The answer is: Purple

John 19:2

In the bizarre and dramatic final hours of Jesus' life, the moment when Pilate's soldiers adorned Him with a purple robe carries profound significance. John 19:2 showcases this moment, illuminating both a royal mockery and a deeper thematic contrast in the narrative.

Purple, historically the color of royalty and nobility, evokes a fascinating backstory tied to ancient trade. It was derived from a rare dye made from a specific type of shellfish – the murex – making it extraordinarily expensive and often reserved for elite garments. By cloaking Jesus in purple, the soldiers unwittingly proclaimed His kingship, although underscoring it as part of their cruel jest. Ironically, they were right on one level: Jesus is often called Lord in Christian tradition, suggesting that perhaps even in mockery, a kernel of truth emerged.

This mocking resonates with parallels in the wider biblical context. For instance, King Solomon is depicted in gleaming garments, while Jesus' own followers would later proclaim His reign after His resurrection, solidifying Him as a different kind of king – one of service while rejecting earthly power.

Moreover, this scene echoes David's own royal sounds of music composed while exiled, cloaked not in fine robes but in humble garments. It paints a picture of contrasting kingdoms: the world’s heavy, ornate façades versus the humble heart of the One they scourged. So, while Pilate’s men robed Him mockingly, the complexities of their actions reveal the tangled layers of truth that even they could not fully grasp.