In the Bible, colors are often used symbolically to convey deeper spiritual meanings and truths. The use of color in Scripture can enhance the understanding of biblical narratives, prophecies, and teachings. Below are some of the key colors mentioned in the Bible and their symbolic meanings, supported by relevant scripture references from the Berean Standard Bible .

Red

Red is frequently associated with blood, sacrifice, and atonement. It symbolizes both sin and redemption. In Isaiah 1:18, the prophet declares, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." This passage highlights the transformative power of God's forgiveness. Additionally, red is linked to the blood of Christ, which is central to the New Covenant (Hebrews 9:14).

Blue

Blue often represents the divine, heavenly, and holy. In Exodus 24:10, the appearance of God is described as having a pavement of sapphire stone, "as clear as the sky itself." The use of blue in the tabernacle and priestly garments (Exodus 28:31) signifies a connection to the divine and a reminder of God's commandments, as seen in Numbers 15:38-39: "Speak to the Israelites and tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments, with a blue cord on each tassel."

Purple

Purple is a color of royalty, wealth, and authority. It is often associated with kings and rulers. In Judges 8:26, the purple garments of the Midianite kings are mentioned, symbolizing their royal status. In the New Testament, the color is used to mockingly clothe Jesus as a king during His crucifixion (Mark 15:17), highlighting the irony of His true kingship.

White

White symbolizes purity, holiness, and righteousness. It is frequently used to describe the garments of heavenly beings and the redeemed. Revelation 7:9 describes a great multitude standing before the throne, "clothed in white robes," signifying their purity and victory through Christ. White is also used to depict the transfiguration of Jesus, where "His clothes became radiantly white, brighter than any launderer on earth could bleach them" (Mark 9:3).

Black

Black is often associated with mourning, famine, and judgment. In Lamentations 4:8, the suffering of Jerusalem is described: "Their appearance is blacker than soot; they are not recognized in the streets." The color black can symbolize the absence of light and hope, as seen in the prophetic imagery of the sun turning black in Revelation 6:12, indicating a time of divine judgment.

Green

Green is a symbol of life, growth, and renewal. It is often used to describe flourishing and prosperity. Psalm 52:8 states, "But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in the loving devotion of God forever and ever." Green pastures are also a metaphor for God's provision and care, as seen in Psalm 23:2: "He makes me lie down in green pastures."

Gold

Gold represents divinity, glory, and eternal value. It is frequently used in the construction of the tabernacle and temple, symbolizing God's holiness and majesty. In Revelation 21:18, the New Jerusalem is described as being made of pure gold, "as pure as glass," reflecting the glory and perfection of God's eternal kingdom.

These colors, woven throughout the biblical narrative, serve as powerful symbols that deepen the understanding of God's character, His promises, and His relationship with humanity.Psalm 51:7
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
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Ecclesiastes 9:8
Let your garments be always white; and let your head lack no ointment.
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Isaiah 1:18
Come now, and let us reason together, said 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.
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Daniel 7:9
I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
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Daniel 11:35
And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.
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Daniel 12:10
Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
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Matthew 17:1,2
And after six days Jesus takes Peter, James, and John his brother, and brings them up into an high mountain apart,
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Matthew 28:2,3
And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.
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Mark 9:3
And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.
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Revelation 1:13,14
And in the middle of the seven candlesticks one like to the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the breasts with a golden girdle.
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Revelation 2:17
He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said to the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows saving he that receives it.
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Revelation 3:4,5,18
You have a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
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Revelation 4:4
And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and on the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
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Revelation 6:2,11
And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given to him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
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Revelation 7:9,13,14
After this I beheld, and, see, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
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Revelation 15:6
And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.
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Revelation 19:8,11,14
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
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Revelation 20:11
And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
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