The Bible does not explicitly state what the holy color is, but there are several colors that have symbolic significance in Scripture. Some of the main colors that represent holiness in the Bible include white, blue, purple, scarlet, and gold. These colors are associated with purity, royalty, divinity, priesthood, temple worship, and God’s glory. Understanding the meaning behind these colors can give us insight into God’s nature and character.
White
White is often used in the Bible to represent holiness, righteousness, and purity. In Isaiah 1:18, God says “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Here, white symbolizes the cleansing from sin that comes through God’s forgiveness. White clothes were worn by priests, the High Priest, and the Levites as they performed their duties in the temple. This depicted their role as serving a holy God (Exodus 39:27-29).
In the book of Revelation, white clothes are symbolic of the righteousness of Christ and the saints (Revelation 3:4-5, 6:11, 7:9, 19:14). Their white robes indicate that they have been purified and redeemed by the blood of Jesus. White represents a removal of sinful stains and a state of moral purity.
Blue
Blue is less commonly identified as a holy color in the Bible, but it does have spiritual significance. The Old Testament required Israelite people to include blue threads when making tassels on the corners of their garments (Numbers 15:38). These blue tassels served as a reminder to follow God’s commands and avoid sin. The specific blue dye came from a sea snail called the hilazon and was very precious. This blue color set the Israelites apart and marked them as God’s chosen people.
Blue also has connotations of the heavenly realm. It is associated with the sky and the sapphire stone that was said to be under God’s throne (Exodus 24:10). The color blue symbolizes truth, wisdom, and the transcendence of God.
Purple
Purple was considered a royal color in biblical times and came from a rare sea snail dye. The expense of purple dye meant it was worn primarily by kings, nobles, and the wealthy. In the Bible, purple robes were worn by kings like David (1 Chronicles 29:2) and Mordecai (Esther 8:15). The soldiers who mocked Jesus dressed him in a purple robe before his crucifixion to mock his claims of kingship (Mark 15:17, John 19:2).
Because of its association with royalty and wealth, purple came to represent spiritual richness, holiness, and closeness with God. When the nation of Israel rebelled against God’s laws, the prophet Jeremiah lamented that “her priests and nobles are like the people of the land who practice violence, and shed innocent blood. They did not set apart special things for the Holy” (Jeremiah 6:13). Here, purple dye was one of the “special things for the Holy” that were improperly used.
Scarlet
Scarlet has an ambivalent meaning in the Bible. On one hand, it is used to represent sin, iniquity, and spiritual adultery. When describing sins, Scripture writers would say they were “like scarlet” (Isaiah 1:18) or “red like crimson” (Isaiah 1:18). The great harlot Babylon in Revelation is depicted as a woman in purple and scarlet, symbolic of her wealth yet sinful nature (Revelation 17:4).
However, scarlet is also associated with sacrifice, redemption, and restoration. It is one of the colors of the veil and curtains in the tabernacle and temple (Exodus 26:1, 2 Chronicles 3:14). The ritual cleansing offering was a red heifer sacrificed to remove impurity (Numbers 19:1-10). Scarlet yarn was used in the cleansing rituals for lepers (Leviticus 14:4). So while scarlet could represent sin, it also took on holy meaning when used sacrificially to cover sin.
Gold
Gold often represents God’s glory, majesty, and presence in the Bible. The ark of the covenant and other tabernacle furnishings were covered or plated with pure gold, indicating their sacred purpose (Exodus 25:10-11). The golden lampstand in the temple symbolized the light of God’s presence. Gold also depicts the splendor, worth, and value of God’s kingdom. Heaven itself contains streets of gold to highlight its beauty and significance (Revelation 21:21).
While various colors carry symbolic meaning in Scripture, holiness ultimately comes from God himself. Whatever the external colors used in worship and ritual, true spiritual purity is a state of the heart cleansed by Christ’s sacrifice. The holy colors reflect the nature and character of a holy God.
