The color green has a long history in Christianity, representing a variety of meanings from the beginning of creation to the end of time. The Bible contains many references to green, including in its references to the Garden of Eden, God’s Covenant with Israel, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the coming of the New Jerusalem. By looking at these passages, we can learn more about what green means in the Bible, and why it’s such an important color to Christians.
The Garden of Eden
In the Bible, the Garden of Eden is depicted as having an abundance of green plants. In the selection from Genesis, we read that “And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.” In this passage, green is a symbol of God’s abundance, providing everything that was needed for the Garden. It also is a symbol of life; after all, plants are dependent on photosynthesis for their life, so green represents life and renewal.
God’s Covenant with Israel
Green is also a symbol of hope and renewal in the Bible. It is often used to refer to the renewal of God’s covenant with Israel. In the selection from Ezekiel, we read: “And it came to pass after many days that the Lord said unto me, Son of man, hath thou seen what the house of Israel doth? They say, The Lord hath forsaken the land, and the Lord seeth not. Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Though I have cast them far off among the heathen, and though I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come.” Here, green symbolizes the hope and new life that will come from God’s renewal of His covenant with Israel.
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
In the Bible, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is often associated with the color green. In the passage from John, we read: “In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.” Here, Jesus’ resurrection is given life, as if being brought back to life in a new, green form.
The Coming of the New Jerusalem
In the Bible, the New Jerusalem is described as a city filled with greenery. This is most famously revealed in the selection from Revelation: “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Here, green once again symbolizes hope and renewal, as it represents both the new Jerusalem and the eternal life promised by God.
The Meaning of Green for Christians
From the passages we’ve reviewed, it’s clear that green has a deep meaning for Christians. For Christians, green is a symbol of abundance, hope, life, and renewal. It is deeply intertwined with the teachings of Jesus Christ, and its presence in the Bible is a reminder of God’s love and mercy.
The Green in Creation
In the Bible, green is not just a sign of God’s love and mercy, but also of His creative power. In the selection from Genesis, we read: “And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.” Green is the color of life, and it is a reminder that God has the power to create life and to sustain it.
The Green in Revelation
The Book of Revelation is also full of references to green. In the selection from Revelation, we read: “And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.” Here, green symbolizes the promise of a new, eternal life. For Christians, green symbolizes this hope of a new life that awaits those who will live in the New Jerusalem.
Green as a Moral Standard
Finally, in the Bible, green also has a moral aspect. Green symbolizes righteousness and righteousness symbolizes obedience to God. In the selection from Leviticus, we read: “Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give you, then shall the land keep a sabbath unto the Lord. Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof; But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the Lord: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.” Here, green symbolizes the obedience that is required in order to receive God’s blessings and redemption.
Green as a Symbol of the Future
In the Bible, green is often used as a symbol of the future. In the selection from John, we read: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” Here, green symbolizes the hope of a better future that is coming in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Green as a Mortality Reminder
Finally, in the Bible, green is sometimes used to symbolize mortality. In the selection from Ecclesiastes, we read: “All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?” Here, green symbolizes the mortality of the human condition, and the reminder that our lives are fleeting and should be used for a higher purpose.
