What does red symbolize in the Bible? (Symbolism and Meaning)

At our weekly Bible study, we discussed the significance of symbolism in the Bible, and among the topics we tackled was the meaning of colors in the Scriptures, particularly red. Many Christians ponder on the topic of the symbolism of colors in the Bible, popularly red. Therefore, in this post, I’ll be sharing with you my discoveries from the Bible study. So, “What does red symbolize in the Bible?”

In this article, I invite you to join me as we delve into the topic of the meaning of the color red in the Bible. Also, if you’d like to learn what this color represents in various cultures and spiritualities, and dreams, continue reading.

Is the color red mentioned in the Bible?

Yes, the color red is mentioned numerous times in the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. For instance, in the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for red is Adom. Additionally, in Exodus 12:7-13, the color red is mentioned in reference to the Passover lamb, when God instructed the Israelites to take the blood of a lamb and put it on the sides and top of their doorframes to protect them from the plague that was to come.

The color red is also mentioned in the book of Revelation, where it’s associated with the blood of Christ and the wrath of God. In Revelation 6:4, the second horseman of the apocalypse is described as riding a red horse, which is interpreted as representing war and bloodshed, and in Revelation 12:3-4, the great red dragon is described as having seven heads and ten horns, representing the power of Satan to deceive and destroy. Additionally, in Revelation 19:13-15, Jesus is described as wearing a robe dipped in blood and accompanied by the armies of heaven on white horses, representing the final judgment and the defeat of evil.

How many times is the color red mentioned in the Bible?

The color red has been mentioned 52 times in the King James version bible and 54 times in the NIV bible. The exact number of times the color red has been mentioned in the Bible varies depending on the bible version in question. However, what’s clear is that red has been mentioned severally in both the Old and New Testaments. As mentioned earlier, the color red has been mentioned throughout the Bible to symbolize various themes, including sacrifice, redemption, atonement, power, royalty, wrath, sin, and forgiveness.

What does the color red mean in Hebrew?

One of the key meanings of the color red in Hebrew is it represents blood. The word “adom,” meaning “red,” is used to describe the color of the blood of the animals in sacrificial offerings as well as the color of human blood. This association between the color red and blood is significant in Hebrew culture and religion, as blood is seen as the source of life and vitality. Another important meaning of red is it symbolizes sin and guilt, as implied in Isaiah 1:18. This passage suggests that the color red is symbolic of the weight and gravity of sin in Hebrew culture, as well as the need for atonement and forgiveness. The color red is also associated with the idea of sacrifice and redemption in Hebrew culture. Theological studies of the color red in Hebrew have also explored its association with the idea of kingship and royalty. In the Hebrew Bible, King David is often depicted as wearing a red robe, symbolizing his power and authority as a monarch.

What does the color red mean in Greek?

In Greek, the color red is represented by the word “Kokkinos,” which has a range of meanings and associations in Greek culture and religion. One of the key associations of the color red in Greek is with passion and emotion. In Greek mythology, the goddess Aphrodite is often depicted wearing a red robe, symbolizing her passionate and sensual nature. The color red is also associated with love and desire, as well as with the intensity of emotions such as anger and jealousy. Like in Hebrew, the color red is also associated with blood and sacrifice in Greek. This association between the color red and blood is significant in Greek culture and religion, as blood was seen as a vital life force.

Red also has political and social significance in Greek culture. For instance, in ancient Greece, a red flag was used to signify a state of war, and the color was associated with military strength and power. Red was also associated with royalty and nobility and was often used in the clothing and regalia of kings and queens.

4 symbolic meanings of the color red in the Bible

Sin and guilt

The color red is often associated with sin and guilt in the Bible, as suggested in Isaiah 1:18. This passage suggests that even though sin may be as red as scarlet, it can be washed clean through repentance and forgiveness. Similarly, in Revelation 1:5-6 the importance of the color red as a symbol of forgiveness and redemption from our sins and guilt is emphasized.

Atonement and sacrifice

In the Old Testament, the color red is also associated with atonement and sacrifice, as implied in Leviticus 17:11. This verse suggests that the blood of sacrificial animals was seen as a symbol of atonement and forgiveness, and the color red became associated with this idea.

