship, (some of them as humble as shepherds and nomads) and the grand scope of the time that elapsed between the lifetime of these authors, something becomes stunningly apparent. The indelible imprint of divine Author becomes undeniable. Like a master artist, the Holy Spirit repeats these colors in the Bible with precision, over thousands of years, never using all the reds haphazardly, or interchangeably. His meticulous artistry is apparent in this incredible book called the Bible, upon which we base our faith. I became interested in the colors of the Bible a long time ago especially, red, scarlet and crimson. The painting above and poem below were done at different times. Do forgive me for my sloppy use of color names, using all the reds interchangeably, in word and paint! I wrote this poem long before I did my study! Now I know better. Red Clung that ruby glint everywhere She saw hateful red in glances askance But to her surprise, that red it drew Hope throbbed in her, in joyous crimson Her rescue was bound in that chord of red Had Rahab a clue that many years later Decades thence came flesh of her flesh Copyright 2009 Sara J |
