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.

As the Passion story unfolds in the Gospels, details like the robe placed on Jesus offer rich layers of meaning and symbolism. The robe itself, often described as purple or scarlet, is more than mere fabric—it carries a weight of significance. In ancient times, the color purple was reserved for royalty and wealth; hence, dressing Jesus in a purple robe was a mockery in itself. The leaders who tortured him were ironically acknowledging him as a "king," even as they were actively debasing him.

Interestingly, purple dies in the ancient world were quite rare and expensive, often derived from the murex snail. Because of this scarcity, only the elite could afford garments of such a noble hue, casting a stark contrast between the Significance of Christ's true kingship and the brutal reality of his situation at the hands of Roman soldiers. This wasn’t just a random act of cruelty; it was intended to ridicule the claim of his followers and highlight how far down the political and social ladder he had been cast.

Echoing back to biblical iterations of divine wisdom, this incident recalls the garment of Joseph adorned with varied colors, indicating favor and position (Genesis 37:3). Just as that coat signified Joseph’s uniqueness in his father’s eyes, so too did the robe symbolize both mockery and foreshadow the true glory that would rise out of apparent humiliation, as seen in the magnificent resurrection that followed. Looks can deceive, and from rags (or mockery) to riches, the story arcs wonderfully.