Have you ever wondered what the name Scarlett means in the Bible? You may have heard this beautiful name and felt drawn to its rich, deep sound. But beyond how it sounds, the name Scarlett holds a strong spiritual meaning rooted in Scripture. It is more than just a name; it points to God’s grace, redemption, and purpose.
In this article, we will look at the biblical meaning of the name Scarlett in simple terms. Whether you’re choosing this name for your child, studying it for deeper faith, or just curious, you’ll find helpful answers here. We’ll look at what the Bible says about scarlet, how it connects to God’s story, and what it can mean for your life today.
Biblical Meaning of the Name Scarlett
The name Scarlett in the Bible is linked to the color scarlet, which represents sin, sacrifice, and redemption. It reminds us of God’s power to forgive and cleanse us from sin.
In simple words, Scarlett is not a person’s name in the Bible, but the word scarlet appears many times. It often points to something serious, holy, or set apart. Most often, it is tied to the blood of sacrifices, the robes of priests, or signs of sin.
One powerful verse is Isaiah 1:18 (KJV):
“Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”
This shows how God sees scarlet as a picture of deep sin, but also offers hope—He can make us clean again. So, the name Scarlett brings a strong message: we may carry sin, but through God, we are made new.
Scarlett in the Bible: A Symbol of Sin and Redemption
Scarlet is mentioned over 50 times in the Bible. In many cases, it speaks of something costly or sacred. Let’s look at a few important verses and what they teach:
1. Scarlet as a Picture of Sin
Isaiah 1:18 (NIV):
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”
This verse shows that scarlet can mean deep sin—something hard to remove. Like a stain on white cloth, sin stands out in our lives. But God promises to wash us clean. This verse is one of the clearest messages of hope in the Bible.
2. Scarlet Used in Temple Worship
In Exodus 26:1 (ESV), God gave Moses instructions to build the tabernacle. He said:
“Moreover, you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen and blue and purple and scarlet yarns.”
Here, scarlet was not a bad thing. It was a rich color used in the temple to show honor, glory, and worship to God. This tells us that scarlet has both a holy and heavy meaning—it points to the seriousness of God’s presence.
3. Scarlet and Jesus’ Sacrifice
Matthew 27:28 (KJV):
“And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.”
When Jesus was mocked before the cross, the soldiers put a scarlet robe on Him. They did this to make fun of Him as “King of the Jews.” But without knowing it, they gave us a picture of Jesus as the King who would shed His blood for our sins. The scarlet robe reminds us of His suffering and love.
The Spiritual Symbolism of the Color Scarlet in the Bible
To understand the name Scarlett, we also need to look at the meaning of the color scarlet in the Bible. Here are some main ideas:
Scarlet Symbolism | Spiritual Meaning |
---|---|
Sin (Isaiah 1:18) | Human need for forgiveness |
Blood/Sacrifice (Hebrews 9:22) | Jesus’ death to save us |
Royalty (Matthew 27:28) | Jesus as our King |
Worship (Exodus 26:1) | God’s holiness and glory |
From this, we see that the color scarlet—while sometimes linked with sin—is also tied to God’s plan to bring us back to Him. The name Scarlett can be seen as a reminder that we are all in need of grace, and through Jesus, we can be made new.
What Does the Name Scarlett Mean for a Child?
Many parents choose names for their deep meaning. If you’re thinking about naming your daughter Scarlett, here’s what it could mean:
- A reminder of God’s grace: Just like God can make sins as white as snow, the name Scarlett can point to a life changed by grace.
- A picture of strength: Scarlet is a bold, strong color. It reflects courage, passion, and purpose.
- A call to holy living: In the temple, scarlet was used for holy things. The name may inspire a life set apart for God.
Proverbs 31:21 (ESV) talks about a strong woman:
“She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.”
This shows scarlet as a sign of care, preparation, and strength. So, Scarlett can be a name that honors a godly woman of strength and grace.
Biblical Names with Similar Meanings to Scarlett
If you like the meaning behind Scarlett, you may also appreciate other names with related spiritual meanings:
- Grace – Refers to God’s unearned love and mercy.
- Hope – A name that points to trust in God’s promises.
- Faith – Reflects a deep belief in God’s word.
- Ruth – A Bible name meaning loyal friend, tied to deep faith.
- Hannah – Means “favor” or “grace,” showing God’s blessing.
These names, like Scarlett, can carry strong spiritual messages and connect your child’s identity with God’s truth.
How the Name Scarlett Connects to Jesus
The most powerful link to the name Scarlett is through Jesus. His blood—shed on the cross—was the final sacrifice to wash away our sins. In Hebrews 9:22 (NIV), it says:
“Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
This reminds us that scarlet is not just about sin, but about what Jesus did to make us right with God. The scarlet robe He wore was just a shadow of the real price He would pay. So, when you think of the name Scarlett, you can think of:
- The cost of salvation
- The depth of Jesus’ love
- The promise of a clean heart
It is a name that connects deeply to the heart of the gospel.
Modern Christian Views on the Name Scarlett
Today, many Christian families choose the name Scarlett not just for how it sounds, but for its meaning. Pastors, authors, and biblical teachers often talk about how names can shape a person’s view of life and faith.
In Christian baby name books and teachings, Scarlett is often listed with meanings like:
- “Bright red” (symbol of blood and sacrifice)
- “Courage” or “passion”
- “Redemption” or “atonement”
John Piper, a respected pastor and writer, teaches that names should point us to God. While he doesn’t mention Scarlett directly, the meaning fits with his view that every part of our lives—even names—can bring glory to God.
What Should You Take Away From the Name Scarlett?
If you are drawn to the name Scarlett, you are likely someone who values deep meaning and spiritual truth. Here’s what you can take from this name:
- It reminds us of our need for forgiveness. We all carry sin, but God offers mercy.
- It points to Jesus’ sacrifice. His blood was shed so we can be clean.
- It encourages us to live boldly. Scarlet is a strong color, and those who trust in God can live with courage.
- It honors the holiness of God. Just like the temple was built with scarlet cloth, our lives can reflect His glory.
Conclusion
The name Scarlett may not appear as a person’s name in the Bible, but its meaning runs deep through Scripture. From the scarlet cloth of the temple to the robe worn by Jesus, it tells a powerful story of sin, sacrifice, and salvation.
When you hear the name Scarlett, remember Isaiah 1:18:
“Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”
That’s the message at the heart of the Christian faith—no matter how far we’ve gone, God is ready to forgive and make us new. If you’re choosing this name, or simply trying to understand its meaning, let it be a reminder that God can take what is stained and make it beautiful.