purple

Definition

The term “purple” is the name of a color that is a mixture of blue and red.

• In ancient times, purple was a rare and highly valuable color of dye that was used to dye the clothing of kings and other high officials.
• Because it was costly and time-consuming to produce this dye, purple clothing was considered a sign of wealth, distinction, and royalty.
• Purple was also one of the colors used for the curtains in the tabernacle and temple, and for the ephod worn by the priests.
• Purple dye was extracted from a kind of sea snail by either crushing or boiling the snails or by causing them to release the dye while still alive. This was an expensive process.
• Roman soldiers put a purple royal robe on Jesus before his crucifixion, to mock him for his claim to be King of the Jews.
• Lydia from the town of Philippi was a woman who made her living by selling purple cloth.

(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)

(See also: ephod, Philippi, royal, tabernacle, temple)

Bible References

• 2 Chronicles 2:13-14
• Daniel 5:7
• Daniel 5:29-31
• Proverbs 31:22-23

Word Data

• Strong’s: H0710, H0711, H0713, G42090, G42100, G42110