At our weekly Bible study, we were talking about the burning bush when the discussion on orange flames in fire came up. I remember thinking about how the color orange is used in connection with fire in different Biblical stories.
Out of curiosity, I asked my fellow Christians, “What does orange symbolize in the Bible?”
According to scripture, the orange color symbolizes different things. Although there is no mention of the color orange in the Bible, teachers of the scripture have linked it with items and ornaments in similar colors. They include gold and fire, which appear in scripture; 1 Peter 1:7, Revelation 1:14, and Hebrews 12:29. In this way, they interpret what they symbolize. They imply it represents God’s presence, wealth, and purification, to mention a few.
In this article, I will share insights on the Biblical meaning of the color orange. Join me in this exploration to discover verses about orange and how the color is used in the Bible.
Keep reading to find out its significance in the Bible and much more!
What is the Biblical meaning of the color orange?
Based on the interpretation of the scripture by preachers and other Christian scholars, they imply that the Biblical meaning of the color orange is God’s presence.
The color orange is not directly mentioned in the Bible, but there are things in the scripture which are in that color. Various Bible verses mention fire which burns in orange flames.
They imply God’s presence was in most instances where fire has been mentioned. For example, in Exodus 3:1-15, God appeared in a burning bush to Moses.
Exodus 3:1-2 says, “Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed.”
God’s presence was through the fire, whose color is orange. Other verses mention fire alluding to God’s presence, as in Daniel 7:9-10, “As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; fits wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; ha thousand thousands served him, hand ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.”
Bible verses about the color orange
In Daniel 7:9-10, the scripture describes Daniel’s vision of God’s appearance. In that description, it mentions God being surrounded by fire. As we know, the fire burns in an orange flame, which implies God’s presence.
In Acts 2:3, we read about the tongues of fire that fell on the twelve disciples. As mentioned, the fire burns in an orange flame. Teachers of the scripture imply that the tongues of fire were the Holy Spirit.
Revelation 21:18 reads, “The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald,” and verse 21 states, “And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.”
These verses describe the New Jerusalem. They mention walls made of gold. According to scripture teachers, they imply gold is similar to orange.
Other verses that mention orange items include Revelation 1:14, “The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire,” Deuteronomy 4:24, “For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” and Hebrews 12:29, “for our God is a consuming fire.”
How is the color orange used in the Bible?
The color orange, through symbolism, has been used to communicate different things. Fire, which has an orange flame, has been mentioned in various Bible verses.
We learn of the outlook during judgment, which the scripture suggests there will be fierce fire. Also, the scripture implies that through the fire, one may receive purification and get delivered.
In this way, the color orange implies God’s refining process. There are instances in the Bible, such as Acts 2:3, where fire represents the Holy Spirit’s presence.
The scripture informs how God and the Holy Spirit may appear in our lives through this.
What is the significance of orange in the Bible?
The color orange has yet to be mentioned directly. However, some items in the Bible appear in that color, which gives the color significance.
In the incidences where God appeared in the form of fire, we learn of God’s immeasurable abilities. For instance, when He appeared in a burning bush, it implies God is a God of wonders and miracles.
According to teachers of the scripture, the tongues of fire which fell on the twelve disciples were the Holy Spirit. This event teaches us that God can be present in any form and place.
5 symbolic meanings of the color orange in the Bible
Wealth
Oranges have a similar hue present in gold. There are verses in the Bible that mention gold. Such as Revelation 21:18, “The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass.” The verse describes walls of the New Jerusalem made of gold.
The scripture uses gold to imply wealth, and a sophisticated environment would be present in New Jerusalem. Also, kings and queens in the Bible are adorned with gold which implies richness.
Psalm 45:9 reads, “daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.”
God’s presence
There are instances in the scripture which suggest God came to be in the presence of His followers in the form of fire.
The fire appears in different colors, one being orange. In Exodus 3:1-15, God appeared to Moses in a burning bush. Also, other verses give the impression of God’s presence in the form of a blazing fire.
Exodus 3:1-2 reads, “Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed.”
In Deuteronomy 4:24, the scripture describes God, which suggests He appears in devouring fire: “For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.”
