Crimson

The English word “crimson” translates three different Hebrew words:

tolaʿat,

shani, and

argaman.

These words describe different shades of red made from certain insects.

The Bible uses “crimson” to describe fabrics in Solomon’s temple (2 Chronicles 2:7, 14; 3:14). It also uses the color figuratively of sin (Isaiah 1:18).

In Isaiah 63:1, the word translated “crimson-stained” describes garments from Bozrah. In this verse, the word probably means “brightly colored” rather than one specific shade.

See also Color; Red; Scarlet.