Symbolism
Symbolism in the Holy Bible
Select
Colors
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| Color | Reference |
|---|---|
| Red | Blood, sacrifice, sin, atonement — Ezekiel 45:19, Genesis 8:21, Revelation 6:4, Revelation 17:3-4, Isaiah 1:18, 1John 1:7 |
| Blue | Heaven, divine law — Exodus 28:31, Numbers 15:38 |
| Purple | Royalty, wealth — Judges 8:26, John 19:2 |
| White | Purity, holiness — Isaiah 1:18, Revelation 3:4 |
| Gold | Glory, divinity — Exodus 25:11, Revelation 21:18 |
| Black | Death, mourning, judgment, separation from God — Jeremiah 14:2, Revelation 6:5, Proverbs 4:19, Job 10:22, Psalm 88:12 |
| Green | Life, renewal — Psalm 52:8, Mark 6:39 |
Scents
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| Scent | Reference |
|---|---|
| Anointing Oils | Holiness — Exodus 30:22-29, John 12:3 |
| Incense | Worship, prayer, divine presence — Exodus 30:34-38; Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8 |
| Myrrh | Burial, suffering, kingship — Matthew 2:11; John 19:39 |
| Frankincense | Worship, priesthood, holiness — Leviticus 2:1-2; Matthew 2:11 |
| Nard (Spikenard) | Devotion, costly love, anointing — John 12:3; Song of Songs 1:12 |
| Cassia | Purification, sacred anointing — Exodus 30:24 |
| Cinnamon | Fragrance of holiness and intimacy — Exodus 30:23; Proverbs 7:17 |
| Aloe | Burial, healing, sacred preparation — John 19:39; Psalm 45:8 |
| Burnt Offering Aroma | Atonement, divine acceptance — Genesis 8:21; Leviticus 1:9 |
| Oil of Joy / Anointing Oil | Blessing, consecration, gladness — Psalm 45:7; Isaiah 61:3 |
| Stench of Death / Decay | Sin, judgment, spiritual corruption — John 11:39; Isaiah 34:3 |
| Spiritual Fragrance of Christ | Righteousness, spiritual witness — 2 Corinthians 2:15; Ephesians 5:2 |
| Odor of Idolatry / Rebellion | Spiritual offense, rejection — Isaiah 65:5; Amos 4:5 |
Fruits
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| Fruit | Reference |
|---|---|
| Fruit of the Spirit | Godly traits — Galatians 5:22-23 |
| Bearing Fruit | Pleasing God — John 15:5, Colossians 1:10 |
| Firstfruits | Dedication — Romans 11:16, James 1:18 |
| Fruitfulness vs Barrenness | Spiritual health — Matthew 7:17 |
| Forbidden Fruit | The fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil — Genesis 2:16-17; Genesis 3:1-6 |
| Apple | Symbol of love and desire. Sometimes (incorrectly) assumed to be the forbidden fruit — Song of Solomon 2:5; 8:5 |
| Almond | Symbol of watchfulness and divine approval — Genesis 43:11; Numbers 17:8 |
| Date | Associated with sweetness and abundance — 2 Samuel 6:19; 1 Chronicles 16:3 |
| Fig | Symbol of prosperity or judgment. Fig leaves were used to cover Adam and Eve — Genesis 3:7; Jeremiah 24:1-3; Mark 11:12-14 |
| Fig Tree | Readiness/judgment — Matthew 21:18-22 |
| Grapes | Represents joy, abundance, and spiritual fruitfulness — Leviticus 19:10; Deuteronomy 23:24; Isaiah 5:1-7 |
| Raisin | Often used in celebratory feasts — Numbers 6:3; 2 Samuel 6:19 |
| Melon | A reminder of Egypt’s abundance during Israel’s wilderness journey — Numbers 11:5 |
| Olive | Symbol of peace, endurance, and spiritual inclusion — Isaiah 17:6; Micah 6:15; Romans 11:17-24 |
| Pistachio Nut | Rare mention; part of a gift to Egypt — Genesis 43:11 |
| Pomegranate | Symbol of fertility, righteousness, and divine blessing — Exodus 28:33-34; Numbers 20:5; Deuteronomy 8:8 |
