What does the Bible say about yellow colour?

The Bible does not directly mention the colour yellow. However, there are a few passages that may allude to the colour yellow through descriptions of things like gold, honey, and sulphur. Here are some quick answers to questions about what the Bible says regarding the colour yellow:

Does the Bible mention the colour yellow?

No, the Bible does not directly mention the colour yellow. The only colours directly referenced in the Bible are white, red, scarlet, purple, and blue.

What are some things described as yellow in the Bible?

While the colour yellow is never explicitly stated, several things described in the Bible would likely have been yellow, including:

  • Gold – 1 Kings 10:18, Revelation 21:18
  • Honey – Exodus 3:8, Proverbs 25:16
  • Sulphur/brimstone – Genesis 19:24, Revelation 9:17
  • Amber – Ezekiel 1:4, Ezekiel 1:27
  • Pollen – Song of Songs 5:13

Are there any symbolic meanings to the colour yellow in the Bible?

Since yellow is not directly referenced, there are no specific symbolic meanings attached to it. However, there are symbolic meanings for things described as yellow:

  • Gold often symbolizes wealth, glory, and the things of high value in God’s kingdom.
  • Honey represents sweetness, happiness, and the promised land flowing with milk and honey.
  • Sulphur represents God’s wrath and judgment.
  • Amber may represent God’s glory.

What are some verses that mention gold?

Here are some verses that describe gold, likely referring to the yellow colour:

  • “The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedar as plentiful as the sycamore-fig trees in the foothills.” (1 Kings 10:27)
  • “The great city was clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, with jewels, and with pearls!” (Revelation 18:16)
  • “There is gold and abundance of costly stones, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.” (Proverbs 20:15)

What are some verses that mention honey?

Here are some verses that describe honey, likely referring to the yellow colour:

  • “They shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. And the earth shall answer the crows of joy, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” (1 Kings 10:27)
  • “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103)
  • “My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.” (Proverbs 24:13)

What are some verses that mention sulphur or brimstone?

Here are some verses that describe sulphur/brimstone, likely referring to the yellow colour:

  • “Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the Lord out of heaven.” (Genesis 19:24)
  • “And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.” (Revelation 14:11)
  • “And the streams of Edom shall be turned into pitch, and her soil into sulfur; her land shall become burning pitch.” (Isaiah 34:9)

Were there any yellow pigments or dyes used in Biblical times?

Yes, there were some natural yellow pigments and dyes that were likely used in Biblical times, including:

  • Saffron – Derived from the saffron crocus flower, it produced a golden-yellow dye.
  • Turmeric – The ground powder of the turmeric root produces a bright yellow pigment.
  • Safflower – Produces a yellow dye from the dried safflower petals.
  • Pomegranate – The rind and root can produce yellow dyes.
  • Onion skins – Produce a yellow-brown pigment.

While Scripture does not specifically mention these pigments, they were readily available in the Biblical regions and eras. Yellow textile dyes like saffron and safflower were especially prized.

What is the significance of yellow ochre in the Bible?

Yellow ochre is not directly mentioned in the Bible. However, it was a common yellow pigment used since ancient times for painting, dyes, cosmetics, and more. So it is very likely yellow ochre was used during Biblical eras.

The yellow ochre pigment came from clay containing hydrated iron oxide, which produced a bright yellow hue. This was readily available around Israel and other Biblical regions. When mentioned in Scripture, ochre may represent brightness, joy, celebration, and cheerfulness based on its yellow colour.

How is yellow portrayed in Bible stories?

While the yellow colour is never directly stated, it appears symbolically through descriptions of things like gold, honey, and brimstone. Here are some ways yellow is portrayed in Bible stories:

  • Wealth and royalty – Yellow gold items like Solomon’s throne (1 Kings 10:18-20) and the New Jerusalem’s streets (Revelation 21:21).
  • Healing – The golden lampstand in the tabernacle (Exodus 25:31) brought light and life.
  • God’s glory – The glowing metal around God’s throne (Ezekiel 1:4, 1:27) may have been a yellow radiance.
  • Joy and celebration – Yellow foods like honey were part of festive feasts (Isaiah 7:15).
  • God’s judgment – Yellow sulphur rained on wicked cities like Sodom (Genesis 19:24).

Is there symbolism in the amber colour in Ezekiel?

The amber colour mentioned in Ezekiel chapter 1 may represent God’s glory and radiance:

  • “As I looked, behold, a stormy wind came out of the north, and a great cloud, with brightness around it, and fire flashing forth continually, and in the midst of the fire, as it were gleaming metal.” (Ezekiel 1:4)
  • “And upward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were gleaming metal, like the appearance of fire enclosed all around. And downward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness around him.” (Ezekiel 1:27)

The Hebrew word used for “gleaming metal” or “amber” is chashmal, which denotes a bronze-golden hue. The brilliant radiance and glow seem to represent God’s glory, majesty, and presence.

What do the amber and bronze colours in Ezekiel symbolize?

The amber and bronze colours described in Ezekiel 1 may symbolize a few attributes of God:

  • Radiance – The glowing metallic hue speaks of the shining brilliance of God’s glory.
  • Majesty – The striking amber colour conveys the might and sublime beauty of God.
  • Judgment – Bronze was associated with judgement, as altars and implements were made of bronze.
  • Strength – The durability of bronze and amber conveys the sturdiness and permanence of God.
  • Presence – The amber radiance marked God’s manifest presence among His people.

Overall, the amber and bronze colours underscore God’s glorious presence, beauty, power, and righteousness as the divine Judge of all.

Conclusion

In summary, while the Bible does not directly refer to the colour yellow, various yellow things like gold, honey, sulphur, and amber do appear in Scripture. Yellow often symbolizes positive qualities like joy, celebration, wealth, and God’s glory and presence. But it can also denote God’s righteous judgement against sin. Through natural yellow pigments and dyes, this vibrant colour likely appeared in the production of Biblical textiles, artworks, decorations, and more, even if it was not stated in the text.

So while yellow is not emphasized in Scripture, it points to rich Biblical themes of God’s blessings, radiance, and righteous judgement, as displayed through the yellow hues found in nature and culture during Biblical times.

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