The term “brown” is not explicitly defined in the Bible, as colors are often described through context rather than direct terminology. However, various shades associated with brown, such as earthy tones, can symbolize humility, mortality, and connection to the earth in biblical texts.
Scripture
32 Let me pass through all your flock today, removing from it every speckled and spotted sheep and every black lamb, and the spotted and speckled among the goats, and they shall be my wages.
33 So my honesty will answer for me later, when you come to look into my wages with you. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats and black among the lambs, if found with me, shall be counted stolen.”
34 But Laban said, “Behold, let it be according to your word.”
35 But that day Laban removed the male goats that were striped and spotted, and all the female goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had white on it, and every lamb that was black, and put them in the charge of his sons.
36 Then he put a distance of three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob pastured the rest of Laban’s flock.
37 Then Jacob took fresh sticks of poplar and almond and plane trees, and peeled white streaks in them, exposing the white of the sticks.
38 And he set the sticks that he had peeled in front of the flocks in the troughs, that is, the watering places, where the flocks came to drink. And since they bred when they came to drink,
39 The flocks bred in front of the sticks and thus brought forth striped, speckled, and spotted.
40 Jacob separated the lambs and set the faces of the flocks toward the striped and all the black in the flock of Laban. He put his own droves apart and did not put them with Laban’s flock.
41 Whenever the stronger of the flock were breeding, Jacob would lay the sticks in the troughs before the eyes of the flock, that they might breed among the sticks,
42 But when the flock were feeble, he did not put them in. So the feebler would be Laban’s, and the stronger Jacob’s.
43 Thus the man increased greatly and had large flocks, female servants and male servants, and camels and donkeys.
Biblical Significance of “Brown” Color
In the Bible, the specific term “brown” is rarely mentioned or directly defined; however, various shades reminiscent of brown, such as earthy tones, carry significant symbolism that can be gleaned from biblical contexts. Earthy colors, which may generally evoke brown, are frequently associated with creation, humanity, and our humble beginnings. For instance, Genesis 2:7 states, “Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” This verse illustrates humanity’s physical origin, emphasizing a return to the earth, suggesting that brown—in its representation of earth—can symbolize our mortality and the transient nature of life.
Furthermore, the biblical connotation of brown can also convey a sense of humility and simplicity. In 1 Peter 5:6, it is written, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you.” This humility resonates with the earthiness of brown, encouraging believers to embrace a posture of meekness and recognition of their dependence on God. Additionally, the use of earthy colors in biblical garments, such as the rough clothing worn by John the Baptist described in Matthew 3:4, signifies a rejection of earthly riches and status in favor of spiritual richness. Thus, while “brown” may not be explicitly named in scripture, its qualities of humility, mortality, and earthly connection profoundly enrich the understanding of human existence and divine reliance throughout the biblical narrative.
The concept of “brown” in a broader sense can also relate to the representation of certain natural elements found in the biblical narrative. In the imagery of the land flowing with milk and honey, references to the fertility and richness of the earth are often imbued with deeper spiritual meanings. The soil and its various shades serve as a metaphor for abundance, nourishment, and growth. This can be seen in the cultivation of vineyards and harvests described throughout the scriptures. The fruitfulness of the land, which can suggest the brown hues of crops and soil, speaks to God’s provision and blessings bestowed upon His people.
Moreover, the association of brown with sacrificial and burnt offerings reflects themes of atonement and purification. In the Levitical laws where offerings were presented, the appearance of the sacrifices, perhaps tinged with earthy tones, represents the somber aspect of seeking reconciliation with God. The burnt offering, which consumed the offering completely, symbolizes the total commitment to God, a surrender marked by the ash and remnants—the colors of sacrifice embodying humility and a return to the earth. Thus, even in the absence of direct references, “brown” resonates within the biblical tapestry by encapsulating ideas of fertility, sacrifice, and the human condition, further weaving a rich theological narrative rooted in the physical world.
