Colors often carry symbolism, and the Bible is no different. Black is sometimes associated with mourning, darkness, and even sin in Scripture, though it also holds deeper meanings. Biblical passages use black to express both physical darkness and metaphorical moments of sorrow or difficult times. By exploring the Bible’s use of color, especially black, we can learn how Scripture uses these symbols to convey complex human emotions and experiences.
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What Does The Bible Say About The Color Black
Job 3:4
“Let that day be turned to darkness; let God above not seek it, nor light shine upon it.”
This verse from the book of Job speaks of turning a day into darkness and the absence of light. It symbolizes a state of despair, sorrow, or distress.
The color black often represents darkness and gloom in the Bible, reflecting the absence of light or a void. It can also signify mourning, sin, and spiritual darkness. However, it is important to note that colors in the Bible often carry symbolic meaning and should not be taken only literally.
Lamentations 3:2
“He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness rather than light.”
This lamentation verse portrays the feeling of being driven into darkness and away from God’s light. It conveys a sense of pain, separation, and anguish.
In the Bible, the color black can symbolize spiritual or emotional darkness, representing a state of despair, grief, or separation from God. It serves as a reminder of the need for redemption and the hope for restoration.
Psalm 88:6
“You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths.”
This Psalm expresses being placed in the lowest pit and the depths of darkness. It conveys a state of deep distress, hopelessness, and isolation.
The color black can represent the deepest depths of despair and the overwhelming weight of sin. It emphasizes the need for deliverance and redemption, reminding us to seek God’s light and healing.
Amos 5:20
“Will not the day of the Lord be darkness, not light—pitch-dark, without a ray of brightness?”
In this passage, the prophet Amos speaks of the day of the Lord being darkness, devoid of light. It depicts a time of divine judgment and calamity.
Blackness is used here to symbolize the absence of light, righteousness, and divine favor. It highlights the consequences of unrighteousness and the seriousness of God’s judgment.
Isaiah 60:2
“See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.”
This verse from Isaiah describes darkness covering the earth, but the Lord’s glory shining upon His people. It signifies a contrast between spiritual darkness and the light of God’s presence.
The color black is used here to represent spiritual darkness, while the rising of the Lord and His glory symbolize hope, redemption, and the overcoming of darkness through His divine light.
Proverbs 4:19
“The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.”
This proverb compares the way of the wicked to deep darkness, a state of ignorance and moral blindness. It suggests that those who disregard God’s ways lack understanding and direction.
Blackness is employed here to illustrate the spiritual state of those who choose wickedness over righteousness. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s wisdom and walking in His light.
Matthew 6:23
“But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”
Jesus teaches in this verse that if one’s eyes are unhealthy, the whole body will be filled with darkness, emphasizing the importance of spiritual sight and understanding.
Here, the color black is used metaphorically to convey the spiritual condition of those who lack discernment or have distorted perceptions. It highlights the need for spiritual clarity and the pursuit of God’s truth.
John 3:19-20
“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.”
In these verses, Jesus describes people loving darkness instead of light because of their evil deeds. It reveals a preference for concealing their actions rather than coming into God’s illuminating truth.
The contrast between light and darkness in these verses highlights the moral choices humans make and the consequences of their actions. It emphasizes the need to embrace the light of Christ, forsaking darkness and sin.
1 John 1:5-7
“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him, there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
In these verses, John affirms that God is light without darkness. He emphasizes the contrast between walking in darkness or walking in God’s light and the significance of living in truth and fellowship.
The concept of darkness is used here to symbolize sin, falsehood, and separation from God. It underscores the need for genuine repentance, truthfulness, and living in the light of God’s presence.
Acts 26:18
“to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”
In his defense before King Agrippa, the apostle Paul speaks of turning people’s eyes from darkness to light, highlighting the transformative power of the Gospel.
The color black represents darkness in this context, symbolizing spiritual ignorance, deception, and bondage. It emphasizes the need for repentance, salvation, and receiving forgiveness by turning towards God’s light.
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
Paul advises the Corinthians not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers, highlighting the fundamental differences between righteousness and wickedness, light and darkness.