Passion and love

In the Bible, the color red can also symbolize passion and love, as implied in Song of Solomon 5:10. Additionally, in the New Testament, the sacrificial love of Jesus is often depicted through the color red, which is associated with bloodshed and sacrifice. Overall, the color red can symbolize both the passionate and sacrificial nature of love in the Bible.

Power and authority

In the Bible, the color red can also symbolize power and authority, as it’s often associated with royalty and majesty. For example, in the Old Testament in Exodus 26:1, the curtains of the tabernacle were made of fine linen and scarlet material, symbolizing the importance and power of the tabernacle. The color red is also associated with the power and authority of God, as suggested in Revelation 6:4. Theologically, the color red can symbolize the power and authority of both earthly and divine rulers in the Bible.

What does the color red mean in different cultures?

The color red is a deeply symbolic color in many cultures around the world, often representing various concepts. For instance;

Chinese culture

In Chinese culture, the color red is considered to be the luckiest color, symbolizing joy, happiness, and prosperity, often associated with festivals and celebrations such as Chinese New Year. Red is also commonly used in weddings as a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the newlyweds.

Indian culture

In Indian culture, the color red is often associated with fertility, love, and sensuality and is considered to be the color of the goddess Shakti, who represents feminine power and energy. Red is commonly used in weddings, festivals, and other celebratory occasions, with the popular usage being in bridal dresses for Indian brides to symbolize marital bliss and commitment.

African culture

In African culture, the color red can have different meanings depending on the region and context. In some parts of Africa, red is associated with death, mourning, and the afterlife, while in other regions, it can represent healing, protection, and strength.

Mexican culture

In Mexican culture, the color red is associated with the celebration of the Day of the Dead, which is a time to honor deceased loved ones, where is used in the form of flowers, candles, and other decorations to represent the blood of life and the vitality of the spirits of the dead.

Korean culture

In Korean culture, the color red is associated with passion, excitement, and joy, and it’s often used in traditional clothing such as the hanbok and also in festivals and celebrations such as the Lunar New Year. Red is also used to symbolize good luck and prosperity, similar to Chinese culture.

Spiritual meaning of the color red

Among the most popular spiritual meanings of the color red are passion and love. The color red is often associated with strong emotions, such as love, desire, and passion. Also, the color red is linked to fire and purification in many spiritual traditions. Fire is seen as a symbol of purification and transformation, and the color red is often associated with the transformative power of fire. In Christianity, this association is reflected in the concept of the Holy Spirit as a purifying flame which cleanses and transforms believers.

Additionally, in some spiritual traditions, the color red is associated with energy, vitality, and life force, and this association is sometimes linked to the color of blood, which is seen as the source of life and vitality. In Christianity, the color red is also associated with life force, particularly in the context of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection.

Finally, the color red is often used as a warning or danger signal in many spiritual traditions. According to theologians, this association with danger is also reflected in the Bible, where the color red is sometimes used to describe the wrath of God or the bloodshed associated with violence and war. It’s important to remember that the spiritual meaning of the color red is complex, with different associations and connotations depending on the cultural and religious context.

What does it mean when you dream about the color red?

Dreaming about the color red can be interpreted in numerous ways. For example, the color red is often associated with passion, intensity, and strong emotions, and dreaming of this color can indicate that you’re experiencing strong feelings in your waking life. This could be a sign that you need to pay attention to your emotional state and consider ways to express and manage your feelings healthily. In some dream interpretation traditions, the color red can also symbolize warning and danger, so if you dream about a red light or a red flag, it could be a sign that you need to exercise caution and pay attention to potential risks or dangers in your waking life.

The color red can also be associated with anger and conflict, and dreaming of this color could be a sign that you are experiencing tension or conflict in your relationships or environment. Finally, the color red can also symbolize vitality, energy, and life force, and dreaming of it could be a sign that you’re feeling energized and empowered in your waking life, and this could be a signal that you are ready to take on new challenges and pursue your goals with passion and determination. It’s important to note that the interpretation of dreams is subjective and can vary depending on the individual’s personal associations and cultural context.