What does the color purple symbolize in the Bible?

In the Bible, the color purple holds significant symbolic value and appears in various contexts, representing themes such as royalty, wealth, authority, and even suffering. Understanding the symbolism of purple in the biblical narrative requires a deep dive into the ancient world's cultural, historical, and theological contexts.

From a historical perspective, the color purple was exceedingly rare and valuable in ancient times. The dye used to produce purple fabric was derived from the murex snail, found in the Mediterranean Sea. The process of extracting and producing the dye was labor-intensive and costly, making purple garments a luxury reserved for the wealthy and powerful. This scarcity and expense naturally led to the association of purple with royalty and nobility.

In the Old Testament, purple is frequently mentioned in the context of the tabernacle and the priestly garments. For instance, in the construction of the tabernacle, God commands Moses to use purple cloth in various elements of the sanctuary:

"Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen and blue and purple and scarlet yarns; you shall make them with cherubim skillfully worked into them." (Exodus 26:1, ESV)

The use of purple in the tabernacle signifies the majesty and glory of God. The color's association with divine royalty and holiness is evident in its inclusion alongside gold, blue, and scarlet—colors that also carry rich symbolic meanings. The combination of these colors in the tabernacle's design reflects the splendor and sanctity of God's dwelling place among His people.

Similarly, the priestly garments, particularly those of the high priest, incorporated purple fabric. In Exodus 28:5-6, God provides specific instructions for the high priest's ephod:

"They shall receive gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen. And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and of fine twined linen, skillfully worked." (Exodus 28:5-6, ESV)

The high priest's garments were designed to reflect the honor and dignity of the priestly office, serving as a visual representation of the priest's role as a mediator between God and the people. The use of purple in these garments underscores the priest's connection to divine authority and the sacredness of his duties.

In the New Testament, the color purple continues to carry connotations of royalty and authority, but it also takes on additional layers of meaning. One of the most poignant references to purple occurs during the Passion of Christ. In the Gospel of Mark, the Roman soldiers mock Jesus by dressing Him in a purple robe and placing a crown of thorns on His head:

"And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. And they began to salute him, 'Hail, King of the Jews!'" (Mark 15:17-18, ESV)

This act of mockery, intended to ridicule Jesus' claim to kingship, ironically affirms His true identity as the King of Kings. The purple robe, a symbol of royalty, becomes a powerful image of Jesus' suffering and the paradox of His kingship—a kingship marked not by earthly power and splendor, but by humility, sacrifice, and love. The use of purple in this context highlights the juxtaposition of Jesus' divine authority and His willingness to endure humiliation and pain for the sake of humanity.

Beyond its association with royalty and suffering, purple also symbolizes wealth and luxury in the biblical narrative. In the Book of Acts, we encounter Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, who becomes one of the first converts to Christianity in Europe:

"One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul." (Acts 16:14, ESV)

Lydia's profession as a seller of purple goods indicates her affluence and social standing. Her conversion and subsequent hospitality to Paul and his companions illustrate the inclusivity of the Christian message, reaching individuals across different social strata. The mention of purple in Lydia's story underscores the transformative power of the Gospel, capable of bridging societal divides and bringing people from diverse backgrounds into the fold of the Christian community.

In addition to these specific instances, the color purple appears in various other biblical passages, each time reinforcing its symbolic associations with royalty, wealth, and divine authority. For example, in the Book of Daniel, King Belshazzar offers Daniel a purple robe and a gold chain as rewards for interpreting the mysterious writing on the wall:

"Then Belshazzar gave the command, and Daniel was clothed with purple, a chain of gold was put around his neck, and a proclamation was made about him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom." (Daniel 5:29, ESV)

This episode highlights the recognition of Daniel's God-given wisdom and the honor bestowed upon him, symbolized by the purple robe.

Moreover, the color purple's spiritual significance extends beyond its literal appearances in the text. It invites believers to reflect on the deeper theological themes it represents. Purple's association with royalty calls Christians to recognize the sovereignty of God and the lordship of Christ. Its connection to wealth and luxury challenges believers to consider the proper use of material resources and the dangers of excessive attachment to worldly possessions. The color's link to suffering and sacrifice, as seen in the Passion of Christ, encourages Christians to embrace the call to discipleship, which often involves bearing one's own cross and following Jesus' example of self-giving love.

In Christian liturgical traditions, the color purple is often used during specific seasons and occasions to convey these rich symbolic meanings. For instance, in many churches, purple is the liturgical color for Advent and Lent. During Advent, purple signifies a time of preparation and anticipation for the coming of Christ, both in His incarnation and His eventual return. In Lent, purple represents penance, reflection, and the journey toward the celebration of Easter. The use of purple in these liturgical contexts helps worshippers enter into the spiritual rhythms of the Christian calendar, deepening their engagement with the mysteries of the faith.

In summary, the color purple in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol that encompasses themes of royalty, wealth, authority, suffering, and sacrifice. Its appearances in the biblical narrative, from the tabernacle and priestly garments to the Passion of Christ and the stories of individuals like Lydia and Daniel, invite believers to explore the profound theological truths it represents. As a symbol of divine majesty and human humility, purple calls Christians to recognize the sovereignty of God, the sacrificial love of Christ, and the transformative power of the Gospel. Through its rich and varied symbolism, the color purple continues to inspire and challenge believers to live out their faith with reverence, generosity, and devotion.