Green
The color green is mentioned four times in the New Testament, thirty-two in the Old. Of these thirty-six mentions, several different words are used in the original language. The major difference is the type of green. For instance, in the New Testament, the greenery is a pale green color, associated with sickness, and grass. Jesus made the 5000 men sit in the green grass to feed them (Mark 6.39). This coloration may be mentioned because of the inclusion of a yellowish hue grass can get when it needs to be watered, and how that resembles these people also need nourishment. The Hebrew language also has a word similar to this that is used several times.
Another Hebrew word for green also talks of a healthiness to plant life. Psalm 92.14 (ESV) states, “They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green”. The NKJ renders the word green, “flourishing”. Many times, when this type of green is stated, the idea accompanies sentiments of haughtiness or luxury.
An herbalist knows that the color of green a plant exudes reflects the health of the plant. That pale green indicates that the plant needs something. Two different colors to indicate needy or nourished. What I find fascinating is how scripture seems to say that the flourishing green tree is bragging about having all it needs. In Psalm 37.35 we see this self-aggrandizement stated as, “I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree”. I think of Nebuchadnezzar- look at me, look at what I have done! An obvious statement of not thanking God for blessings since all blessings originate with Him.
The same flourishing green is also used in Psalm 23, “He makes me lie down in green pastures…” This statement recognizes that I need God’s blessings; His nourishment, to be sustained, filled.
The pale green color is used in Revelation 9.4 in reference to the saved. Christians recognize that god provides the nourishment, the growth. We understand we are prone to sin which damages us. We must recognize that without the sustaining love, mercy, grace- blessings of God, we are not alive. But, rooted in Him, we find every nutrient needed to grow and bear fruits of His Spirit.