The color black is used metaphorically here to represent spiritual darkness, sin, and unbelief. It emphasizes the need for believers to maintain their commitment to righteousness and avoid compromising their faith.
Ephesians 5:8
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”
Paul reminds the Ephesian believers that they were once in darkness but have now become children of light through their relationship with Christ. He encourages them to live accordingly.
The reference to darkness signifies their previous state of spiritual separation from God, while becoming light represents their transformation and new identity in Christ. It highlights the call to live in alignment with their redeemed nature.
Colossians 1:13
“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,”
Paul speaks of the Colossians being rescued from the dominion of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of Christ, portraying the saving work of Jesus.
The dominion of darkness signifies the realm of sin, spiritual oppression, and separation from God. The reference to being brought into the kingdom of Christ represents spiritual liberation, salvation, and belonging to God’s light.
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Peter addresses believers as a chosen people called out of darkness into God’s wonderful light. He emphasizes their unique identity and purpose in Christ.
Being called out of darkness represents deliverance from spiritual ignorance, sin, and separation. Coming into God’s light symbolizes being embraced by His grace, truth, and the privilege of declaring His praises.
1 Timothy 6:16
“who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.”
Paul describes God as dwelling in unapproachable light, acknowledging His divine nature and incomprehensibility.
The unapproachable light signifies God’s holiness, glory, and transcendence. It highlights the vastness and greatness of God, acknowledging that His light surpasses human understanding.
Psalm 139:11-12
“If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,’ even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”
In these verses, the psalmist marvels at the fact that darkness is not hidden from God, and even in the midst of darkness, God’s light shines.
The contrast between darkness and light showcases God’s omnipresence and omniscience. Regardless of our circumstances, God’s light can penetrate the darkest places, providing comfort, guidance, and hope.
Isaiah 9:2
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”
Isaiah prophesies about a great light dawning upon those walking in darkness, bringing hope and redemption.
The reference to darkness signifies the state of spiritual blindness, despair, and longing for divine intervention. The coming of a great light represents the coming of Christ, who brings salvation, enlightenment, and new life.
Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
In this popular psalm, David acknowledges God’s presence even in the darkest valley, affirming his trust and lack of fear.
The darkest valley represents times of great hardship, trial, or danger. The presence of God symbolizes His constant care, protection, and guidance, bringing peace and solace even amidst difficulties.
John 8:12
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’”
In this statement, Jesus declares Himself as the light of the world, promising that those who follow Him will have the light of life.
By referring to Himself as the light, Jesus emphasizes His role as the source of truth, guidance, and salvation. He offers deliverance from spiritual darkness and provides the light that leads to eternal life.
Revelation 21:23
“The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.”
In the description of the heavenly city, John speaks of its illumination not depending on the sun or moon but emanating from the glory of God and the Lamb.
The image of a city not needing natural light sources underscores the overwhelming radiance and brilliance of God’s presence. It portrays a realm wholly embraced by divine light and the absence of darkness.
Psalm 18:28
“You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.”
In this psalm of gratitude, David acknowledges God as the one who keeps his lamp burning and transforms his darkness into light.
The act of God turning darkness into light signifies His power to bring forth illumination, understanding, and joy even in the midst of challenging circumstances. It testifies to God’s ability to bring about transformation and hope.
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
This beloved verse highlights the guidance and illumination God’s Word provides for our lives.
The metaphor of God’s Word acting as a lamp underscores its capacity to shed light on our way, revealing His will, wisdom, and truth. It emphasizes the importance of seeking and following God’s Word for direction and spiritual insight.
Psalm 36:9
“For with you is the fountain of life; in your light, we see light.”
In this psalm, David celebrates God as the source of life and the illumination that allows us to perceive light.
The phrase “in your light, we see light” highlights the spiritual enlightenment and understanding that come from dwelling in God’s presence. It emphasizes the transformative power of encountering God’s light and truth.
John 1:5
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
In the opening of the Gospel of John, it is proclaimed that the light shines in the darkness and is not conquered by it.
This verse speaks of the power and triumph of God’s light over spiritual darkness and the forces of evil. It assures that the light of Christ remains victorious, offering hope and deliverance to all who embrace it.