Colour

Colour in the Bible encompasses both the natural hues of creation and the symbolic use of specific colors in cultic, royal, and prophetic contexts. The primary colors of sacred significance were blue, purple, and scarlet — all used in the tabernacle curtains, priestly garments, and temple furnishings. Blue (tekelet) was derived from a sea creature and reserved for sacred and royal use; purple (argaman) signified wealth and royalty; scarlet (shani) appeared in sacrifice, purification rites, and the thread tied on Zerah's wrist at birth (Genesis 38:28).

White represented purity and holiness, worn by priests and angels; black expressed mourning and desolation. The various hues of the horses in Zechariah's visions (Zechariah 1:8) and Revelation carry prophetic meaning. Isaiah's famous declaration that sins scarlet as crimson shall become white as snow (Isaiah 1:18) uses color as a vehicle for the theology of atonement. Joseph's coat of many colors (Genesis 37:3) signaled paternal favor, while the red cord of Rahab (Joshua 2:18) served as a token of deliverance — a scarlet thread recalling the Passover blood.