Color Symbolism and Bible Meanings
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA
√ Updated: September 8, 2010

Colors meanings play an important role in religion worldwide. In the Christian tradition, color meanings come both from the meanings in the Bible and from the traditions of religious art. The colors meanings below are based on biblical references.

Color Meanings in Bible: Red or Scarlet

Red color meanings in the Bible can refer to the blood of life, sacrifice, sin or war. Specific bible references include the dragon of Revelation (12:3) and ritual sacrifice (Numbers 19:2). Red could also be a mark of prosperity (Proverbs 31:21). Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Color Meanings in Bible: Green

Green color meanings in the Bible is usually a reference to growth, vegetation or fertility. Specific references include pastures (Psalms 23:12), marriage bed (Song of Solomon 1:16), papyrus plant (Job 8:16) and trees (Luke 23:31). Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Color Meanings in Bible: Blue

Blue color meanings in the Bible refers to the sky, heaven (Exodus 24:10) and Holy Spirit. Sometimes blue can mean water, the water of the spirit (John 4:13) or the Lord's commandments (Numbers 15:38). Blue can also be for chastening or describe drapes or holy coverings. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Color Meanings in Bible: Yellow or Amber

Yellow color meanings in the Bible refers to God's glory (Ezekiel 1:4) or the brightness of Christ (Revelation 21:23). Yellow can also refer to God's fire (Hebrew's 12:29) or judgment (Genesis 19:24). Yellow is also used to describe the color of gold (Psalm 68:13). Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Color Meanings in Bible: Black

Black color meanings in the Bible refers to sin (Job 6:15), disease (Job 30:30), death (Lamentations 4:8), famine (Revelation 6:5) and the night (Proverbs 7:9). Occasionally black indicates health (healthy hair) or marble. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Color Meanings in Bible: White

White color meanings in the Bible refers to manna (Exodus 16:31), righteousness (Revelation 19:8), forgiven sins (Psalms 5:7), the garments of angels (Revelation 15:6), gravestones (Matthew 23:27) and the throne of judgment (Revelation 20:11).

White symbolizes purity and joy. White can also mean beauty (Song of Solomon 5:14), costly decorations and wealth (I Kings 10:22). Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Color Meanings in Bible: Purple

Purple color meanings in the Bible refers to royalty and kingship. Purple dye was rare and precious. To obtain the dye, an incredible amount of mollusks shells had to be crushed and processed. Purple was used in the tabernacle (Exodus 26:1) and for the garments of the wealthy. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Color Meanings in Bible: Silver and Gray

Silver color meanings in the Bible refers to truth (Psalms 12:6), old age (Genesis 42:38), the beauty of age (Proverbs 20:29), weakness (Hosea 7:9) and ashes (Genesis 18:27). The association withes connects the color gray to sorrow, destruction, purification, mourning and repentance. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

More Information on Bible Symbols

For more information about Bible symbols, try these recommended Amazon books:
Dictionary of Biblical Imagery
Jesus Christ, Sun of God: Ancient Cosmology and Early Christian Symbolism
Symbols of the Church
Hidden Wisdom in the Holy Bible
The Original Code in the Bible
The Symbolism of the Biblical World
King Solomon's Temple: A Study of its Symbolism

Bible Related Gifts and Products

©2007-2010 Living Arts Enterprises, LLC

RESOURCES:

Books
Peterson, L.K. and Cheryl Dangel Cullen. Global Graphics: Color, Designing with Color for an International Market. Couscester, Massachusetts:Rockport Publishers, Inc, 2000.

Andrews, Ted. How to Heal with Color. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2006.

Chiazzari, Suzy. The Complete Book of Color. New York: Barnes and Noble Books, 1998.

Sloane, Patricia. The Visual Nature of Color. Blue Ridge Summit, PA: TAB Books, 1989.

Chevreul, M.E. The Principles of Harmony and Contrast of Colors and Their Applications to the Arts. New York: Reinhold Puyblishing Corporation, 1967.

Websites
http://www.colorassociation.com
http://www.colormarketing.org
http://www.colorpuncture.com
http://www.colourenergy.com

Kathleen Karlsen, MA is a symbolism expert, professional artist and marketing consultant specializing in products and services related to natural health and personal growth. Find out more at Living Arts Media, Kathleen Karlsen Art, and Kathleen Karlsen Writing or contact Kathleen at kathleenkarlsen@msn.com.

Article Use Policy: All content on this web site is protected by international copyright laws for intellectual property and may not be reproduced, used, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior permission.

Contact the author for permission to reprint articles for your own website, newsletter or other publications. Credit must be given to the author, a copyright notification must be included and a link to http://www.livingartsoriginals.com.

More Symbolic Products The products below are purchased through our affiliate merchants. Click on the link to be taken to the merchants website for purchases. Commissions from our affiliates support our efforts to maintain and expand this website.
	BOOKSTORE Our bookstore includes books, DVDs and music.		SYMBOLIC JEWELRY Our jewelry selections include lots of meaningful gifts!
	FENG SHUI DECOR Includes statues, chimes, fountains, coins, and charms.		SYMBOLIC GIFTS Flower bouquets, gift baskets, memory trees, fairie gifts and angel gifts.
	STOCK PHOTOS The photos on this page are offered through Dreamstime stock photos.		SYMBOLIC PRINTS Symbolic artwork will brighten up any home or office with meaningful visuals.