Symbol of Earthiness and Humility
In biblical contexts, the color brown often symbolizes earthiness and humility. It reflects the natural world and the human condition, reminding believers of their origins from the earth. This connection to the ground can signify a grounded nature, encouraging humility and a recognition of one’s place in the divine order.
Representation of Suffering and Mortality
Brown can also represent suffering and mortality. The color is often associated with the decay of organic matter, which serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life. This association can evoke themes of repentance and the acknowledgment of human frailty, prompting believers to reflect on their spiritual journey and the need for redemption.
Connection to Simplicity and Provision
Additionally, brown may symbolize simplicity and God’s provision. It is the color of many staple foods, such as bread and grains, which are essential for sustenance. This connection emphasizes the importance of relying on God for daily needs and appreciating the simple blessings in life, encouraging a spirit of gratitude and contentment.
How to Embrace Humility Through Earthly Symbolism
Embracing humility as a Christian can be beautifully illustrated through the symbolism found in nature and our everyday lives. Consider the way a seed must be buried in the ground before it can sprout and grow; this act of surrendering to the earth mirrors our own need to let go of pride and self-importance. Just as the seed relies on the soil, water, and sunlight, we too must depend on God’s grace and guidance. When we observe the gentle strength of a tree bending in the wind, we are reminded that true strength often lies in our ability to be flexible and open to God’s will, rather than rigidly holding onto our own desires. By taking time to reflect on these earthly symbols, we can cultivate a heart that recognizes our place in God’s creation, fostering a spirit of humility that allows us to serve others with love and grace. Let nature be your teacher, guiding you to a deeper understanding of what it means to walk humbly with your God.
Bible References to the Meaning of Brown:
Leviticus 13:30-37: 30 then the priest shall examine the disease. And if it appears deeper than the skin, and the hair in it is yellow and thin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean. It is an itch, a leprous disease of the head or the beard.
31 But if the priest examines the itching disease and it does not appear deeper than the skin and there is no black hair in it, then the priest shall shut up the person with the itching disease for seven days.
32 And on the seventh day the priest shall examine the disease. If the disease has not spread in the skin and it appears to be no deeper than the skin, then the priest shall shut him up for another seven days.
33 then the man shall be shaven, but the woman shall not be shaven.
34 And on the seventh day the priest shall examine the itch, and if the itch has not spread in the skin and it appears to be no deeper than the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him clean. And he shall wash his clothes and be clean.
35 But if the itch spreads in the skin after his cleansing,
36 then the priest shall examine him, and if the itch has spread in the skin, the priest need not seek for the yellow hair; he is unclean.
37 But if in his eyes the itch is unchanged and black hair has grown in it, the itch is healed and he is clean, and the priest shall pronounce him clean.
Judges 14:5-9: 5 Then Samson went down with his father and mother to Timnah, and they came to the vineyards of Timnah. And behold, a young lion came toward him roaring.
6 Then the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him, and although he had nothing in his hand, he tore the lion in pieces as one tears a young goat. But he did not tell his father or his mother what he had done.
7 Then he went down and talked with the woman, and she was right in Samson’s eyes.
8 After some days he returned to take her. And he turned aside to see the carcass of the lion, and behold, there was a swarm of bees in the body of the lion, and honey.
9 He scraped it out into his hands and went on, eating as he went. And he came to his father and mother and gave some to them, and they ate.
1 Kings 7:15-22: 15 He cast two pillars of bronze. Eighteen cubits was the height of one pillar, and a line of twelve cubits measured its circumference. It was hollow, and its thickness was four fingers. The second pillar was the same.
16 He also made two capitals of cast bronze to set on the tops of the pillars. The height of the one capital was five cubits, and the height of the other capital was five cubits.
17 There were lattices of checker work with wreaths of chain work for the capitals on the tops of the pillars, a lattice for the one capital and a lattice for the other capital.
18 So he made the pillars, and two rows around on the one network to cover the capitals that were on the top of the pomegranates. And so he did for the other capital.
19 So he set the pillars at the entrance of the temple, one on the south, the other on the north.
20 There were capitals on the two pillars, above the rounded projection next to the latticework.
21 And he set up the pillars at the vestibule of the temple. He set up the pillar on the south and called its name Jachin, and he set up the pillar on the north and called its name Boaz.
