Topical Encyclopedia Scarlet, a vivid red color with a slight orange tinge, holds significant symbolic meaning throughout the Bible. It is often associated with wealth, power, and sin, and is frequently mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments.Symbolism and Usage in the Old Testament In the Old Testament, scarlet is prominently featured in the construction of the Tabernacle and the garments of the priests. Exodus 25-40 details the instructions given to Moses for the Tabernacle, where scarlet yarn is used alongside blue and purple in the curtains and the ephod of the high priest. Exodus 28:5-6 states, "They are to use gold, along with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen. They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen, embroidered with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn." Scarlet is also used in the purification rituals described in Leviticus. In Leviticus 14:4 , during the cleansing of a leper, the priest is instructed to take "two live clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop." The color is further associated with sin and redemption. Isaiah 1:18 uses scarlet to symbolize sin, stating, "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, which can be cleansed and forgiven by God. Symbolism and Usage in the New Testament In the New Testament, scarlet continues to carry connotations of wealth and sin. In the Book of Revelation, scarlet is used to describe the opulence and corruption of Babylon. Revelation 17:3-4 describes a woman sitting on a scarlet beast, "The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls. She held in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality." The color is also mentioned in the account of Jesus' crucifixion. In Matthew 27:28 , the Roman soldiers mock Jesus by dressing Him in a scarlet robe, "They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him." This act of mockery highlights the contrast between earthly power and the true kingship of Christ. Cultural and Historical Context Scarlet dye in biblical times was derived from the dried bodies of the female Kermes insect, which was found in the Mediterranean region. The process of extracting and producing the dye was labor-intensive, making scarlet a color associated with wealth and luxury. This historical context underscores the biblical symbolism of scarlet as a representation of both opulence and moral depravity. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, scarlet serves as a powerful symbol of both sin and redemption, as well as wealth and corruption. Its use in the Tabernacle and priestly garments signifies holiness and divine service, while its association with sin and judgment in prophetic literature underscores the need for repentance and divine forgiveness. Library The Twenty-Second Psalm. A Warning Rejected. A Warning Rejected Antichrist. In the Last Chapter we Confined Ourself to the Old Testament, in ... The Bible It is a Ground for Thanksgiving that During the Last Three or Four ... Thesaurus Scarlet-color (1 Occurrence)Scarlet-color. Scarlet, Scarlet-color. Scarlet-colored . Multi-Version Concordance Scarlet-color (1 Occurrence). Revelation ... /s/scarlet-color.htm - 6k Scarlet (54 Occurrences) Scarlet-colored (1 Occurrence) Lewdness (68 Occurrences) Botany Resources What is the significance of a scarlet thread? | GotQuestions.orgIs there any significance to colors in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of pomegranates in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Scarlet-color (1 Occurrence)Revelation 17:4 Subtopics Related Terms |
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