Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Scarlet is a vivid red color with deep significance throughout the Bible, symbolizing both sin and redemption, wealth and luxury, as well as sacrifice and atonement. The use of scarlet in biblical texts often carries rich theological and symbolic meanings, reflecting the multifaceted nature of its representation in Scripture.Symbol of Sin and Redemption One of the most profound uses of scarlet in the Bible is as a symbol of sin and its potential for redemption. In Isaiah 1:18, the prophet declares, "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall become like wool." Here, scarlet represents the deep stain of sin, yet it is juxtaposed with the promise of divine forgiveness and cleansing, highlighting God's grace and the transformative power of repentance. Wealth and Luxury Scarlet is also associated with wealth, luxury, and opulence. In the construction of the Tabernacle, scarlet yarn was used alongside blue and purple in the making of the curtains and priestly garments (Exodus 26:1; 28:5-6). This use of scarlet signifies the richness and splendor of the worship space and the high status of the priesthood. Similarly, in Proverbs 31:21, the virtuous woman clothes her household in scarlet, indicating prosperity and preparedness. Sacrifice and Atonement The color scarlet is intricately linked to the theme of sacrifice and atonement. In the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, scarlet wool was used in the ritual of the red heifer, a purification offering (Numbers 19:6). This ritual underscores the necessity of purification and the shedding of blood for the atonement of sin, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Scarlet in Prophecy and Judgment In the Book of Revelation, scarlet is used to describe the harlot Babylon, symbolizing corruption, immorality, and judgment. Revelation 17:3-4 describes the woman "sitting on a scarlet beast... The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls." This imagery conveys the seductive allure of sin and the eventual divine judgment upon it. Scarlet Thread of Redemption The account of Rahab in Joshua 2:18-21 features a scarlet cord, which she uses to mark her house for salvation during the conquest of Jericho. This scarlet thread serves as a symbol of faith and deliverance, prefiguring the redemptive work of Christ. Rahab's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5) further emphasizes the theme of redemption woven throughout Scripture. In summary, scarlet in the Bible is a complex symbol that encompasses themes of sin, redemption, wealth, sacrifice, and judgment. Its use in various contexts highlights the depth of God's plan for humanity, from the stain of sin to the promise of salvation through Christ. Smith's Bible Dictionary Scarlet[COLORS] ATS Bible Dictionary ScarletA color much prized by the ancients, Exodus 25:4 26:1,31,36. It is assigned as a merit of Saul, that he clothed the daughters of Israel in scarlet, 2 Samuel 1:24. So the diligent and virtuous woman is said to clothe her household in scarlet, Proverbs 31:21. The depth and strength of the color are alluded to in Isaiah 1:18; and it is used as a symbol of profligacy in Revelation 17:3,4. This color was obtained from the Coccus Ilicis of Linnaeus, a small insect found on the leaves of a species of oak, the Quercus Cocciferus, in Spain and the countries on the eastern part of the Mediterranean, which was used by the ancients for dyeing a beautiful crimson or deep scarlet color, and was supposed by them to be the berry of a plant or tree. It is the Kermez of the Materia Medica. As a dye it has been superseded in modern times by the cochineal insect, Coccus Cactus, which gives a more brilliant but less durable color. See PURPLE. Easton's Bible Dictionary This dye was obtained by the Egyptians from the shell-fish Carthamus tinctorius; and by the Hebrews from the Coccus ilicis, an insect which infests oak trees, called kermes by the Arabians.This colour was early known (Genesis 38:28). It was one of the colours of the ephod (Exodus 28:6), the girdle (8), and the breastplate (15) of the high priest. It is also mentioned in various other connections (Joshua 2:18; 2 Samuel 1:24; Lamentations 4:5; Nahum 2:3). A scarlet robe was in mockery placed on our Lord (Matthew 27:28; Luke 23:11). "Sins as scarlet" (Isaiah 1:18), i.e., as scarlet robes "glaring and habitual." Scarlet and crimson were the firmest of dyes, and thus not easily washed out. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A deep bright red tinged with orange or yellow, -- of many tints and shades; a vivid or bright red color.2. (n.) Cloth of a scarlet color. 3. (a.) of the color called scarlet; as, a scarlet cloth or thread. 4. (v. t.) To dye or tinge with scarlet. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SCARLETSCARLET (WORM) (tola`ath shani (Exodus 25:4, etc.)): Cermes vermilio, a scale insect from which a red dye is obtained. Greek 2847. kokkinos -- scarlet ... scarlet. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: kokkinos Phonetic Spelling: (kok'-kee-nos) Short Definition: crimson Definition: crimson, scarlet, dyed with ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2847.htm - 6k 4209. porphura -- purple fish, purple dye, purple cloth Strong's Hebrew 8529. tala -- to clothe in scarlet... 8528, 8529. tala. 8530 . to clothe in scarlet. Transliteration: tala Phonetic Spelling: (taw-law') Short Definition: scarlet. Word ... /hebrew/8529.htm - 6k 8144. shani -- scarlet 8438. tola -- worm, scarlet stuff 8439. Towla' -- two men of Issachar Library A Woman on a Scarlet-Colored Beast. Thy Lips are as a Scarlet Fillet; and Thy Speech is Sweet. Thy ... August the Eighth the Scarlet Sin Of the Mockery which He Sustained at the Hands of Pilate's Cohort ... The First Stage in the Leper's Cleansing Both Covenants were Prefigured in Abraham, and in the Labour of ... That the Ruler Should be Always Chief in Action. Book ix. On Jerusalem and Her Enemies Sin. The Gospel Further Relates that the Soldiers Parted the Garments ... Thesaurus Scarlet (54 Occurrences)... It is also mentioned in various other connections (Joshua 2:18; 2 Samuel 1:24; Lamentations 4:5; Nahum 2:3). A scarlet robe was in mockery placed on our Lord ... /s/scarlet.htm - 26k Scarlet-worm Scarlet-color (1 Occurrence) Scarlet-colored (1 Occurrence) Scarlet-colour (1 Occurrence) Twined (25 Occurrences) Byssus (40 Occurrences) Finely (27 Occurrences) Yarn (37 Occurrences) Craftsman (23 Occurrences) Resources What is the significance of a scarlet thread? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a scarlet letter? | GotQuestions.org Why does God call Jacob a worm in Isaiah 41:14? | GotQuestions.org Scarlet: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Scarlet (54 Occurrences)Matthew 27:28 Matthew 27:31 Hebrews 9:19 Revelation 17:3 Revelation 17:4 Revelation 18:12 Revelation 18:16 Genesis 38:28 Genesis 38:30 Exodus 25:4 Exodus 26:1 Exodus 26:31 Exodus 26:36 Exodus 27:16 Exodus 28:5 Exodus 28:6 Exodus 28:8 Exodus 28:15 Exodus 28:33 Exodus 35:6 Exodus 35:23 Exodus 35:25 Exodus 35:35 Exodus 36:8 Exodus 36:35 Exodus 36:37 Exodus 38:18 Exodus 38:23 Exodus 39:1 Exodus 39:2 Exodus 39:3 Exodus 39:5 Exodus 39:8 Exodus 39:24 Exodus 39:29 Leviticus 14:4 Leviticus 14:6 Leviticus 14:49 Leviticus 14:51 Leviticus 14:52 Numbers 4:8 Numbers 19:6 Joshua 2:18 Joshua 2:21 2 Samuel 1:24 Proverbs 31:21 Song of Songs 4:3 Isaiah 1:18 Jeremiah 4:30 Lamentations 4:5 Daniel 5:7 Daniel 5:16 Daniel 5:29 Nahum 2:3 |
    |