Vermilion
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Vermilion in the Bible?
Vermilion is a brilliant red pigment produced from the mineral cinnabar (mercury sulfide), valued in antiquity for its intense hue and stability in artistic and literary contexts.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding vermilion clarifies the material reality of ancient writing and decoration, revealing how expensive and durable pigments were employed to honor sacred texts and significant objects in biblical times.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Vermilion were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Vermilion in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Vermilion clarify?
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
"Vermilion." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/vermilion/