Any reason Bibles are traditionally Red, Blue or Black?

I'm guessing because those colors connote seriousness, and the Bible is a serious book.

 

And I am referring to dark blue and dark red, which goes along with your question. Obviously, light blue and light red connote differently.

 

My favorite one is my purple colored one... almost a burgandy purplish color...
It reminds me of royalty.
And that the author is the King of Kings....

 

I might be a little biased...but I think all Bibles should be "read"

 

And Bibles also come in white - signifying purity for a Pure Book.

 

Check out this 7th century bible cover from the Washington codex of the gospels [LINK].

It's the first image on th page.

My guess is that it is consumer related, they sell better.

Recently versions have been introducing specialty covers with design and colors.

A unique one is a metal covered one.

Rob

 

I always thought they were for catholics

 

There are lots of traditional brown colored ones as well. Don't forget about green, like with the little new testaments. However, I can't remember the last time I've ever seen a red one.

I think if you consider what the cover is typically made out of you'd have your answer. Historically they have been made out of leather. It's easy to make black and brown leather, not so easy to make yellow leather, not that it would look decent to begin with.

So basically, my best guess is that historically they were colored the way they were because that's what looked the best and was easiest to make given their leather covers.

 

I prefer navy blue myself, I have 2 bibles and both are navy blue.

 

water of life...
Heaven... you know, blue sky....
Our sins are thrown out to sea...

Mary's great statement, "It's a boy!!!"

 

I have a fairly light green one that is a MLB, and a burgundy one (NKJV) that I use as my primary Bible. They are both clothbound. Before that I had a black 'New Scofield'-1967 (for over 25 years) that someone needed worse than I did, for they took it from my cab, one night, and before that a Red covered one (KJV), and before that, a black one (ASV) . I've also had a blue NASV NT and my (only, ever) bride for the last eight years, has a dark green Bible (NIV). We've sorta' run the gamut in colors, and versions over the years, I guess. And I'm covering well over 40 years for me, as I'm 58 years old, and my bride is 45. BTW, I'm also her only husband ever, as well. Oh yeah, we got a navy blue Bible ('New Scofield'- 1967) as a wedding gift, also.

Ed

 

It may have something to do with coloring the leather.


It is like why barns are always red...... red paint = cheapest.

 

When did it become popular to put gold gilding on the edges? Is it symbolic as well? Streets of heaven made of gold? It sure is pretty!

I always thought black was for men. :laugh:

 

Amy--

I'm not sure that there is one specific reason for gilt edging.

My take is that traditionally gold was looked upon by people as being the most valuable metal there is.

EX: the GOLD rush(es), Fort Knox, "as good as gold," etc. (not to mention your idea of the streets of gold).

If that's the case (not positive that it is, mind you), I look upon the gilt edging as symbolic of the value of the Bible's contents.

After all, there were many in times past (as well as today) who readily gave their lives so that we could have God's Word.

NOTE -- These are just my thoughts, and I could stand to be corrected (wouldn't be the 1st time! :thumbs: ) on them.