Judgment
In the scripture, various verses mention fire; Luke 12:49, “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!” 1 Peter 1:7, “so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” and Zechariah 12:6, “On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a blazing pot in the midst of wood, like a flaming torch among sheaves. And they shall devour to the right and to the left all the surrounding peoples, while Jerusalem shall again be inhabited in its place, in Jerusalem.” In most instances, the scripture uses fire to suggest the wrath which will meet those who will go against God’s will.
In these instances, the mention of fire gives the impression of happenings and the environment during the Day of Judgment; Revelation 21:18; 21; and 14:10, “he also will drink wthe wine of God’s wrath, xpoured full strength into the cup of his anger, and yhe will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.”
Intensity
There are verses in the scripture which imply God’s tenacity with that of burning fire. In Hebrews 12:29, the verse talks of God being like consuming fire, “for our God is a consuming fire.”
The scripture suggests that God’s strength is unending and intimidating, symbolized by consuming fire.
Holy Spirit
The scripture suggests the Holy Spirit appeared in the form of fire. In Acts 2:3, the Bible narrates the incident when the Holy Spirit fell on the twelve disciples in the form of tongues of fire: “And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.”
In this instance, teachers of the scripture imply the tongues of fire in orange flames symbolize the presence of the Holy Spirit.
What is the spiritual meaning of orange?
There are different spiritual meanings for the color orange. One of the implied meanings is endurance. Those who suggest this idea compare it to fruits.
For one to tell a fruit is mature and ripe, they turn orange. Therefore, this implies the value of endurance. Another suggested meaning is maturity, as ripe fruit is mature, symbolized by orange.
The color orange may also spiritually mean a new start. We can compare it to the rising sun as it has orange rays. Therefore, the color orange signifies the beginning of something.
Also, oranges spiritually signify happiness and prosperity.
What does it mean when you see oranges in dreams?
Good luck
When you dream about oranges, it implies you will experience good luck. It gives the idea that you may receive something you did not think possible.
The appearance of oranges implies that it brings good wishes into your life and journey. It may be in your marriage or career.
Good news
If you have dreams about oranges, it suggests that you will receive good news. When you have been waiting to obtain confirmation about something, especially results, such a dream may imply you will receive good news.
Good health
Ripe fruits appear in orange, which is in good condition when in this color. When the fruits are bad or rotten, they appear darker.
Therefore, when you dream about oranges, it implies that you will have good health.
Optimism
When the sun rises, it gives out orange rays. Therefore, dreaming about oranges gives the impression of a new start, which brings optimism.
Also, it implies that you will prosper.
What is the religious symbolism of oranges?
Symbolically, oranges represent different religious values and aspects. According to the Christian religion, it implies oranges compare to the sun’s shine, beauty, and strength.
Also, given how oranges are juicy and sweet, it represents positive and good aspects of life.
In Buddhism and Hinduism, the color orange is sacred. Furthermore, the monks dress in orange robes. Based on these two religions, orange implies enlightenment and purity.
They suggest that impurities and evil are sent into the fire for purification. In Buddhism, they present each other with oranges symbolically to imply that they seek a connection with the spiritual world and feed their ancestors.
Do oranges symbolize wealth?
Oranges symbolize wealth and good fortune. According to different cultures, such as the Chinese, it gives the idea that oranges bring riches.
The Chinese practice a New Year tradition named ‘Rolling in the Wealth.’ During this celebration, businesses and homeowners roll oranges together with coins at their front door’s threshold.
They carry out this practice in hopes of a prosperous year. Also, in the Christian religion, the color orange implies prosperity and wealth. Those who have ripe fruit are likely to have good returns.
Why are oranges lucky?
Some cultures imply oranges mean luck. In Mandarin, the orange name is almost similar to those of wealth and good luck. Therefore, they link oranges with luck.
In their tradition, gold equally suggests prosperity. It explains why the Chinese practice rolling out oranges during New Year’s, which they imply will result in good fortune all year.
Also, they compare the orange with the sun, which they suggest is another symbol of abundance. As the orange is round, they imply it signifies perfection and associate it with good fortune.
It is why they have an orange in their homes during New Year’s.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.