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 robe draped upon Jesus during His trial before crucifixion is often thought of as a symbol of mockery. The soldiers dressed Him in this royal hue, making a profound statement, however sarcastic, that highlights their failure to recognize His true nature. Purple, historically associated with nobility and power, would seem to show the irony as they joked about His kingship—an echo of how misinterpretations can arise even in dramatic justice figure trials.

It’s fascinating that Matthew references a scarlet robe, which brings a different shade to the narrative's depiction. The distinction here is a reminder of how details can vary in stories, and scope for interpretation remains key. Scholars often link purple to the dye made from mollusks, once incredibly rare and costly, fit for kings. On the flip side, scarlet might allude to cheaper dyes but may still carry certain prestigious connotations within the context of ancient garments.

Throughout biblical history, colors denote deeper symbolisms—red with humanity or sin, as in Leviticus, while purple encapsulates royalty, thus mixing both the divine and the fallible. It not only emphasizes Jesus's misunderstood kingship but prepares us for pondering His resurrection that breaks all human constraints—even the mangas of royal disdain woven into His interpretation at trial. The colors become scripts interlinked with cultural connotations worth deciphering even today.