Skip to main content
Bible Q

What does the colour silver mean in the Bible? – and what do any colours mean in the Bible?

Answered by . May 23, 2010 - 9:11 pm

Some people like to find a symbolic significance for all or some colors mentioned in the Bible. However, the Bible never provides any clear indication that colors are used symbolically, or what each color meant if they are symbolic. So if there is any symbolism intended, the only way to find it is to read all the passages that mention the color and see if there are any common themes.

Those who like to find symbolic meaning in colours usually associate silver with redemption, largely because silver coins were used to redeem or purchase goods.

 

Footnote:

The below is a promotional book review by a US Christian publisher for one such short book:

Color in Scripture

by Debbie Lynn Higginbotham. Publisher, Truth For Today, 1992.

Book Review by Robert Guenther
As far as we know, this is the first work to undertake an in-depth study of the significance of color in Scripture. Number in Scripture, by E.W. Bullinger, which was the inspiration of Mrs. Higginbotham’s current work, briefly mentions the subjects of color and music. However, Color in Scripture deals specifically with colors and their various meanings and applications. How many times have you read the account of Esau giving up his birthright to Jacob? Did you notice that the bowl of pottage that Esau wanted was red? Did you ever wonder why it was red? Mrs. Higginbotham spent nearly four years researching the subject of colors and has uncovered the meaning of the colors of the rainbow, the color of the gems in the high priest’s breastplate, and in the heavenly Jerusalem, and the application of these meanings in Scripture and in nature. The text is written in an easy to follow style that is enlightening to any Bible scholar. There are a few charts in this well-researched book that are full of Scripture references and some thought provoking insights offered by the author. The scientific and physiological aspects of colors is also addressed in the last sections of this book.

When we see a rainbow in the sky, we automatically think of the promise God made to man and every living creature concerning the flood (Genesis 9:12-16). Now, after reading this book, the individual colors of the rainbow leap out to reveal distinct meanings and the sequence of these colors reveals yet another picture of the great plan of God.

Let us look at a few references to the colors in the rainbow and their meanings:
RED- sin, blood, redemption (Isaiah 1:18)
ORANGE- fire and judgment (Deuteronomy 9:3; Isaiah 66:15)
YELLOW- the color of Gold, can represent God and Deity.
GREEN- life (Exodus 17:24)
BLUE- separation or division (Genesis 1:6, 7)
PURPLE- Royalty, Christ (John 19:2; Luke 16:19; Numbers 4:13)

 

One Reply to “What does the colour silver mean in the Bible? – and what do any colours mean in the Bible?”

  1. While Rob hit the target I believed that more explanation of silve is needed. While silver was used to indeed pay for for good the reason why it is symbolic of redemptions is because silver was the price paid for for Jesus identity when he was betrayed by the diciple Judas. This resulted in the death, burial and ressurection that alllows all men to have access to redemption through Jesus the Savior.