Old Testament Use of Holy Colors
The instructions for constructing the Old Testament tabernacle and temple incorporate several colors that represent holiness:
| Color | Use in the Tabernacle/Temple |
|---|---|
| Blue | The curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place was made of blue, purple and scarlet yarn (Exodus 26:31) |
| Purple | Purple linen was used for the screen at the tabernacle entrance (Exodus 27:16) |
| Scarlet | Scarlet-dyed ram skins were used as a covering over the tabernacle (Exodus 26:14) |
| White | The priests wore fine white linen tunics while ministering in the tabernacle (Exodus 39:27-29) |
| Gold | The Ark of the Covenant, lampstand, altar of incense and other items were covered in gold (Exodus 25) |
These colors served as visual representations of God’s holiness and the need to approach him with purity, humility, and sacrifice. The colors also marked the divisions between the inner sanctuary where God’s presence dwelled and the outer courts accessible to all people.
New Testament Use of Holy Colors
The New Testament continues to associate certain colors with holiness and righteousness:
| Color | New Testament Association |
|---|---|
| White | The transfigured Christ and angels at the empty tomb are described as wearing white or shining white garments (Matthew 28:3, Mark 9:3) |
| Purple | Lydia, a convert to Christianity in Acts, was a seller of purple fabrics (Acts 16:14) |
| Scarlet | The beast in Revelation is scarlet, representing sin and corruption (Revelation 17:3-4) |
| Gold | Heavenly Jerusalem contains streets of gold to highlight its glory (Revelation 21:21) |
While the colors maintained symbolic meaning, the New Testament shifts the emphasis away from physical temples and sacred objects. Believers’ bodies become the temple of God’s presence (1 Corinthians 6:19). And holiness is ultimately achieved through faith in Christ’s atoning work.
Significance of the High Priest’s Garments
The High Priest’s garments provide one of the clearest examples of holy colors used in the Bible. God gave detailed instructions for the eight pieces of the High Priest’s special vestments (Exodus 28):
| Garment | Color and Significance |
|---|---|
| Ephod | Blue, purple, scarlet – colors of authority and position before God |
| Breastpiece | Gold, blue, purple, scarlet – priestly duties and representation of the 12 tribes |
| Robe | Blue – heavenly nature of the priesthood |
| Tunic | White linen – righteousness and purity |
| Turban | White linen – purity with a gold plate saying “Holy to the Lord” |
| Sash | Woven of blue, purple, scarlet – priestly service |
These vivid colors reminded the High Priest and all Israel of the solemnity and sanctity of approaching God to make atonement for sins. The colors also reinforced the High Priest’s unique role as mediator and intercessor between God and man.
Use of Holy Colors in Religious Practice Today
While no color is inherently holy, the biblical colors retain symbolic meaning in Jewish and Christian tradition today:
– **White** is widely used in religious ceremonies for baptisms, weddings, and holidays like Easter. White clothes or robes signify purity, joy, and victory.
– **Purple** is primarily worn in Catholic and Anglican ceremonies by bishops and other high-ranking clergy. It highlights positions of spiritual authority.
– **Blue** represents divine revelation and heaven. It often appears in depictions of Mary, Mother of Jesus.
– **Scarlet or Crimson** are used in Pentecostal churches, where red clothing represents the presence of the Holy Spirit.
– **Gold** decorates church architecture, crosses, and sacred objects to display the glory and majesty of God.
Regardless of external colors, true holiness comes through Christ’s sacrifice to cleanse believers’ hearts and lives. The colors serve as helpful visual reminders of biblical truths. They orient our worship toward a righteous and holy God.
Conclusion
While the Bible does not name one specific holy color, many colors like white, blue, purple, scarlet, and gold have symbolic meaning. They direct attention to God’s purity and point people toward righteous living. The colors demarcate sacred spaces, vestments, and objects set apart for God’s purposes. And they remind believers of Jesus’ sacrifice that makes inner holiness and cleansing possible. Today, these biblical colors continue to represent holiness and point toward divine truths in Jewish and Christian practice. Most importantly, they orient hearts and minds toward worshiping God in spirit and in truth.