The Symbolism of Purple 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 biblical narratives requires a deep dive into the cultural, historical, and theological contexts of the ancient world.

Historically, purple was an exceedingly rare and valuable color in antiquity. The dye used to produce purple fabric was derived from the murex snail found in the Mediterranean Sea. The extraction and production process was labor-intensive and costly, making purple garments a luxury reserved for the wealthy and powerful. This scarcity and cost 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 priestly garments. For example, in the construction of the tabernacle, God instructs Moses to use purple fabric in various elements of the sanctuary:

"Make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim woven into them by a skilled worker." (Exodus 26:1, ESV)

The use of purple in the tabernacle signifies the majesty and glory of God. Its 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, especially those of the high priest, incorporated purple fabric. In Exodus 28:5-6, God provides specific instructions for the ephod of the high priest:

"They are to use gold, and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen. The ephod is to be made skillfully, with gold, and with blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and with finely twisted linen." (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, purple continues to carry connotations of royalty and authority but also gains additional layers of meaning. One of the most poignant references to purple occurs during the Passion of Christ. In the Gospel of Mark, Roman soldiers mock Jesus by clothing Him in a purple robe and placing a crown of thorns on His head:

"They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, 'Hail, king of the Jews!'" (Mark 15:17-18, ESV)

This act of mockery, intended to ridicule Jesus' claim to be king, 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 reign, 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 biblical narratives. 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 of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message." (Acts 16:14, ESV)

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

Furthermore, purple appears in 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 at Belshazzar’s command, Daniel was clothed in purple, a gold chain was placed around his neck, and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom." (Daniel 5:29, ESV)

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

The spiritual significance of purple extends beyond its literal appearances in the text. It invites believers to reflect on the deeper theological themes it represents. The association of purple with royalty calls Christians to acknowledge God's sovereignty and Christ's lordship. 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 link of the color with suffering and sacrifice, as seen in the Passion of Christ, encourages Christians to embrace the call to discipleship, which often involves bearing one's cross and following Jesus' example of selfless love.

In Christian liturgical traditions, purple is often used during specific seasons and occasions to convey these rich symbolic meanings. For example, in many churches, purple is the liturgical color for Advent and Lent. During Advent, purple signifies a time of preparation and anticipation for Christ's coming, both in His incarnation and His eventual return. In Lent, purple represents penitence, reflection, and the journey towards Easter. The use of purple in these liturgical contexts helps the faithful engage with the spiritual rhythms of the Christian calendar, deepening their commitment to the mysteries of faith.

In summary, the color purple in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol encompassing themes of royalty, wealth, authority, suffering, and sacrifice. Its appearances in biblical narratives, 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 God's sovereignty, Christ's sacrificial love, and the transformative power of the Gospel. Through its rich and varied symbolism, purple continues to inspire and challenge believers to live their faith with reverence, generosity, and devotion.