Definition and Description:
Vermillion is a vivid red pigment traditionally made from the mineral cinnabar, which is mercuric sulfide. In ancient times, it was highly valued for its bright, intense color and was often used in art and decoration. The term "vermillion" is derived from the Latin word "vermiculus," meaning "little worm," referring to the red dye obtained from the Kermes insect, which was used before the discovery of the mineral pigment.

Biblical References:
The use of vermillion is mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the context of decoration and idolatry. In the Berean Standard Bible, vermillion is referenced in the following passages:

· Jeremiah 22:14 : "He says, ‘I will build myself a great palace with spacious upper rooms.’ So he cuts windows in it, panels it with cedar, and paints it with vermillion."

This passage highlights the use of vermillion in the construction and decoration of a palace, indicating its association with wealth and opulence. The use of vermillion in this context suggests a focus on outward appearance and grandeur, which is critiqued by the prophet Jeremiah as part of a broader condemnation of pride and injustice.

· Ezekiel 23:14 : "But she increased her prostitution; she saw men portrayed on the wall, figures of Chaldeans, portrayed in vermillion."

In this verse, vermillion is used to describe the depiction of Chaldean men on a wall, symbolizing the allure and temptation of foreign influences and idolatry. The vivid color of vermillion serves to emphasize the seductive nature of these images, which lead the people away from their covenant with God.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In the ancient Near East, vermillion was a luxury item due to the difficulty of obtaining and producing the pigment. Its use was often reserved for the wealthy and powerful, as seen in the biblical references to palatial decoration and idolatrous imagery. The association of vermillion with opulence and idolatry reflects the broader biblical theme of the dangers of materialism and the seduction of foreign gods.

Theological Significance:
From a theological perspective, the use of vermillion in the Bible serves as a metaphor for the dangers of pride, idolatry, and the pursuit of worldly wealth. The vividness of the color symbolizes the allure of sin and the temptation to prioritize external appearances over spiritual integrity. The biblical critique of vermillion's use in decoration and idolatry underscores the call to faithfulness and humility before God.

Conclusion:
While vermillion itself is a neutral substance, its biblical associations with wealth, idolatry, and foreign influence serve as a cautionary tale against the seductions of the world. The vivid imagery of vermillion in Scripture invites believers to examine their own lives for areas where they may be prioritizing the material over the spiritual, and to seek a deeper, more authentic relationship with God.8350. shasher -- red color, vermilion
... vermillion. Perhaps from the base of sharar in the sense of that of saruq; red ochre
(from its piercing color) -- vermillion. see HEBREW sharar. see HEBREW saruq ...
/hebrew/8350.htm - 6k

Soul-Rest.
... The hills, which fell back gracefully from the valley, were covered with cloaks
of gold and vermillion and emerald, and not a leaf stirred in the evening air. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rees/the heart-cry of jesus/chapter viii soul-rest.htm

"The Sun of Righteousness"
... From curtains of purple and vermillion, he looks forth, and scatters orient pearl
around him. Clad with a blaze of glory, he begins the race of day. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the sun of righteousness.htm

The Tabernacle of the Most High
... gore. The vermillion cement drawn from his own sacred veins must imbed it.
And there he lies, the first stone of the divine edifice. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the tabernacle of the most.htm

The Omission of These Twelve Verses in Certain Ancient Copies of ...
... A familiar contraction, executed probably in vermillion , ar,indicates the "beginning"
(arche) of each lection: a corresponding contraction indicates its "end ...
/.../chapter xi the omission of.htm

The Purport of Ancient Scholia, and Notes in Mss. On the Subject ...
... in each Gospel, and extending from the beginning right on to the end;) and immediately
under every number, he inserted, in vermillion, another numeral (I to X ...
/.../chapter viii the purport of.htm

The Purport of Ancient Scholia, and Notes in Mss. On the Subject ...
... in each Gospel, and extending from the beginning right on to the end;) and immediately
under every number, he inserted, in vermillion, another numeral (I to X ...
/.../chapter viii the purport of.htm

Everybody's Sermon
... Take heed that thou art built upon a rock, and not upon the sand, and that the
vermillion cement of the Saviour's precious blood unites thee to the foundation ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/everybodys sermon.htm

The Omission of These Twelve Verses in Certain Ancient Copies of ...
... A familiar contraction, executed probably in vermillion [{GREEK SMALL LETTER CHI}
over {GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER RHO}], {GREEK SMALL LETTER ...
/.../chapter xi the omission of.htm

Extracts No. vii.
... who should fall in battle, that their sins should be forgiven at the day of judgment,
that their wounds would be resplendant as vermillion and odoriferous as ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no vii.htm

On the Interpretation of Scripture
... into the world saying Woe unto you, ye rich men,' or on entering a noble mansion
to repeat the denunciations of the prophet about cedar and vermillion,' or on ...
/.../on the interpretation of scripture.htm

Vermillion (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Vermillion (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 22:14 Who is
saying, 'I build for myself a large house, And airy upper ...
/v/vermillion.htm - 6k

Vermilion (2 Occurrences)

/v/vermilion.htm - 7k

Vermin (1 Occurrence)

/v/vermin.htm - 7k

Painting (5 Occurrences)
... saying, 'I build for myself a large house, And airy upper chambers,' And he hath
cut out for himself its windows, Ceiled with cedar, and painted with vermillion...
/p/painting.htm - 9k

Airy (1 Occurrence)
... saying, 'I build for myself a large house, And airy upper chambers,' And he hath
cut out for himself its windows, Ceiled with cedar, and painted with vermillion...
/a/airy.htm - 7k

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