Purple

In biblical times, the color purple held significant cultural and religious symbolism. It was often associated with royalty, wealth, and authority due to the costly process of producing purple dye. The dye was extracted from the murex snail, making it rare and expensive. This exclusivity is reflected in various biblical passages.

In the Old Testament, purple is frequently mentioned in the context of the Tabernacle and the Temple. Exodus 25:4 lists purple yarn as one of the materials to be used in the construction of the Tabernacle: "blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair." The use of purple in the Tabernacle's curtains and priestly garments (Exodus 28:5-6) signifies the majesty and holiness of God's dwelling place and His appointed servants.

Purple also appears in descriptions of royal attire. In Judges 8:26, the Midianite kings' garments are described as purple, highlighting their status and wealth. Similarly, in Esther 8:15, Mordecai is clothed in royal garments of blue and white, with a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen, symbolizing his elevated position in the Persian Empire.

In the New Testament, purple continues to symbolize wealth and status. In Luke 16:19, Jesus tells the parable of the rich man who "was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day." This imagery underscores the man's opulence and the contrast with Lazarus, the poor man at his gate.

Scarlet

Scarlet, like purple, is a color of significance in the Bible, often associated with wealth, power, and sin. The dye for scarlet was derived from the cochineal insect, making it another costly and vibrant color.

In the Old Testament, scarlet is used in the construction of the Tabernacle, alongside blue and purple, as seen in Exodus 25:4. The inclusion of scarlet in the priestly garments and the Tabernacle's design emphasizes the richness and splendor of worship dedicated to God.

Scarlet also appears in prophetic and poetic literature as a symbol of sin and redemption. Isaiah 1:18 offers a powerful metaphor: "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." Here, scarlet represents the deep stain of sin, while the promise of cleansing and forgiveness is depicted as a transformation to purity.

In the New Testament, scarlet is notably mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Revelation 17:3-4 describes the woman on the scarlet beast, adorned in purple and scarlet, symbolizing the opulence and corruption of Babylon: "The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls." This imagery conveys the seductive allure and moral decay of the worldly powers opposed to God.

Throughout the Bible, purple and scarlet serve as powerful symbols of both divine majesty and human sinfulness, reflecting the complex interplay of wealth, authority, and morality in the biblical narrative.