In Scripture, purple is more than just a color , it’s a symbol of royalty, wealth, and divine calling. Worn by kings, used in sacred temple design, and referenced in parables and prophecy, the color purple weaves a meaningful thread through the Bible.
Whether you’re exploring biblical symbolism or looking for verses that carry themes of majesty, dignity, or sacred identity, these 18 verses speak volumes. Let’s dive into the richness of “purple” in God’s Word and uncover the beauty behind this royal shade.
1. The Tabernacle’s Royal Design: Exodus 26:1
"Make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim woven into them by a skilled worker."
The Tabernacle’s curtains were not only practical but highly symbolic. The use of purple thread, a color associated with royalty and luxury, marked the Tabernacle as a place of divine presence and glory. This verse shows how God’s dwelling was intentionally beautiful, worthy of honor, and adorned in colors that reflected His majesty and holiness.
2. Clothing the Priests in Majesty: Exodus 28:5
"Have them use gold, and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen."
God commanded that the high priest’s garments be made from luxurious materials , including purple yarn. This signified the sacred role and dignity of the priesthood. The inclusion of purple reflects how service to God is not mundane, but royal and exalted. The priest, a mediator between God and people, wore the visible signs of that high calling.
3. The Beauty of Sacred Offerings: Numbers 4:13
"They are to remove the ashes from the bronze altar and spread a purple cloth over it."
Even the ashes of sacrifice were covered in purple cloth, emphasizing the reverence for God’s holy practices. The color purple served to elevate the task from mere duty to divine ritual. Covering sacred objects in purple illustrates how honor and glory should be present in all parts of worship, even the humble duties.
4. Purple in the King’s Palace: Judges 8:26
"The weight of the gold rings he asked for came to seventeen hundred shekels, not counting the ornaments, the pendants and the purple garments worn by the kings of Midian…"
Purple garments marked wealth and kingship, as seen in the royal attire of the Midianite kings. This verse reminds us that purple was more than fashionable , it was a status symbol. In biblical times, owning purple clothing implied prestige and authority, reinforcing the idea that purple signified ruling power.
5. The Virtuous Woman’s Robe: Proverbs 31:22
"She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple."
The Proverbs 31 woman is described as industrious and wise, and her choice of purple clothing speaks to her dignity. Purple represents not just wealth, but honor and grace. This verse encourages women of faith to carry themselves with the same strength, beauty, and confidence as this noble figure.
6. Royalty in Repentance: Daniel 5:29
"Then at Belshazzar’s command, Daniel was clothed in purple, a gold chain was placed around his neck, and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom."
Daniel’s elevation came through divine wisdom, not personal ambition. The purple robe symbolized the recognition of God’s favor on him. In a foreign land, God still exalts the faithful. This verse underscores how true honor often follows obedience to God, even amid hostile circumstances.
7. Jesus Mocked in Purple: Mark 15:17
"They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him."
The soldiers mocked Jesus by dressing Him in purple, a robe of royalty, unaware they were actually identifying the true King. This painful irony highlights the deep symbolism of purple , what they intended as ridicule was, in truth, prophetic. Jesus wore the garment of a king even in suffering.
8. The Majesty of Christ on Trial: John 19:2
"The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe."
John emphasizes the tragic beauty of this moment , the true King dressed in purple by mocking hands. Yet the symbolism runs deep: Jesus’ kingship isn’t annulled by mockery. Instead, His sacrifice and humility become the very marks of His divine reign, crowned in thorns, robed in suffering.
9. Lydia, Seller of Purple: Acts 16:14
"One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God."
Lydia’s profession as a seller of purple reveals her business acumen and financial status. More importantly, she was a God-fearing woman whose heart was open to Paul’s message. Her conversion shows that wealth and faith are not mutually exclusive , her trade in purple cloth became a bridge to the Gospel.
10. The Scarlet and Purple Beast: Revelation 17:4
"The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls."
This apocalyptic image uses purple to symbolize not godliness, but corrupted luxury and false glory. Revelation warns that outward splendor can hide spiritual decay. The woman’s purple attire reflects worldly seduction, teaching us to discern between true holiness and superficial magnificence.
11. Splendor in the Temple: 2 Chronicles 3:14
"He made the curtain of blue, purple and crimson yarn and fine linen, with cherubim worked into it."
Solomon’s temple reflected divine glory through its design. The curtain made with purple yarn wasn’t just decorative , it marked the boundary between the holy and the most holy place. Purple helped symbolize the sacred mystery of God’s presence, calling worshippers to reverence and awe.
12. Dignity in Holiness: Esther 8:15
"Mordecai left the king’s presence wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen."
Mordecai’s rise from persecution to royalty echoes the biblical pattern of exaltation after humility. His purple robe signals divine favor and vindication. Esther’s story reminds us that God honors faithfulness, clothing the humble with garments of destiny and setting them among the powerful.
13. Purple and Redemption: Luke 16:19
"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day."
Jesus uses the imagery of purple to paint a picture of extreme wealth. The rich man’s attire represents indulgence and pride , but his story ends with spiritual emptiness. This parable challenges us to look beyond external riches and consider the condition of our hearts.
14. Purple as Worship Symbol: Exodus 39:29
"The sash was made of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, the work of an embroiderer, as the Lord commanded Moses."
Every element of the priestly garment, down to the sash, held meaning. Purple, again, signals the holiness and royal responsibility of those who serve in God’s presence. The attention to detail in worship garments reveals God’s desire for excellence in how we approach Him.
15. Fine Clothing and False Security: Ezekiel 27:7
"Fine embroidered linen from Egypt was your sail and served as your banner; your awnings were of blue and purple from the coasts of Elishah."
Tyre’s opulence is described in great detail, with purple cloths among its riches. Yet the city’s pride leads to downfall. This verse reminds us that material beauty, even marked by royal colors like purple, can’t protect us from divine judgment if our hearts turn from God.
16. The Worth of Wisdom: Proverbs 3:15–16
"She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor."
While purple isn’t mentioned directly, the theme of honor and riches fits the symbolism well. True wisdom, like the color purple in Scripture, represents value, dignity, and divine favor. Pursuing wisdom brings the kind of honor that no material cloth or royal robe could ever provide.
17. Glory and Majesty Belong to God: Psalm 104:1–2
"Praise the Lord, my soul. Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment."
Though not literally described in purple, this verse beautifully mirrors its meaning. God is clothed in majesty, much like kings in purple robes. His glory surpasses any earthly garment, and His light outshines the finest colors woven by man. Purple points us to His eternal kingship.
18. A Color Fit for the King: Revelation 19:16
"On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."
Though purple is not named directly, the verse describes the ultimate display of royal authority. The King of kings, Jesus, wears His title boldly and eternally. All the purple garments of Scripture , from the Tabernacle to the priestly robes , find fulfillment in the majesty of Christ.
Anne Kostick has been Editor-in-Chief since September 2007. Previously, Anne was a principal at Foxpath IND, a publishing, consulting and editorial services company specializing in the transition to and from traditional content publishing and online content management, development and publishing. Her clients included trade book publishers, technology and financial services Web sites, and arts and cultural institutions. Previously, she worked as Licensing and Product Development Director, Senior Acquisitions Editor and Director of Electronic Publishing for Workman Publishing, and as Senior Acquisitions Editor for Harry N. Abrams/Stewart, Tabori & Chang. In the online world she worked as Director of Content Development for Vitaminshoppe.com. Anne has a B.A. in Greek and Latin, with a minor in Theater, from Beloit College. She is the author of several books for children, as well as a definitive collection of jokes.