The Color Purple in the Bible
Royalty, wealth, and the kingship of Christ.
Purple was the color of royalty and great wealth in the ancient world, used in the tabernacle's curtains and mockingly draped on Christ before His coronation as King of kings.
Key KJV Verses
"...thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet..."
"And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,"
"And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple..."
The color of kings
Purple dye was rare and costly. It clothed kings and priests, lined the tabernacle (Exodus 26:1), and was draped on Christ in mockery (Mark 15:17) — the mockery turning out to be true.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the color purple mean in the Bible?
Royalty and wealth — culminating in Christ, the true King clothed in purple at His passion.
Related Bible Symbols
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Lydia Bible Quiz
The seller of purple from Thyatira — the first European convert recorded in Acts
Who Was Lydia in the Bible?
People & Characters
Who Was Lydia in the Bible?
People & Characters
Lydia in the Bible
The First European Convert
Biblical Meaning of the Color White in a Dream (KJV)
Purity, righteousness, and the garments of the redeemed.
Biblical Meaning of the Color Red in a Dream (KJV)
Blood, sacrifice, war, and passionate love.