Crimson

A deep red colour used interchangeably with scarlet and sometimes with purple. It has associations with blood and richness.

The richness of crimson used for ornamentation

Exodus 25:3–4, Exodus 28:6 It was used extensively in the construction of the tabernacle; 2 Chronicles 2:7 See also 2 Chronicles 2:14, 2 Chronicles 3:14

This is the offering you are to accept from them: gold, silver, and bronze; blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair;

They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen embroidered with gold, and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.

Send me, therefore, a craftsman skilled in engraving to work with gold and silver, with bronze and iron, and with purple, crimson, and blue yarn. He will work with my craftsmen in Judah and Jerusalem, whom my father David provided.

Crimson associated with splendour and prosperity

2 Samuel 1:24; Revelation 18:16 See also Proverbs 31:21; Jeremiah 4:30; Nahum 2:3; Matthew 27:28 parallel Mark 15:17; Revelation 18:12

O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and luxury, who decked your garments with ornaments of gold.

saying: “Woe, woe to the great city, clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls!

Crimson associated with blood and sin

Isaiah 1:18 See also Leviticus 14:3–6, Leviticus 14:49–53; Numbers 19:6; Isaiah 63:1–3; Hebrews 9:19; Revelation 17:3–4

“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.

Everyday use of the colour crimson

Genesis 38:28; Joshua 2:17–18; Song of Solomon 4:3