| Sycamore Fruit | A humble fruit, often associated with common people — Psalm 78:47; Amos 7:14 |
Trees
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| Tree | Reference |
|---|---|
| Planted by Water | Resilience — Psalm 1:3, Jeremiah 17:7-8 |
| Fruitful Tree | Righteous living — Luke 6:43-44 |
| Oaks of Righteousness | Strength — Isaiah 61:3 |
| Tree of Life | Eternal life and divine provision — Genesis 2:9, Revelation 22:2 |
| Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil | Moral choice and the fall of man — Genesis 2:9 |
| Acacia | Used in tabernacle construction; symbolizes incorruptibility and sacred purpose — Exodus 25:5 |
| Almond | Symbol of watchfulness and divine approval (Aaron’s rod) — Genesis 30:37; Numbers 17:8 |
| Apple | Represents love, delight, and beauty — Song of Songs 2:3 |
| Cedar of Lebanon | Strength, majesty, and temple building — 1 Kings 5:6; Psalm 92:12 |
| Cypress | Often planted in cemeteries; symbolizes mourning and endurance — 2 Kings 19:23 |
| Ebony | Rare and valuable; used in trade — Ezekiel 27:15 |
| Fig Tree | Fruitfulness, spiritual health, and judgment — Matthew 21:19; Matthew 24:32; Genesis 3:7 |
| Mulberry | Associated with divine guidance in battle — 2 Samuel 5:23 |
| Myrtle | Peace and restoration — Nehemiah 8:15 |
| Oak | Strength, covenant, and divine encounters — Genesis 35:8; Judges 6:11 |
| Olive | Peace, anointing, and spiritual vitality — Judges 9:8; Genesis 8:11 |
| Palm | Victory, triumph, and celebration — Leviticus 23:40; John 12:13 |
| Pomegranate | Righteousness and abundance (on priestly garments) — Exodus 28:33-34 |
| Sandalwood | Used in temple furnishings; exotic and fragrant — 2 Chronicles 2:8 |
| Walnut | Beauty and mystery — Song of Songs 6:11 |
| Vine | Israel’s spiritual state; abiding in Christ — Isaiah 5:1-7; John 15:1 |
| Mustard Tree | Kingdom growth from small beginnings — Matthew 13:31-32 |
Birds
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| Bird | Reference |
|---|---|
| Bat | Associated with darkness and uncleanliness — Leviticus 11:19 |
| Bittern | Symbol of desolation — Isaiah 14:23 |
| Chicken / Hen | God's Protective Love; Nurturing care — Matthew 23:37 |
| Cormorant | Considered unclean; symbol of ruin — Leviticus 11:17; Zephaniah 2:14 |
| Crane | Migration and vigilance — Isaiah 38:14; Jeremiah 8:7 |
| Dove | Peace, purity, Holy Spirit, and sacrifice — Genesis 8:8-12; Matthew 3:16 |
| Eagle | Strength, renewal, divine protection — Isaiah 40:31; Exodus 19:4 |
| Heron | Listed among unclean birds — Leviticus 11:19 |
| Hawk | Swiftness and vision — Job 39:26; Leviticus 11:16 |
| Hen and Chicks | Protective love — Matthew 23:37 |
| Kite | Watchfulness — Leviticus 11:14; Deuteronomy 14:13 |
| Lapwing | Considered unclean — Leviticus 11:19 |
| Osprey (Gier Eagle) | Strength and precision — Leviticus 11:18 |
| Owl | Mourning, solitude, desolation — Isaiah 34:11-15; Micah 1:8 |
| Partridge | Deceit and false gain — 1 Samuel 26:20; Jeremiah 17:11 |
| Peacock | Beauty and wealth — 1 Kings 10:22 |
| Pelican | Solitude and sacrifice — Psalm 102:6; Leviticus 11:18 |
| Pigeon | Humility and offering — Genesis 15:9; Luke 2:24 |
| Quail | Divine provision in the wilderness — Exodus 16:13; Numbers 11:31 |
| Raven | Survival, provision, and judgment — Genesis 8:7; 1 Kings 17:6 |
| Rooster | Denial and vigilance — Matthew 26:74-75 |
| Sparrow | God’s care for the small and overlooked — Psalm 84:3; Matthew 10:29 |
