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Any reason Bibles are traditionally Red, Blue or Black?

A

Andy T.

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

tinytim

<img src =/tim2.jpg>
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....
 
C

corndogggy

Active Member
Site Supporter
bound said:
Just curious if anyone knows 'why' historicially Bibles have been Red, Blue or Black?
Click to expand...

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.
 
B

bound

New Member
corndogggy said:
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.
Click to expand...

Yes the Red or Brown has been historically called 'Ox-Blood' and now is called 'burgundy' and was easy to make with leather. The same with regards to Black but what is with 'blue' (i.e. the dark blue leather)?

From what I have gathered the 'blood' red is symbolic for the blood shed for all on calvary. The 'black' is symbolic for the Christian's renunciation of this world for his inherence in the next but I don't understand the symbolism of the 'blue'???

Any Ideas?
 
T

tinytim

<img src =/tim2.jpg>
bound said:
Yes the Red or Brown has been historically called 'Ox-Blood' and now is called 'burgundy' and was easy to make with leather. The same with regards to Black but what is with 'blue' (i.e. the dark blue leather)?

From what I have gathered the 'blood' red is symbolic for the blood shed for all on calvary. The 'black' is symbolic for the Christian's renunciation of this world for his inherence in the next but I don't understand the symbolism of the 'blue'???

Any Ideas?
Click to expand...

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

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

EdSutton

New Member
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
 
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B

bound

New Member
tinytim said:
water of life...
Heaven... you know, blue sky....
Our sins are thrown out to sea...

Mary's great statement, "It's a boy!!!"
Click to expand...

Ah, good points there tinytim! Thanks. :applause:
 
J

Jkdbuck76

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
It may have something to do with coloring the leather.


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

Amy.G

New Member
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:
 
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K

ktn4eg

New Member
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.
 
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