2016
Scarlet, Crimson, Snow, and Wool
February 2016

“Scarlet, Crimson, Snow, and Wool,” New Era, February 2016, 8–9

Objects from the Scriptures

Scarlet, Crimson, Snow, and Wool

Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord taught of the power of the Savior’s Atonement.

Scarlet, Crimson

red cloth
red dye in water

Photographs by iStock/Thinkstock

In Isaiah 1:18, the words scarlet and crimson refer to red colors that come from certain dyes. Ancient cultures placed great importance on dyes, especially those used for sacred or ceremonial purposes, such as burial clothing or purification rituals (see Leviticus 14:6). The point of a dye is that it is not only colorful but also colorfast, meaning that its rich color will stick to the cloth and not fade or wash away.

Scarlet and crimson are:

Bright red. Because of the vibrancy of their redness, they are emblems of standing out. Red has a strong psychological effect on people, and it can be reminiscent of blood, which is sometimes a symbol of guilt. Our sins can be grievous and obvious.

Permanent. The colorfast nature of scarlet and crimson dyes is similar to our sins, and “the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance” (Alma 45:16). “According to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish” (Alma 34:9).

Snow, Wool

snow-covered mountains
lamb

Photographs by iStock/Thinkstock

Snow is rare but not unheard-of in most areas of Israel. But, for instance, in the northern part of the country, Mount Hermon is covered in snow every winter (there’s even a ski resort there today). Wool was one of the most common fabrics in ancient Israel, and raising sheep was a common occupation. To make it a purer and brighter white in preparation for dyeing, wool was commonly soaked and washed in a strong soap.

Snow and wool are:

Pure, bright white. White represents purity. When Isaiah says that the Lord can change our sins from scarlet or crimson to snow or wool, he is saying that the Lord can do something that is impossible for us to do on our own. A cloth dyed red stays red. But regardless of the stain of our sins, the Atonement of Jesus Christ can make us pure again if we repent. “All are within the reach of pardoning mercy, who have not committed the unpardonable sin” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 76).