| Stork | Migration and maternal instinct — Jeremiah 8:7; Psalm 104:17 |
| Swallow | Restlessness and longing for God — Isaiah 38:14; Psalm 84:3 |
| Swan | Listed among unclean birds — Leviticus 11:18 |
| Vulture | Death and scavenging judgment — Isaiah 34:15; Leviticus 11:13 |
Animals
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| Animal | Reference |
|---|---|
| Ant | Diligence, wisdom, preparation — Proverbs 6:6-8 |
| Bear | Strength, danger, divine judgment — 2 Kings 2:24; Proverbs 28:15 |
| Behemoth | Power of God’s creation; untamable might — Job 40:15-24 |
| Camel | Wealth, endurance, burden-bearing — Genesis 24:10-64; Matthew 19:24 |
| Dog | Uncleanliness, contempt, spiritual outsiders — Philippians 3:2; Revelation 22:15 |
| Donkey | Humility, service, peace — Numbers 22:21-33; Matthew 21:5 |
| Ewe / Lamb | Innocence, sacrifice, Christ as the Lamb — Exodus 12:3; Isaiah 53:7; John 1:29 |
| Fox | Cunning, deceit, destruction — Luke 13:32; Song of Songs 2:15 |
| Goat | Sin offering, separation of righteous and wicked — Leviticus 16:10; Matthew 25:33 |
| Horse | Power, war, judgment — Revelation 6:1-8; Zechariah 10:3 |
| Leopard | Swiftness, danger, prophetic imagery — Daniel 7:6; Revelation 13:2 |
| Lion (dual symbolism, Protector or Destroyer) | Strength, royalty, Christ and Satan — Revelation 5:5; 1 Peter 5:8 |
| Locust | Plague, judgment, destruction — Joel 1:4; Revelation 9:3-10 |
| Ox | Labor, sacrifice, strength — Proverbs 14:4; Leviticus 4:3; 1 Kings 19:21 |
| Pig / Swine | Uncleanliness, spiritual corruption — Leviticus 11:7; Matthew 7:6 |
| Serpent | Deception, sin, Satan — Genesis 3:1-15; Revelation 12:9 |
| Sheep | God's people, vulnerability, guidance — Psalm 23:1; John 10:11 |
| Wolf | Predation, false prophets — Matthew 7:15; Acts 20:29 |
Rocks & Stones
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| Rock or Stone | Reference |
|---|---|
| God as the Rock | Refuge — Psalm 18:2, Isaiah 26:4 |
| Cornerstone | Christ — Psalm 118:22, Ephesians 2:20 |
| Ebenezer Stone | Divine help — 1 Samuel 7:12 |
| Stones of Remembrance | Legacy, testimony, crossing into promise — Joshua 4:6-7 |
| Building on the Rock | Obedience — Matthew 7:24-25 |
| Stone / Rock (General) | Strength, refuge, foundation, Christ as the cornerstone — Psalm 18:2; Isaiah 28:16; Matthew 16:18; 1 Peter 2:6 |
| Ebenezer Stone | Memorial of divine help — 1 Samuel 7:12 |
| Tablets of Stone | Law, covenant, permanence — Exodus 24:12; Deuteronomy 5:22 |
| Millstone | Judgment, burden, destruction — Matthew 18:6; Revelation 18:21 |
| White Stone | Acceptance, new identity — Revelation 2:17 |
| Precious Stones (General) | Glory, beauty, divine craftsmanship — Exodus 28:17-20; Revelation 21:19-20 |
| Sapphire | Heavenly glory, throne of God — Exodus 24:10; Ezekiel 1:26 |
| Emerald | Radiance, divine presence — Revelation 4:3 |
| Ruby | Wisdom, value, beauty — Proverbs 3:15; Job 28:18 |
| Topaz | Purity, brilliance — Exodus 28:17; Ezekiel 28:13 |
| Onyx | Priesthood, remembrance — Genesis 2:12; Exodus 28:9-12 |
| Jasper | Majesty, clarity, divine perfection — Revelation 21:11; Revelation 4:3 |
| Chalcedony | Foundation of the heavenly city — Revelation 21:19 |
| Amethyst | Royalty, spiritual sobriety — Exodus 28:19; Revelation 21:20 |
| Beryl | Radiance, divine adornment — Ezekiel 28:13; Daniel 10:6 |
| Carnelian | Fiery beauty, divine presence — Revelation 4:3 |
