The Bible doesn’t prescribe specific colors for clothing, but it does speak to the heart behind how we dress. Modesty and humility are key themes in Scripture when it comes to appearance, and clothing choices are more about inner character than outward appearance. Let’s explore what biblical principles can guide our decisions about what to wear.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Widowers
What Does The Bible Say About Wearing Black
Genesis 37:34
Then Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourned for his son many days.
This verse shows that wearing black or sackcloth was a traditional way of expressing grief and mourning in biblical times. Jacob’s act of tearing his clothes and putting on sackcloth represents his deep sorrow and anguish over the loss of his son.
It reminds us that clothing can often be a symbolic expression of our emotions and can serve as a visible sign of mourning.
Esther 4:1
When Mordecai learned about all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly.
In this verse, Mordecai also demonstrates the traditional practice of wearing black or sackcloth as a sign of mourning. His act of tearing his clothes, putting on sackcloth and ashes, and wailing loudly and bitterly expresses his distress and grief over the threatening situation faced by his people.
It serves as a reminder that clothing can be a powerful way to convey our innermost feelings and emotions in times of hardship and mourning.
Job 1:20
At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship.
When Job receives news of the loss of his property and the death of his children, he tears his robe and shaves his head as an expression of grief and mourning. Despite his immense pain, he falls to the ground in worship, demonstrating his unwavering faith in God.
This verse highlights that wearing black or engaging in physical expressions of mourning can coexist with worship and surrender to God.
Jeremiah 8:21
Since my people are crushed, I am crushed; I mourn, and horror grips me.
In this verse, Jeremiah expresses his deep sorrow and empathy for the suffering of his people. The mention of being crushed and mourning reflects the emotional weight he carries, resonating with the idea of wearing black as a symbol of grief.
It reminds us that mourning is a natural response to tragic events, and it can manifest in various forms, including the choice of clothing.
Ezekiel 27:31
They shave their heads because of you and put on sackcloth. They weep over you with anguish of soul and with bitter mourning.
This verse describes how people express their grief and sorrow over the downfall of a powerful city. Shaving their heads and wearing sackcloth, along with weeping and mourning, demonstrate the deep emotional pain they experience.
The mention of sackcloth emphasizes the practice of wearing black or rough, humble clothing as a visible sign of mourning in ancient times.
Revelation 6:12
I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red.
This verse in Revelation uses imagery to describe cosmic events that evoke a sense of dread and mourning. The mention of the sun turning black like sackcloth emphasizes the use of black garments as symbols of darkness and mourning.
It serves as a reminder of the powerful symbolism attached to the color black and its association with mourning and impending calamity.
Lamentations 3:2
He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness rather than light.
This verse expresses the feeling of being cast into darkness and despair. Darkness is often metaphorically associated with grief and sorrow, paralleling the color black.
It reminds us that mourning can bring a sense of darkness into our lives, and it may be reflected in our choice of clothing as a visual representation of our emotional state.
Matthew 11:21
Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.
In this verse, Jesus pronounces a lamentation and judgment upon the unrepentant cities. The reference to sitting in sackcloth and ashes highlights the traditional practice of expressing deep remorse and repentance through outward signs of mourning, including wearing black clothing made of sackcloth.
It serves as a reminder that mourning and repentance often go hand in hand, leading to a transformation of the heart.
Zechariah 7:3
And to speak unto the priests which were in the house of the LORD of hosts, and to the prophets, saying, Should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself, as I have done these so many years?
In this verse, the people of Israel inquire about continuing the tradition of fasting and mourning on the fifth month, commemorating the destruction of the temple. Their question signifies the importance they place on maintaining practices of grief and mourning as a way to remember and reflect on their history.
Wearing black clothing may have been a common aspect of their ritual practices during these times of mourning.
Zechariah 12:10
And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
In this verse, the prophet Zechariah speaks of a future time when the people of Jerusalem will mourn for the Messiah as one mourns for a lost loved one. The mention of mourning signifies the depth of their grief and sorrow over the piercing of the Messiah.
It serves as a poignant reminder that mourning is not limited to personal losses but can also be a response to the suffering and sacrifice of others.
2 Samuel 1:2
On the third day a man arrived from Saul’s camp with his clothes torn and dust on his head. When he came to David, he fell to the ground to pay him honor.
This verse describes a messenger who arrives with torn clothes and dust on his head, symbols of mourning. The act of falling to the ground to pay honor illustrates the gravity of the news he brings, and the visual representation of mourning adds weight to the message.
It reminds us that outward signs of mourning can hold symbolic power, conveying deeper meaning and significance to the recipient.
Jeremiah 6:26
Put on sackcloth, my people, and roll in ashes; mourn with bitter wailing as for an only son, for suddenly the destroyer will come upon us.
