The answer is: Purple

John 19:2 - Matthew mentions the robe being scarlet, but this is not the same Greek word that is used for red.

In the dramatic scene of Jesus' crucifixion recounted in the Gospels, the robe placed upon Him holds a rich symbol of the themes at work in His story. Purple, traditionally royalty's hue, often signifies power and authority, which is starkly ironic given that the Gospels depict Jesus as an unjustly condemned man, humiliated and mocked by soldiers. Majestic purple transforming into a symbol for His suffering perfectly illustrates the paradox at the heart of His mission: to embrace humility and service, making great the least.

While Matthew hints at a scarlet robe, it’s intriguing to dig deeper into the language each writer chooses. John’s use of "purple" casts a spotlight from royalty to royalty, drawing a line from the traditional authority to a new kind of kingdom established by love and sacrifice.

Here's an interesting tidbit: In Roman times, the dye for purple was extracted from mollusks and was extraordinarily rare, making it exceedingly valuable. This point adds another layer—what is insignificant in the physical world (like His tattered robe) becomes necessary for representing a greater spiritual truth.

Echoes of this theme resound through the Bible as well. Think of Joseph’s coat of many colors, or the high priest’s attire, yet contrasting with Jesus—who wears the earthly attire of a condemned man but remains the essence of a divine king. In this synergy, through pain comes revelation; crudeness equips a deeper understanding of hope.