What colour robe did Pilate's soldiers put on Jesus?

The mention of the color “purple” when describing the robe placed on Jesus during His trial is not just a random detail; it’s filled with rich historical and cultural significance. In ancient times, purple dye was rare and expensive, often made from the murex shellfish, making it the color of royalty and the elite. So, when Pilate's soldiers dress Jesus in a purple robe, it's laced with irony. They mock Him as if He were a king, while He is actually being led to crucifixion.

This moment paints a vivid picture of the sacrificial role Jesus plays in a broader narrative about power and humanity. The soldiers, representing a non-Jewish ruling authority, trivialize His significance by stripping down His dignity and robes concurrent with royal treatment, hurling jokes rather than respect. The symbolism doesn’t end there—it also evokes echoes of Isaiah 53:3, which highlights the “suffering servant,” referring to the anticipated Messiah as someone “despised and rejected” by mankind.

Interestingly, biblically speaking, purple colors have appeared elsewhere. Think back to the Tabernacle instructions in Exodus where purple fabrics were asked for! It’s quite the shimmering theme throughout Scripture, representing royalty, richness, and hinting at the divine encounter. The contrast of kingship versus suffering is intrinsic not just to this moment, but to the entire story of Jesus’s life. It ties us to the truth that true authority can often lie in humility and sacrifice.