Scarlet

Scarlet in the Old Testament (Hebrew shani and tola'at shani, literally crimson of the worm) was a bright red dye obtained from the dried body of the female Coccus ilicis, a scale insect (kermes) living on oak trees in Palestine and the Mediterranean basin. The color was among the earliest and most prized dyes known to the ancient world (Gen. 38:28). Scarlet thread, yarn, and fabric were prescribed ingredients of the tabernacle curtains and hangings (Ex. 26:1, 31, 36) and elements of the high priest's vestments (Ex. 28:6, 8, 15, 33). Rahab's red cord hung from her window served as the signal for Israel's spies (Josh. 2:18), a detail given typological significance in early Christian interpretation as a figure of redemption by blood. Isaiah 1:18 uses scarlet and crimson as images of the depth of sin: "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." In Revelation, the great harlot is arrayed in purple and scarlet (Rev. 17:4), evoking wealth and bloodshed.