Verdigris
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Verdigris in the Bible?
Verdigris is a green pigment derived from copper, referenced in Ezekiel 23:15 within the description of idolatrous figures adorned with blue and purple garments and studded with gold and jewels.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding verdigris clarifies the material reality of the luxurious and exotic adornments described in Ezekiel, illustrating the specific aesthetic standards and trade goods associated with ancient Near Eastern idolatry.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Verdigris were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Verdigris in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Verdigris clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Ezekiel 23:15
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
"Verdigris." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/verdigris/