Scarlet-colour
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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. The Hebrew word for scarlet is "shani" or "tola," and the Greek word is "kokkinos."

Symbolism and Usage in Scripture

1. Wealth and Luxury: Scarlet is often used to denote wealth and opulence. In the construction of the Tabernacle, scarlet yarn was used alongside gold, blue, and purple, indicating its value and beauty (Exodus 25:4). The luxurious nature of scarlet is further emphasized in Proverbs 31:21, where the virtuous woman clothes her household in scarlet, signifying her provision and care.

2. Sin and Redemption: Scarlet is also a symbol of sin and the need for redemption. Isaiah 1:18 states, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." This verse highlights the transformative power of God's forgiveness, turning the deep stain of sin into purity.

3. Royalty and Authority: Scarlet is associated with royalty and authority. In the New Testament, Jesus is mockingly dressed in a scarlet robe by Roman soldiers, symbolizing a twisted recognition of His kingship (Matthew 27:28). This act, while intended as mockery, inadvertently acknowledges His true royal status.

4. Judgment and Babylon: In the Book of Revelation, scarlet is used to describe the harlot Babylon, symbolizing her grandeur and eventual judgment. Revelation 17:4 describes her as "clothed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls," indicating her wealth and the seductive nature of her influence.

5. The Tabernacle and Temple: Scarlet was a prominent color in the design of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. It was used in the curtains and the high priest's garments, symbolizing the richness and holiness of the place where God dwelt among His people (Exodus 26:1, 28:5-6).

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient times, scarlet dye was derived from the dried bodies of the female Kermes insect, making it a costly and labor-intensive color to produce. This rarity contributed to its association with wealth and status. The use of scarlet in religious and royal garments underscored its importance and the reverence associated with it.

Theological Implications

The dual symbolism of scarlet as both sin and redemption reflects the broader biblical narrative of humanity's fall and God's plan for salvation. The color serves as a visual reminder of the gravity of sin and the profound grace offered through Christ's sacrifice. The use of scarlet in the Tabernacle and Temple also points to the holiness and majesty of God, who dwells among His people and provides a way for their redemption.

In summary, scarlet in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol that conveys themes of wealth, sin, authority, and redemption. Its presence in Scripture invites believers to reflect on the richness of God's grace and the transformative power of His forgiveness.
Greek
2847. kokkinos -- scarlet
... scarlet, crimson. From kokkos (from the kernel-shape of the insect); crimson-colored --
scarlet (colour, coloured). see GREEK kokkos. (kokkinen) -- 1 Occurrence ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2847.htm - 6k
Library

Further Proofs of the Same Truth in the Same Chapter, from the ...
... sins be as scarlet, I will make them as white as snow; even though they be like
crimson, I will whiten them as wool." [3767] In the scarlet colour He indicates ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter x further proofs of the.htm

Treatise on Christ and Antichrist.
... And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold, and
precious stone, [1474] and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand, full of ...
/.../treatise on christ and antichrist.htm

A Discourse
... She 'was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious
stones, and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand,' &c. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

Thesaurus
Scarlet-colour (1 Occurrence)
Scarlet-colour. Scarlet-colored, Scarlet-colour. Scarletworm .
Multi-Version Concordance Scarlet-colour (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/scarlet-colour.htm - 6k

Scarletworm

/s/scarletworm.htm - 11k

Gilded (2 Occurrences)
... Revelation 17:4 and the woman was arrayed with purple and scarlet-colour, and gilded
with gold, and precious stone, and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand ...
/g/gilded.htm - 7k

Filth (21 Occurrences)
... Revelation 17:4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarletcolour, and decked
with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand ...
/f/filth.htm - 17k

Filthiness (16 Occurrences)
... Revelation 17:4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarletcolour, and decked
with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand ...
/f/filthiness.htm - 16k

Arrayed (46 Occurrences)
... Revelation 17:4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarletcolour, and decked
with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand ...
/a/arrayed.htm - 20k

Abominable (52 Occurrences)
... Revelation 17:4 and the woman was arrayed with purple and scarlet-colour, and gilded
with gold, and precious stone, and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand ...
/a/abominable.htm - 23k

Scarlet-colored (1 Occurrence)
Scarlet-colored. Scarlet-color, Scarlet-colored. Scarlet-colour . ... (WEB WEY ASV
WBS). Scarlet-color, Scarlet-colored. Scarlet-colour . Reference Bible.
/s/scarlet-colored.htm - 6k

Whoredom (58 Occurrences)
... Revelation 17:4 and the woman was arrayed with purple and scarlet-colour, and gilded
with gold, and precious stone, and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand ...
/w/whoredom.htm - 24k

Colour (22 Occurrences)
... Revelation 17:4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarletcolour, and decked
with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand ...
/c/colour.htm - 21k

Resources
What is the significance of a scarlet thread? | GotQuestions.org

What is a scarlet letter? | GotQuestions.org

Why does God call Jacob a worm in Isaiah 41:14? | GotQuestions.org

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Concordance
Scarlet-colour (1 Occurrence)

Revelation 17:4
and the woman was arrayed with purple and scarlet-colour, and gilded with gold, and precious stone, and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and uncleanness of her whoredom,
(YLT)

Subtopics

Scarlet-colour

Related Terms

Insects (17 Occurrences)

Scarlet-worm

Scarlet-colour (1 Occurrence)

Scarlet-colored
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