Schaff's Bible Dictionary
PUR'PLE. The purple dye so famous among the Orientals of ancient days was produced from a species of shellfish peculiar to the Mediterranean Sea. It was highly esteemed also among the Hebrews. The hangings of the temple and some of the priests' garments were of this color. Ex 25:4; Gen 35:6; Ex 39:29; 2 Chron 3:14, also the robes of royalty and distinction were of purple. Judg 8:26; Esth 8:15. It would seem, however, that the Hebrews used the
term "purple" with considerable latitude, applying it in general to every color into the composition of which red entered.