22 And on the tops of the pillars was lily-work. Thus the work of the pillars was finished.
2 Kings 9:30-37: 30 When Jehu came to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it. And she painted her eyes and adorned her head and looked out of the window.
31 As Jehu entered the gate, she said, “Is it peace, you Zimri, murderer of your master?”
32 And he lifted up his face to the window and said, “Who is on my side? Who?” Two or three eunuchs looked out at him.
33 He said, “Throw her down.” So they threw her down. And some of her blood spattered on the wall and on the horses, and they trampled on her.
34 Then he went in and ate and drank. And he said, “See now to this cursed woman and bury her, for she is a king’s daughter.”
35 But when they went to bury her, they found no more of her than the skull and the feet and the palms of her hands.
36 Therefore they came back and told him. And he said, “This is the word of the Lord, which he spoke by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, ‘In the territory of Jezreel the dogs shall eat the flesh of Jezebel,
37 and the corpse of Jezebel shall be as dung on the face of the field in the territory of Jezreel, so that no one can say, This is Jezebel.
Job 30:30-31: 30 “My skin turns black and falls from me,
and my bones burn with heat.
31 My lyre is turned to mourning, and my pipe to the voice of those who weep.
Song of Solomon 1:5-6: 5 I am very dark, but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.
6 Do not gaze at me because I am dark, because the sun has looked upon me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; they made me keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept.
Jeremiah 13:23-24: 23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin
or the leopard his spots?
Then also you can do good
who are accustomed to do evil.
24 I will scatter you like chaff driven by the wind from the desert.
Ezekiel 1:4-28: 4 As I looked, behold, a stormy wind came out of the north, and a great cloud, with brightness around it, and fire flashing forth continually, and in the midst of the fire, as it were gleaming metal.
5 And from the midst of it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had a human likeness.
6 but each had four faces, and each of them had four wings.
7 Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the sole of a calf’s foot. And they sparkled like burnished bronze.
8 Under their wings on their four sides they had human hands.
9 their wings touched one another. Each one of them went straight forward, without turning as they went.
10 As for the likeness of their faces, each had a human face. The four had the face of a lion on the right side, the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and the four had the face of an eagle.
11 Such were their faces. And their wings were spread out above. Each creature had two wings, each of which touched the wing of another, while two covered their bodies.
12 And each went straight forward. Wherever the spirit would go, they went, without turning as they went.
13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches moving to and fro among the living creatures. And the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.
14 And the living creatures darted to and fro, like the appearance of a flash of lightning.
15 Now as I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the earth beside the living creatures, one for each of the four of them.
16 As for the appearance of the wheels and their construction: their appearance was like the gleaming of beryl. And the four had the same likeness, their appearance and construction being as it were a wheel within a wheel.
17 When they went, they went in any of their four directions without turning as they went, but in whatever direction the front wheel faced, the others followed without turning as they went.
18 And their rims were tall and awesome, and the rims of all four were full of eyes all around.
19 And when the living creatures went, the wheels went beside them; and when the living creatures rose from the earth, the wheels rose.
20 Wherever the spirit wanted to go, they went, and the wheels rose along with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.
21 When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those rose from the earth, the wheels rose along with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.
22 Over the heads of the living creatures there was the likeness of an expanse, shining like awe-inspiring crystal, spread out above their heads.
23 And under the expanse their wings were stretched out straight, one toward another. Each creature had two wings covering its body.
24 And when they went, I heard the sound of their wings like the sound of many waters, like the sound of the Almighty, a sound of tumult like the sound of an army. When they stood still, they let down their wings.
25 And there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads when they stood still and let down their wings.
26 And above the expanse over their heads there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness with a human appearance.
27 And I saw as it were gleaming metal, like the appearance of fire enclosed all around. And downward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness around him.
28 Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.
Daniel 10:5-6: 5 I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist.
6 His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude.
Revelation 1:14-15: 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire,
15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.