The Incredibly Interesting Symbolism of Black in the Bible

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The Bible is a richly symbolic text, filled with imagery that conveys deeper spiritual truths. Among these symbols, colors play a significant role in communicating divine messages. The color black, in particular, carries a complex array of meanings that have been interpreted and reinterpreted over the centuries. This blog post delves into the multifaceted symbolism of black in the Bible, exploring its associations with mourning, sin, judgment, and ultimately, transformation.

The Symbolism of Black in the Bible

Black is, of course, the darkest color. It lacks brightness or a hue, and although it absorbs light, it does not reflect any back. Scripture states that God is light (Psalm 104:2, 1John 1:5) and that the meaning of the devil’s name before he became God’s adversary was ‘light bringer’ (Isaiah 14:12). The universe God initially created was filled with His light, both literally and figuratively (see Revelation 21:23 – 24, 22:5) and was not black or dark.

Black as a Symbol of Mourning and Sorrow

One of the most prevalent associations of the color black in the Bible is with mourning and sorrow. Throughout various passages, black is frequently connected to grief and lamentation. For instance, in the book of Lamentations, which is a collection of dirges mourning the destruction of Jerusalem, the imagery of blackness is potent. Lamentations 4:8 describes the once fair and ruddy faces of the princes as having turned black due to the severity of their suffering: “Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: their skin cleaveth to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick.”

This portrayal of blackness as a mark of extreme distress and mourning is not limited to Lamentations. In Job 30:30, Job laments his afflictions, saying, “My skin is black upon me, and my bones are burned with heat.” Here, blackness symbolizes the intense physical and emotional agony that Job endures, reinforcing the color’s association with profound sorrow.

The Great Earthquake, often referenced in biblical texts, symbolizes profound change and divine intervention. Black, in the Bible, is frequently associated with darkness, mourning, and judgment. The earthquake’s powerful, unsettling force parallels the symbolism of black, representing moments of trial and tribulation. Together, they underscore the themes of divine power, the transformative process of suffering, and the eventual emergence into light and redemption, highlighting the cyclical nature of spiritual growth.

Black as a Symbol of Sin and Judgment

Beyond mourning, black is also intimately linked with the concepts of sin and divine judgment. In the prophetic books, black often signifies the consequences of turning away from God. For example, in Jeremiah 8:21, the prophet declares, “For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me.” Jeremiah’s blackness here is a metaphor for the spiritual and moral decay of the people, as well as the coming judgment that will befall them.

The book of Revelation, known for its vivid and often terrifying imagery, also employs the color black to denote judgment. Revelation 6:5-6 describes the opening of the third seal, where a black horse emerges, and its rider holds a pair of scales: “When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, ‘Come!’ I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand.” The black horse and its rider symbolize famine and economic hardship, both of which are forms of divine judgment.

Moreover, blackness is frequently associated with darkness, which in biblical literature often represents evil and the absence of God. In the Gospel of John, Jesus refers to Himself as the light of the world, implying that those who do not follow Him remain in darkness (John 8:12). This dichotomy between light and dark, or white and black, underscores the biblical worldview that equates blackness with sin and separation from God.

When Lucifer chose to sin, the light both in himself and that which he brought became black (which God determined beforehand would be a consequence of disobedience, as we see in Isaiah 45:7). He became the first dark or black ‘thing’ that had ever existed when he turned from God.

In the physical universe, a black hole is a celestial object whose massive gravity pulls in all matter, including light, yet itself remains dark. Lucifer became a spiritual example of this physical happening when he took all the light God gave him and turned it into darkness.

The color black symbolizes suffering and death in the Bible. It’s used to represent mourning (Job 30:28, 30, Jeremiah 14:2), famine (Lamentations 5:10, Revelation 6:5), judgment of sin (Jude 13), death and the grave (Job 10:21-22), and more. The color black lacks brightness and hue. It does not reflect any light. Instead, black only absorbs light. The Bible tells us that God is light (Psalm 104, 1 John 1:5). It’s interesting that prior to Satan’s fall from Heaven, he was an angel of light (an angel of God), and, when he sinned, he fell like lightning from Heaven (Luke 10:18). Now Satan exists in darkness, no longer in God’s light.

Similarly, Adam was created in light and perfection, in the image of God, with God’s Holy Spirit to lead and guide him. But when Adam sinned, his light left him and the curse of death was pronounced upon him. Since Adam, all have been born in the “blackness” of sin.