This verse urges the people of Judah to put on sackcloth, roll in ashes, and mourn with bitter wailing as a response to the imminent destruction that awaits them. It emphasizes the urgency of their mourning and the need to express their grief outwardly.
It serves as a reminder that wearing black or engaging in physical acts of mourning can convey the seriousness and solemnity of a situation.
Mark 14:63
The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked.
In this verse, the high priest tears his clothes as a response to Jesus’ declaration of being the Messiah. This tearing of clothes depicts the high priest’s intense grief or anguish over what he perceives as blasphemy.
It suggests that wearing black or engaging in acts of mourning can also be a reaction to perceived offense or threat to one’s beliefs.
Isaiah 32:11
Tremble, you complacent women; shudder, you daughters who feel secure! Strip off your fine clothes and wrap yourselves in rags.
In this verse, Isaiah warns complacent women to tremble and strip off their fine clothes, urging them to instead wear rags. This call to abandon luxurious attire symbolizes the need for humility and repentance.
It serves as a reminder that clothing choices can reflect our attitude towards God, and sometimes a more subdued and humble appearance, such as wearing black or rags, is appropriate in times of mourning or self-reflection.
Joel 1:13
Put on sackcloth, you priests, and mourn; wail, you who minister before the altar. Come, spend the night in sackcloth, you who minister before my God; for the grain offerings and drink offerings are withheld from the house of your God.
This verse calls the priests and ministers to put on sackcloth, mourn, and wail in response to the withholding of grain and drink offerings from the house of God. The act of wearing sackcloth and mourning signifies their deep sorrow and repentance.
It reminds us that wearing black or engaging in acts of mourning can be a way to express remorse and seek reconciliation with God.
Matthew 9:15
Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.”
In this verse, Jesus explains why His disciples do not mourn or fast while He is with them. He compares Himself to a bridegroom and indicates that mourning and fasting will be appropriate when He is taken away from them.
It suggests that the act of wearing black or engaging in acts of mourning can be situational and dependent on specific circumstances or events.
2 Chronicles 35:25
Jeremiah composed laments for Josiah, and to this day all the male and female singers commemorate Josiah in the laments. These became a tradition in Israel and are written in the Laments.
This verse highlights the tradition of composing laments and mourning the loss of King Josiah. These laments are commemorated through the songs of male and female singers, serving as a lasting tribute to the king.
It suggests that wearing black or participating in acts of mourning can be part of cultural or religious traditions that help remember and honor those who have passed away.
Jonah 3:6
When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust.
In this verse, the king of Nineveh demonstrates humility and repentance by taking off his royal robes, wearing sackcloth, and sitting in the dust. This visual act of mourning represents his deep remorse and desire for reconciliation with God.
It serves as a reminder that clothing choices, such as wearing black or humble attire, can communicate our inner state and intentions towards God.
1 Kings 21:27
When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly.
After receiving a prophecy of judgment from Elijah, King Ahab tears his clothes, puts on sackcloth, and fasts. His outward expressions of mourning and repentance demonstrate a temporary change in his attitude before God.
It reminds us that wearing black or engaging in acts of mourning can be a response to divine messages or conviction, signaling a desire for mercy and forgiveness.
Amos 8:10
I will turn your religious festivals into mourning and all your singing into weeping. I will make all of you wear sackcloth and shave your heads. I will make that time like mourning for an only son and the end of it like a bitter day.
In this verse, God pronounces judgment by turning joyous religious festivals into mourning, transforming singing into weeping, and requiring the people to wear sackcloth and shave their heads. The severity of the judgment is likened to mourning for an only son.
It serves as a reminder that wearing black or engaging in acts of mourning can be a consequence or response to divine judgment and displeasure.
Zechariah 13:4
On that day every prophet will be ashamed of their prophetic vision. They will not put on a prophet’s garment of hair in order to deceive.
In this verse, the context of not wearing a prophet’s garment of hair suggests a deceptive practice associated with false prophets. The reference to clothing highlights the potential misuse or misrepresentation of attire for personal gain.
It reminds us that clothing choices, such as wearing black, can also be influenced by societal or cultural factors, sometimes leading to deception or false spirituality.
Zechariah 14:12
This is the plague with which the LORD will strike all the nations that fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths.
In this vivid depiction of divine judgment, the mention of rotting flesh, eyes, and tongues conveys the horrifying consequences that befall those who stood against Jerusalem. The imagery emphasizes the severity of God’s punishment.
It serves as a reminder that mourning can be inherent in times of great calamity or judgment, and it may be symbolically represented through the choice of black clothing.
Daniel 9:3
So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.
This verse describes Daniel’s response in seeking God’s favor and mercy. He turns to the Lord with prayer, petition, fasting, and the wearing of sackcloth and ashes as outward expressions of his repentance and humility.
It highlights that wearing black or engaging in acts of mourning can be a sincere response to seeking God’s forgiveness and intervention.