Bible Dictionary
Scarlet
Scarlet was a vivid, durable red dye used in priestly garments and other significant objects. Scripture also uses scarlet figuratively for conspicuous sin and records that Jesus was mockingly clothed in a scarlet robe.
Definition
Scarlet is a vivid red color and a durable dye. It was produced from different sources, including an insect associated with oak trees, and was used for priestly garments and other significant objects.
Biblical Usage
Scarlet was used in the ephod, girdle, and breastplate of the high priest. Scripture compares conspicuous and habitual sins with scarlet, and records that a scarlet robe was placed on Jesus in mockery.
Historical Background
The Hebrews obtained the dye from the kermes insect, while the Egyptians obtained a similar dye from a plant. Scarlet and crimson were firm colors that were not easily washed out.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
This dye was obtained by the Egyptians from the shell-fish Carthamus tinctorius; and by the Hebrews from the Coccus ilicis, an insect which infests oak trees, called kermes by the Arabians. This colour was early known (Gen. 38:28). It was one of the colours of the ephod (Ex. 28:6), the girdle (8), and the breastplate (15) of the high priest. It is also mentioned in various other connections (Josh. 2:18; 2 Sam. 1:24; Lam. 4:5; Nahum 2:3). A scarlet robe was in mockery placed on our Lord (Matt. 27:28; Luke 23:11). “Sins as scarlet” (Isa. 1:18), i.e., as scarlet robes “glaring and habitual.” Scarlet and crimson were the firmest of dyes, and thus not easily washed out.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
[Colors]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>skar'-let.</p><p>See COLORS; DYEING.</p>