Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Symbolism and MeaningIn the Bible, the color white is often associated with purity, holiness, and righteousness. It is frequently used to describe the garments of heavenly beings and the appearance of divine figures. White symbolizes the absence of sin and the presence of God's glory and majesty. Old Testament References In the Old Testament, white is used to describe the purity and holiness of various objects and garments. For example, in the construction of the Tabernacle, the curtains were made of fine twisted linen, which was white (Exodus 26:1). This use of white linen signified the purity and sanctity of the place where God would dwell among His people. The prophet Daniel describes a vision of the Ancient of Days, whose clothing was "white as snow" (Daniel 7:9). This imagery emphasizes the purity and eternal nature of God. New Testament References In the New Testament, white continues to symbolize purity and divine presence. During the Transfiguration, Jesus' clothes became "radiantly white" (Mark 9:3), signifying His divine nature and the glory of God revealed through Him. The Book of Revelation frequently uses the color white to describe heavenly realities. The twenty-four elders around the throne of God are clothed in white garments (Revelation 4:4), representing their righteousness and purity. The great multitude standing before the throne is also described as wearing white robes, having washed them in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:9, 14). This imagery highlights the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice and the purity granted to believers through His atonement. White as a Symbol of Victory White is also a symbol of victory and triumph in the Bible. In Revelation, Jesus is depicted as riding a white horse, symbolizing His ultimate victory over evil (Revelation 19:11). The white horse represents the purity and righteousness of Christ's judgment and His triumphant return. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Near Eastern cultures, white was often associated with purity and cleanliness. This cultural understanding is reflected in the biblical use of white as a symbol of holiness and divine presence. The use of white garments for priests and in religious ceremonies further underscores its association with purity and sanctity. Conclusion Throughout Scripture, the color white serves as a powerful symbol of purity, holiness, and victory. It is used to describe the divine nature of God, the righteousness of His people, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The consistent use of white in biblical imagery reinforces its significance as a representation of God's perfect and holy nature. Easton's Bible Dictionary A symbol of purity (2 Chronicles 5:12; Psalm 51:7; Isaiah 1:18; Revelation 3:18; 7:14). Our Lord, at his transfiguration, appeared in raiment "white as the light" (Matthew 17:2, etc.). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (superl.) Reflecting to the eye all the rays of the spectrum combined; not tinted with any of the proper colors or their mixtures; having the color of pure snow; snowy; -- the opposite of black or dark; as, white paper; a white skin.2. (superl.) Destitute of color, as in the cheeks, or of the tinge of blood color; pale; pallid; as, white with fear. 3. (superl.) Having the color of purity; free from spot or blemish, or from guilt or pollution; innocent; pure. 4. (superl.) Gray, as from age; having silvery hair; hoary. 5. (superl.) Characterized by freedom from that which disturbs, and the like; fortunate; happy; favorable. 6. (superl.) Regarded with especial favor; favorite; darling. 7. (n.) The color of pure snow; one of the natural colors of bodies, yet not strictly a color, but a composition of all colors; the opposite of black; whiteness. See the Note under Color, n., 1. 8. (n.) Something having the color of snow; something white, or nearly so; as, the white of the eye. 9. (n.) Specifically, the central part of the butt in archery, which was formerly painted white; the center of a mark at which a missile is shot. 10. (n.) A person with a white skin; a member of the white, or Caucasian, races of men. 11. (n.) A white pigment; as, Venice white. 12. (n.) Any one of numerous species of butterflies belonging to Pieris, and allied genera in which the color is usually white. See Cabbage butterfly, under Cabbage. 13. (v. t.) To make white; to whiten; to whitewash; to bleach. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HORSE, WHITE(hippos leukos): Symbolic of victory, conquest ("bow. conquering and to conquer," Revelation 6:2; Revelation 19:11, 14; compare Zechariah 1:8; Zechariah 6:3, 1). WHITE hwit. WHITE HORSE See HORSE, WHITE. Greek 3022. leukos -- bright, white ... bright, white. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: leukos Phonetic Spelling: (lyoo-kos') Short Definition: white, bright Definition: white, bright ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3022.htm - 6k 3021. leukaino -- to whiten, to make white 2986. lampros -- bright 1039. bussinos -- fine linen 5247. huperoche -- a projection, eminence 1096. ginomai -- to come into being, to happen, to become 373. anapauo -- to give rest, give intermission from labor, by ... 3670. homologeo -- to speak the same, to agree 1491. eidos -- appearance, fashion, shape, sight. 1823. exastrapto -- to flash or gleam like lightning, be radiant Strong's Hebrew 3836. laban -- white... 3835b, 3836. laban. 3837 . white. Transliteration: laban Phonetic Spelling: (law-bawn') Short Definition: white. Word Origin from ... /hebrew/3836.htm - 6k 2358. chivvar -- white 2353. chur -- white stuff 2751. chori -- white (bread) 3835a. laben -- to be white 2360a. choray -- white stuff 3835. laban -- to be white 906. bad -- white linen 2357. chavar -- to be or grow white or pale 2360. Chuwray -- white stuff Library White All that is White The Garments White as the Light. The White Island The Hidden Manna and the White Stone My Beloved is White and Ruddy, the Chiefest among Ten Thousand. CMHK White. In a Storm. September the Thirtieth White Robes in the Streets Emancipation --Black and White. The Washing Away of Sins is Indicated by the White Robes of the ... Thesaurus White (756 Occurrences)... 14). Our Lord, at his transfiguration, appeared in raiment "white as the light" (Matthew 17:2, etc.). Noah Webster's Dictionary. ... /w/white.htm - 9k White-reddish (4 Occurrences) Reddish-white (4 Occurrences) White-hot (1 Occurrence) White-haired (2 Occurrences) Snow-white (1 Occurrence) White-washed (1 Occurrence) Diseased (39 Occurrences) Poplar (4 Occurrences) Appears (38 Occurrences) Resources Who was Ellen G. White? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about white lies? | GotQuestions.org Why is God going to give us a white stone with a new name? | GotQuestions.org White: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance White (756 Occurrences)White is used 756 times in 12 translations. You can narrow your search using the Advanced Bible Search. Subtopics Related Terms |
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