In the Bible, blue is a colour rich in symbolism and spiritual significance. Throughout the Scriptures, it appears in various contexts that highlight its many facets, relating to divinity, heaven, holiness and divine revelation. It is a colour associated with God and his sanctuary, as well as with obedience to divine law.

Blue and the sky: symbol of divine transcendence

In ancient cultures, including the Hebrews, blue is directly associated with the sky. The sky, in its immensity and beauty, is perceived as the abode of God, an inaccessible place where divine majesty resides. In this sense, blue represents God's transcendence, his distance from earthly realities, but also his omnipresence, as the sky envelops the earth and makes the proximity of the divine felt.

In the Old Testament, this symbolism appears particularly in the prophetic visions and descriptions of the heavenly throne. In the book of Ezekiel, for example, the prophet describes a vision of God's throne where "the colour of the brightness of heaven" appears, evoking the luminous blue of the firmament (Ezekiel 1:26-28). This vision emphasises the majesty and glory of God, who sits above all that is earthly, reminding us that God is beyond human understanding, but nevertheless reveals his presence in the world.

Blue in the Tabernacle and Temple

One of the most notable uses of blue in the Bible concerns the Tabernacle, the place of God's presence among the Israelites. In the book of Exodus, God gives Moses very specific instructions on the construction and ornamentation of the Tabernacle, and blue plays a central role.

Blue was used in the curtains of the Tabernacle, as well as in the priestly vestments. Fabrics of blue, scarlet and purple were woven together to create veils that separated the different parts of the sanctuary (Exodus 26:1, 31). These ornate fabrics symbolised both the holiness and the glory of God's dwelling place. Blue, in this context, represents the holiness and purity of the sanctuary, a place reserved for meeting with God.

The priests' garments were also adorned with blue. Exodus 28:31-35 describes the blue robe of the ephod worn by the high priest Aaron when he served in the sanctuary. This sacred garment, adorned with gold bells and pomegranates, was part of the uniform symbolising the priest's role as mediator between God and his people. Blue, in this case, reflects the holiness and special vocation of the priest, while recalling the connection to heaven and the divine presence.

Blue and the commandments: a reminder of divine law

In the book of Numbers, blue is explicitly linked to obedience to God's law. God commands the Israelites to wear fringes at the edges of their garments with a blue cord (Numbers 15:38-40). This blue-coloured cord was to remind the people of the divine commandments and their commitment to follow them faithfully.

This link between blue and the commandments shows how the colour was seen as a constant reminder of God's will and the importance of obedience. Every time an Israelite saw this blue cord, he was reminded of his relationship with God and the covenant that united him to Him. Blue thus became a visible sign of fidelity to the divine law and the desire to live according to God's precepts.

Blue and the revelation of God's glory

In certain biblical passages, blue is associated with direct manifestations of divine glory. A striking example is found in Exodus 24:10, when Moses, Aaron and the elders of Israel ascended Mount Sinai and "saw the God of Israel; under his feet it was like a transparent work of sapphire, as pure as heaven itself". Sapphire, a deep blue gemstone, is used here to describe God's throne or pedestal, symbolising the purity and perfection of heaven, as well as divine holiness.

The blue of the sapphire in this vision reflects the proximity of the divine, but also the intensity and clarity of its revelation. It reminds us that God manifests himself through the beauty and grandeur of creation, and that the colour blue is a means of experiencing this spiritual reality in the material world.

Blue in the New Testament

Although the explicit use of blue is less frequent in the New Testament, the colour retains its heavenly and divine symbolism. For example, Christian tradition, particularly in art and liturgy, has continued to use blue to represent the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, as mentioned above. This choice symbolises her purity, divine motherhood and closeness to heaven.

Similarly, blue is often associated with the figure of the risen Christ in Christian art, symbolising his divinity and victory over death. Blue becomes a visual reminder of heaven and the promise of eternal life for those who believe in him.

Blue as a symbol of hope and faithfulness

Beyond its direct link with God and the law, blue in the Bible also carries a broader meaning of faithfulness and hope. Like the endless sky, God's faithfulness is boundless, and his promises are eternal. Blue, with its soothing, deep tones, thus represents the hope that believers find in their relationship with God.

In this sense, blue can also be seen as a symbol of God's covenant with his people. God is faithful to his promises, and this faithfulness is a source of hope for generations to come. Blue reminds us that God watches over his people from heaven, offering guidance, protection and constant love.

Conclusion

Blue in the Bible is a colour rich in spiritual symbolism. It evokes divine transcendence, the link between heaven and earth, the sanctity of the sanctuary, obedience to God's law, and the revelation of his glory. Throughout the Scriptures, blue becomes a bridge between humanity and God, a visual reminder of the divine presence and the covenant God has made with his people.

For believers, blue is more than just a colour: it is a powerful symbol of God's faithfulness, his holiness, and the hope he offers to those who follow him. Through this colour, we are invited to raise our gaze to heaven, to remember divine law, and to live in the hope of eternal life with God.