| Lapis Lazuli | Truth, heavenly vision — Exodus 24:10; Ezekiel 28:13 |
| Agate | Strength, protection — Exodus 28:19 |
Tribes of Israel
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| Tribe | Reference |
|---|---|
| Reuben | Firstborn, instability, loss of birthright — Genesis 49:3-4; Deuteronomy 33:6 |
| Simeon | Violence, scattered inheritance — Genesis 49:5-7; Joshua 19:1 |
| Levi | Priesthood, holiness, no land inheritance — Exodus 32:26-29; Numbers 3:6-13 |
| Judah | Kingship, leadership, lineage of Christ — Genesis 49:8-10; Matthew 1:2-3 |
| Dan | Judge, serpent, Messianic imagery/echoes — Genesis 49:16-18 |
| Naphtali | Freedom, beauty, swift speech — Genesis 49:21; Deuteronomy 33:23 |
| Gad | Warrior, resilience in battle — Genesis 49:19; Deuteronomy 33:20 |
| Asher | Abundance, blessing, royal delicacies — Genesis 49:20; Deuteronomy 33:24 |
| Issachar | Labor, burden-bearing, wisdom — Genesis 49:14-15; 1 Chronicles 12:32 |
| Zebulun | Commerce, sea trade, dwelling by the coast — Genesis 49:13; Deuteronomy 33:18-19 |
| Joseph | Fruitfulness, double portion (Ephraim & Manasseh) — Genesis 49:22-26; Joshua 16-17 |
| Benjamin | Fierce warrior, beloved of the Lord — Genesis 49:27; Deuteronomy 33:12 |
Fire & Light
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| Fire or Light | Reference |
|---|---|
| Fire | God's holiness, judgment, purification — Exodus 3:2, Malachi 3:2, Acts 2:3 |
| Light | Truth, guidance, divine presence — Psalm 119:105, John 8:12, Matthew 5:14 |
| Lamp | Spiritual vigilance, wisdom — Proverbs 20:27, Matthew 25:1-13 |
Water & Liquids
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| Water or Liquid | Reference |
|---|---|
| Water | Life, renewal, baptism — John 4:14, Isaiah 44:3, Revelation 22:1 |
| Wine | Joy, covenant, sacrifice — John 2:9-10, Matthew 26:27-29 |
| Oil | Anointing, healing, consecration — Psalm 23:5, James 5:14, Exodus 30:25 |
| Blood | Atonement, covenant, redemption — Hebrews 9:22, Matthew 26:28, Revelation 7:14 |
Vessels & Containers
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| Vessel or Container | Reference |
|---|---|
| Clay Pot | Fragility, divine craftsmanship — 2 Corinthians 4:7, Jeremiah 18:4-6 |
| Cup | Suffering, blessing, covenant — Psalm 23:5, Matthew 26:39 |
| Ark | Salvation, covenant, presence — Genesis 6:14, Exodus 25:10, Hebrews 9:4 |
Landscapes & Geography
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| Landscape or Geographic Feature | Reference |
|---|---|
| Mountain | Revelation, divine encounter — Exodus 19:20, Matthew 17:1-5 |
| Valley | Humility, testing, refuge — Psalm 23:4, Joel 3:14 |
| Desert | Trial, purification, solitude — Deuteronomy 8:2, Matthew 4:1 |
| River | Life, abundance, Spirit — Ezekiel 47:9, Revelation 22:1 |
Garments & Textiles
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| Garment or Textile | Reference |
|---|---|
| Sackcloth | Mourning, repentance — Jonah 3:5, Revelation 11:3 |
| Robes | Righteousness, honor — Isaiah 61:10, Revelation 7:9 |
| Veil | Separation, mystery, revelation — Exodus 26:33, 2 Corinthians 3:14-16 |
Time & Seasons
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| Time or Season | Reference |
|---|---|
| Sabbath | Rest, holiness, covenant — Genesis 2:2-3, Exodus 20:8 |
| Jubilee | Freedom, restoration — Leviticus 25:10, Isaiah 61:1 |
| Harvest | Judgment, reward — Matthew 13:30, Revelation 14:15 |