In the Bible, the “Day of Wrath” symbolizes God’s judgment and impending doom. The color black often represents mourning, calamity, and the absence of God’s light. On this day, black signifies the overwhelming darkness and despair that accompanies divine retribution. It evokes a sense of fear and solemnity, reminding believers of the gravity of sin and the ultimate justice that will be administered. This symbolism underscores the seriousness of God’s righteous judgment.

as it is written:
“None is righteous, no, not one;

Romans 3:10 (ESV)

 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23 (ESV)

Black can also represent the deceitful treatment of Job’s friends (Job 6:16), God’s judgment (Zechariah 6:2, 6) or affliction, calamity, adversity or suffering for one’s sins (Lamentations 4:8, Job 3:5, 30:26, Psalm 107:10, 143:3, Isaiah 5:30, 8:22, Joel 2:6, Zephaniah 1:14 – 15, Revelation 16:10).

The color black can also signify punishment that is eternal for disobeying God (Matthew 8:12, 22:13, 25:30), a place of temporary restraint for disobedient angels (2Peter 2:4) or Satan, his ways and the power of evil (Acts 26:18, 1Thessalonians 5:5).

In the KJV Bibllical text, the word ‘black’ occurs eighteen times, three of which are in the New Testament. The words translated as this color and its very similar references such as “dark,” “darkness,” etc. come from a variety of original language sources.

Apart from the symbolism of black in the Bible. Black also occurs when describing objects including hair, marble, skin, the sky, the sun and the sun and moon together (Matthew 5:36, Leviticus 13:31, Esther 1:6, Job 30:30, 1Kings 18:45, Proverbs 7:9, Revelation 6:12, Joel 2:10).

 The First Chariot

The Great Earthquake, often referenced in biblical texts, symbolizes profound change and divine intervention. Black, in the Bible, is frequently associated with darkness, mourning, and judgment. The earthquake’s powerful, unsettling force parallels the symbolism of black, representing moments of trial and tribulation. Together, they underscore the themes of divine power, the transformative process of suffering, and the eventual emergence into light and redemption, highlighting the cyclical nature of spiritual growth.

“Black Magic”

The Bible is clear in its condemnation of occult practices such as witchcraft, fortune telling (soothsaying), consulting the dead through mediums (channeling), sorcery, astrology and alike (Deuteronomy 18, Leviticus 19:31, 20, Acts 19:18 – 19 and so on). Because of their “darkness”, these practices are known as black magic.

Black as a Symbol of Mystery and the Divine

Interestingly, not all connotations of black in the Bible are negative. The color can also symbolize mystery and the unfathomable aspects of the divine. In Exodus 20:21, Moses approaches the thick darkness where God is: “And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.” Here, the thick darkness represents the inscrutability and awe-inspiring nature of God. It suggests that the divine presence is so overwhelming and mysterious that it is enveloped in a darkness beyond human comprehension.

Additionally, in the Song of Solomon, blackness is used in a more positive context. In Song of Solomon 1:5, the Shulamite woman declares, “I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem.” This verse has been interpreted in various ways, but one common interpretation is that it celebrates beauty and worthiness despite—or even because of—darkness. This usage challenges the predominantly negative associations of blackness, offering a more nuanced view that acknowledges beauty and value in what is often perceived as dark or mysterious.

Black as a Symbol of Transformation and Renewal

Another layer of the symbolism of black in the Bible is its association with transformation and renewal. While black can signify sin and judgment, it also often serves as a prelude to redemption. The prophetic literature frequently follows declarations of judgment with promises of restoration. For instance, in Isaiah 50:3, God says, “I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.” This imagery of a darkened sky can be seen as a precursor to a new dawn, a period of darkness that gives way to light and renewal.

The New Testament also provides examples of blackness preceding transformation. In the crucifixion narrative, the sky turns black during Jesus’ suffering on the cross (Matthew 27:45). This period of darkness is a powerful symbol of the weight of sin and the gravity of the moment. However, it is followed by the resurrection, which represents the ultimate transformation from death to life, from darkness to light.

Furthermore, the concept of blackness as a transformative force can be linked to the idea of the “dark night of the soul,” a term coined by Christian mystics to describe a period of spiritual desolation and despair that ultimately leads to a deeper union with God. This spiritual journey reflects the biblical theme that blackness, while often representing suffering and judgment, can also be a necessary stage in the path to spiritual renewal and enlightenment.

