Purple is not just a color, but a symbolic representation of something bigger than itself in the Bible. Christians have long used purple to signify divinity, royalty, and sacrifice. With its rich history and context, understanding the meaning of purple in the Bible can help you to understand the messages revealed in its holy pages.
The origins of the color purple come from dye made from the murex shellfish found in Tyre, a port city in Phoenicia. The dye was so expensive that it was limited to royalty, and purple garments often signified a high status. Biblical characters like John The Baptist and Mary Magdalene wore purple robes to symbolize their respect for the gospel and their position as spiritual teachers.
Purple is also used in the Bible to signify divinity and holiness. When Jesus is mentioned in the Gospels, he is often wearing a garment with purple stripes. The purple stripes signify his holiness and ability to heal and intercedes with God on behalf of the people. The purple in the Bible suggests God’s presence and points to His authority.
Another significant use of purple in the Bible is its reference to sacrifice and suffering. For example, in the Passion of the Christ, Jesus wears a purple robe while he is being condemned to death. This shows that Jesus accepted and endured his suffering willingly, to atone for the sins of the world. This sacrifice of love and humility is the cornerstone of the Christian faith.
Lastly, purple can be found in the Bible’s narrative of creation. In the book of Genesis, it is said that God created the heavens, the stars, and the sea all in shades of purple and blue. This is significant because purple represents the infinite, and graphically show us the greatness and power of God’s creation.
Light Purple In The Bible
Light purple is closely related to pink, and is present in the Bible in several contexts. In the book of Esther, we see King Ahasuerus wearing a light purple robe at the banquet scene. This symbolizes his authority, as he is the most powerful person in the scene. Light purple is also used to signify respect and admiration, as in the case of Mary Magdalene anointing Jesus’ feet with oil of spikenard, which translates to light purple.
Dark Purple In The Bible
Dark purple, closely related to violet, has many different connotations in the Bible. The dark purple is a representation of suffering in the Christian tradition, and of mortality in the Jewish tradition. In the Bible, Judas sells out Jesus for thirty silver coins, which is a form of dark purple. This symbolizes betrayal and extreme suffering.
Purple As Symbolic In The Bible
Purple is also seen as a symbol of faith in the Bible. The color can represent joy, thanksgiving, and a deep trust in God, like when Jehoshaphat prayed ‘give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever’. Purple is also a color of passion and drive, such as when David sang out to God ‘Lord, I cry out to you.’
Purple In Popular Culture
Purple has been used in many contexts in pop culture, from movies and music to literature and fashion. In the movie The Lord of the Rings, the elves often wear violet and purple to signify their spirituality. In the musical Wicked, Elphaba wears a purple cape to symbolize her passion and connection with the wild. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch wears a purple tie to illustrate his compassion and courage.
