The color yellow is often associated with happiness and sunshine which gives it a very positive image, but what does the color yellow mean in the Bible? To understand the symbolism of the color yellow in the Bible, it is important to look at the cultural and spiritual beliefs of those who wrote it.
The Bible uses the color yellow to represent a couple of different things. In some passages, it is used to describe the physical beauty of a person, such as when David danced before King Saul and his robes were described as being “as yellow as gold” (1 Samuel 18:6). In other passages, the color yellow symbolizes wisdom, as Solomon was given a wisdom by God and his clothing was said to be “as yellow as gold” (2 Chronicles 1:12).
In many passages the color yellow is used to represent decay and the passage of time. In the Book of Hosea, the prophet is instructed to say, “the Lord God has a whip, it is stripped and flecked with blood, and with His great power He will reproach them. His eyes are like fire and His feet are like yellow brass” (Hosea 8:9). Here, the use of the word “yellow” is used to describe God’s wrath at the Israelites for their treachery and backsliding. Symbolically, this passage is about the passage of time: as something ages and decays with time, it turns yellow.
The color yellow is sometimes used in the Bible to represent joy and victory. In Isaiah 54:11, the Lord says, “O afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted, I will rebuild you with stones of turquoise, your foundations with sapphires. I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones.” Here, the sapphires, rubies, and emeralds represent the victories that will be achieved, and the use of “yellow as gold”alludes to joy. Similarly, in the Song of Songs, the woman’s beauty is described as “as white as milk and as yellow as gold” (Song of Songs 5:10), suggesting that she is joyful and triumphant.
Overall, the color yellow in the Bible is used to symbolize a wide range of emotions and experiences, including physical beauty, wisdom, decay, joy and victory. Each instance of the color yellow in the Bible speaks to a different emotion or idea, and understanding the symbolism behind the color can help us gain insight into the spiritual truths being expressed.
Critical Thinking and Wisdom
The color yellow is associated with both critical thinking and wisdom in the Bible. In the book of Proverbs, for example, the writer says, “Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth” (Proverbs 4:5). Here, the encouragement to “get wisdom” is also associated with the color yellow being “as gold”, suggesting that it is valuable and should be sought after.
The color yellow also symbolizes the need for discernment when trying to understand something. In Proverbs 14:15, it says, “The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.” Here, the wisdom of “giving thought” is represented by the “yellow as gold”, suggesting that some things may not be as they seem and need to be carefully considered.
In Ecclesiastes 5:1-7, the writer uses the color yellow to represent that knowledge is greater than material wealth. The writer says, “In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.” Here, the color yellow is used to describe the wisdom of knowing that material wealth is not the only answer, and that knowledge and discernment are also essential.
God’s Wrath
The color yellow is also used in the Bible to represent God’s wrath. In the book of Revelation, for example, God is described as having “eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze” (Revelation 1:14-16). Here, the color yellow is shaped to represent God’s judgment and intense emotions. Similarly, in the book of Isaiah, the Lord says, “Your sin has brought these things upon you and your iniquities have deprived you of my [God’s] pleasure” (Isaiah 59:2). Here, the use of the color yellow is used to suggest God’s anger and disappointment at sin.
The color yellow is also used in the Bible to describe judgment. In Ezekiel 25:17, the Lord says, “I will carry out great vengeance on them with wrathful rebukes; and they will know that I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon them.” Here, the God’s retribution is associated with the colors “yellow as gold”, suggesting that judgment and punishment should be taken seriously.
Overall, the color yellow often represents God’s wrath and judgment in the Bible. It is a color associated with the idea of divine punishment, and it serves as a reminder that God’s word is to be followed and His will should be respected.
Yellow and Purity
The color yellow is also used in the Bible to represent purity. In the book of Exodus, for example, God instructs Moses to have the Israelites prepare the tabernacle by surrounding it in curtains of “fine twined linen” and decorating it in “blue and purple and scarlet and fine linen” (Exodus 28:4-5). Here, the use of the color yellow is used to symbolize the Israelites’ devotion and dedication to God – the Israelites are making things “as yellow as gold” to demonstrate their loyalty and faithfulness to their Lord.
The color yellow is also associated with purity in the Book of Leviticus, where God gives instructions for how the Israelites are to make sacrifices. He says, “You shall offer a bull every day as a sin offering for atonement..you shall offer it before the Lord, and it shall be accepted on your behalf to make atonement for you” (Leviticus 16:6). Here, the use of the color yellow “as gold” is used to symbolize the purity of the sacrifice, and to show the importance of God’s commands.
In the gospel of Matthew 5:8, Jesus also commands his followers to “be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect”. Here, the color yellow is used to suggest the divine purity that comes from living according to God’s will. The image of the “yellow as gold” reflects the idea that God wants His followers to strive for purity and holiness, and that His commandments should be followed.
Yellow and Wealth
The use of the color yellow is also used to represent wealth and abundance in the Bible. In the book of Genesis, for example, Jacob’s dream of a ladder leading to Heaven is said to have a “top of the ladder reaching to Heaven and the angels of God ascending and descending on it” (Genesis 28:12). Here, the use of the color yellow is used to describe the wealth and abundance of God’s blessings that are promised to those who believe in Him. Similarly, in Proverbs 8:18-19, the writer promises that wisdom is “more precious than rubies, and all the things you can desire cannot compare with her”. Here, the color yellow is used to suggest that wealth, abundance and riches come from following God’s instructions.
The color yellow is also used in the Bible to describe the bounty that God provides. In the book of Job, for example, God says, “Behold, I will open my mouth, I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world” (Job 33:33). Here, the use of the color yellow “as gold” is used to represent the abundance of the Lord’s blessing that He bestows on those who trust in His word.
Overall, the color yellow is used in the Bible to represent wealth and abundance. It is often used to remind us of God’s promises of blessings and prosperity, and of the importance of living in accordance with His commands.
The Promotion of Spiritual Health
The color yellow is also used in the Bible to represent the promotion of spiritual health. In the book of Isaiah, for example, the prophet encourages the people of Israel to “ learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow” (Isaiah 1:17). Here, the use of the color yellow “as gold” is used to represent the importance of spiritual and ethical growth. The idea is that one should strive for spiritual and ethical excellence, rather than just material wealth.
The color yellow is also used in the book of Proverbs to remind us to be mindful of our words and deeds, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver” (Proverbs 25:11). Here, the use of the color yellow “as gold” reminds us that our words should be chosen wisely, as the consequences of our words and actions can have a lasting impact on our lives. The use of the color yellow in this passage is meant to remind us of the importance of spiritual health, and learning to speak and act with wisdom and compassion.
In Proverbs 16:24, the writer reminds us that “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones”. Here, the image of honeycomb, a golden-colored substance, serves as a reminder of the importance of speaking kindly and with grace. In this instance, the color yellow is used to represent the idea of spiritual health and well-being, and the need to use words that edify and build up.
Yellow and Joy
The color yellow is also used in the Bible to represent joy and gladness. In the book of Psalms, for example, the writer sings, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalms 51:12). Here, the use of the color yellow “as gold” is used to represent the joy that comes from knowing God and trusting in His word. The use of the color yellow in this passage is meant to remind us of the joy that comes from faith and obedience.
Similarly, in Psalms 118:24, the writer says, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
