Scarlet in the Bible is rich in symbolic meaning, often associated with sin, sacrifice, wealth, and ceremonial purification. It appears frequently alongside blue and purple in descriptions of the tabernacle and priestly garments, denoting sacredness and distinction (Exodus 26:1; 28:5–6).
One of the earliest symbolic uses of scarlet is in Isaiah 1:18:
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
Here, scarlet represents sin: visible, deep-stained, and undeniable. Yet the verse also affirms God’s power to forgive and cleanse completely.
Scarlet was used in the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings (Exodus 26:31, 36), as well as in the garments of the high priest (Exodus 28:5–6). It symbolized the richness of worship and the seriousness of approaching a holy God.
In Numbers 19:6, scarlet was included in the burning of the red heifer used for purification, along with cedar wood and hyssop. This combination was part of the ritual cleansing from defilement, indicating scarlet’s association with atonement and purification.
The most striking use of scarlet is in the account of Rahab. She was instructed to hang a scarlet cord in her window as a sign for her house to be spared during Jericho’s destruction:
“You shall bind this line of scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down…”
(Joshua 2:18)
That scarlet cord served as a sign of her faith and the deliverance of her household, prefiguring the blood of Christ as the means of salvation.
In the New Testament, Revelation describes the woman (symbolic of spiritual Babylon) as:
“Arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones…”
(Revelation 17:4)
This negative imagery associates scarlet with luxury, corruption, and false religion.
Overall, scarlet in Scripture serves as a powerful symbol. It speaks of sin and judgment, but also of cleansing, redemption, and the high cost of approaching God. It ultimately points to the blood of Christ, which alone can make the scarlet stains of sin white as snow.