Black Horses in the Bible

In the Bible, black horses often symbolize judgment and lamentation. This symbolism is most prominently seen in the Book of Revelation, where one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse rides a black horse. The rider of the black horse is typically associated with famine and scarcity, holding a pair of scales to measure out grain, signifying economic hardship and the weighing of human deeds. This imagery conveys a profound sense of divine judgment and the consequences of moral and spiritual failings.

Moreover, black horses can also represent the deep, mysterious aspects of the human soul and the divine will. The color black is often associated with darkness and the unknown, which can imply the hidden and sometimes ominous nature of God’s plans. Thus, black horses in a biblical context serve as powerful symbols of both divine retribution and the enigmatic, often challenging paths that believers might encounter in their spiritual journey.

The Sixth Seal in Revelation

In the Bible, black horses often symbolize judgment and lamentation. This symbolism is most prominently seen in the Book of Revelation, where one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse rides a black horse. The rider of the black horse is typically associated with famine and scarcity, holding a pair of scales to measure out grain, signifying economic hardship and the weighing of human deeds. This imagery conveys a profound sense of divine judgment and the consequences of moral and spiritual failings.

Moreover, black horses can also represent the deep, mysterious aspects of the human soul and the divine will. The color black is often associated with darkness and the unknown, which can imply the hidden and sometimes ominous nature of God’s plans. Thus, black horses in a biblical context serve as powerful symbols of both divine retribution and the enigmatic, often challenging paths that believers might encounter in their spiritual journey.

Black Man and Black Woman in the Bible

Black people or people of African descent are mentioned in the Bible. While the Bible does not explicitly categorize people by modern racial terms, or skin color, like the term people of color, or white people, it does refer to various regions and people groups that are historically and geographically linked to Africa. For instance, the land of Cush, which is often associated with Ethiopia or Nubia, is mentioned numerous times in the Old Testament. the Cushite woman, who is part of the Cushites identified as descendants of Cush (one of Noah’s grandsons), are considered to be people of African origin.

One prominent biblical figure who is believed to have been amongst the Black Africans in the Bible, is the Queen of Sheba. She visited King Solomon, bringing gifts and seeking his wisdom, as recorded in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Scholars often associate Sheba with the region that includes parts of modern-day Ethiopia and Yemen. Additionally, Simon of Cyrene, who helped Christ Jesus carry the cross, is another example; Cyrene was a city in North Africa.

These references underscore the Bible’s recognition of the diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds of the people it describes. The inclusion of African people and regions highlights the interconnectedness of ancient world and reinforces the message that the biblical narrative encompasses a wide array of human experiences and contributions.

The Ethiopian eunuch, mentioned in Acts 8:26-40, is a significant biblical figure representing the inclusion of Black individuals in early Christians narratives. As a high-ranking official in the court of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, he was responsible for the treasury. His encounter with the Apostle Philip highlights the early spread of Christianity beyond Jewish communities. Upon understanding the teachings of Jesus Christ, the eunuch was baptized, symbolizing the universal nature of Christianity and its embrace of diverse peoples. This story underscores the importance of Black individuals in the biblical tradition and the early Christian church.

The cry of Jerusalem, as it relates to Black individuals in the Bible, symbolizes a plea for justice, recognition, and unity. Throughout biblical history, people of African descent, such as the Ethiopian eunuch and Queen of Sheba, played significant roles. Their stories reflect resilience and faith amidst adversity. Jerusalem’s cry can be seen as a universal call for inclusivity and equality, echoing the struggles and triumphs of Black individuals throughout history. This connection underscores the Bible’s overarching message of love, justice, and the inherent worth of every person, regardless of race or ethnicity.

Conclusion

The color black in the Bible is a powerful symbol with a rich and varied tapestry of meanings. It encompasses mourning and sorrow, sin and judgment, mystery and the divine, as well as transformation and renewal. These multifaceted associations highlight the complexity of biblical symbolism and the depth of spiritual truths conveyed through seemingly simple imagery.

Understanding the symbolism of black in the Bible allows for a deeper appreciation of the text’s nuances and the ways in which it communicates profound spiritual realities. It reminds us that black, while often associated with negative connotations, also holds the potential for transformation and renewal, reflecting the broader biblical narrative of redemption and hope.

Did you learn anything new in this study of black in the Bible? If so, tell me below. If you have something to add, I’d love to hear it!

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Because He Lives,

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