Scarlet (worm)
NatureWhat is the meaning of Scarlet (worm) in the Bible?
Kermes vermilio, a scale insect from which a red dye is obtained. This insect is used to produce a red color.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the biological source of scarlet dye clarifies the material value and symbolic intensity of the red garments and fabrics described in biblical narratives.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Scarlet (worm) were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Scarlet (worm) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Scarlet (worm) clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Scarlet (worm)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/scarlet-worm/