The answer is: Purple

John 19:2 - Matthew mentions the robe being scarlet, but this is not the same Greek word that is used for red.

The use of color in the Bible is often loaded with symbolism, and when it comes to the robe placed on Jesus, the color purple is especially telling. In ancient times, purple was a hue reserved for royalty and the elite, made from the expensive dye extracted from mollusks. So when the soldiers dressed Jesus in purple, they were mockingly acknowledging the accusation that He claimed to be a "King of the Jews."

Matthew opting for "scarlet" brings an interesting twist to our understanding. While "scarlet" conveys the crudeness and severity relevant to the violent punishment Jesus faced, it steps into vibrant and intense connotations, invoking our understanding of sacrifice. It reminds us of older motifs in scripture that showcase blood sacrifice—crimson threads woven into the redemptive narratives running through Bible history.

Interestingly, purple fabric could most clearly link back to ancient and later traditions where royal robes signified authority and power. When Mark and John echo this in their descriptions, they're building a picture of contradiction—that the very one who is mocked as a king would become the true symbol of Spiritual authority; it's an unexpected twist that reflects a more significant narrative about societal expectations versus divine truth.

Thus, these color distinctions not only showcase attention to detail in the gospels but also weave layers of deeper significance into the crucifixion account, reminding us of the layers of meaning behind biblical stories that resonate across time.