White is the presence of all the light in the visible spectrum. When it enters our eyes, it stimulates all of our cone cells that God made light sensitive. Snow and clouds appear white because almost all of the light from the sun is reflected by water (either frozen or liquid), with only a small amount of the visible spectrum absorbed.
White, in the Bible and in today's society, is typically associated with purity, things that are good, innocence, honesty, and cleanliness.
The most common meaning of white is that it represents righteousness or pretending to be so (Revelation 6:2). It can symbolize purity, wisdom, holiness or dedication to God (Mark 16:5, John 20:12, Acts 1:10, Revelation 4:4, 19:14).
I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire (Daniel 7:9, KJV, see also Matthew 17:2, Mark 9:3, Revelation 1:12 - 14).
Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand (Daniel 12:10, KJV, see also 11:35, Psalm 51:7, Isaiah 1:18, Revelation 3:18).
His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire (Revelation 1:14, KJV).
Appearances of the Color White
The English word "white" is recorded 75 times in 66 King James translation verses. it is used the most in the book of Leviticus (20 times) followed by Revelation (19) and then Genesis (5). 29 out of 75 occurrences are in the New Testament.
White is the most frequently mentioned pigment in the New Testament and in the word of God as a whole. It is the third most referenced color behind blue (50 times) and red (47) in the Old Testament.
The most frequent Old Testament Hebrew words referencing this coloration are laben (Strong's #H3836) and tsachor (#H6715). After these are Chur (#H2353), which refers to linen, and laban (#H3835), which means to make something lighter.
In the New Testament, the Greek word leukaino (#G3021) is defined as whitening something, leukos (#G3022) refers to its name, and lampros (#G2986) refers to a radiant, magnificent version of white.
The Color of Prophecy
Revelation discusses two prophetic horses which are both white and seem, on the surface, to represent truth and righteousness. Several Biblical commentaries believe they both symbolize the same thing. The truth, however, is that only one of the horses is of God!
And I looked, and behold, there was a white horse (one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse); and the one who was sitting on it had a bow, and a crown was given to him; and he went out conquering . . .
And I saw heaven open; and behold, a white horse; and He Who sat on it is called Faithful and True and in righteousness He does judge and make war . . . (Revelation 6:2, 19:11).
The horse of Revelation 6 represents the ability of Satan, on the surface, to seem like he represents God and righteousness. According to the Bible, one of Satan's primary tactics is to lead people astray by appearing to be "an angel of light" who represents the truth (2Corinthians 11:13 - 14). He is, however, the father of deception and lies, and a master counterfeiter. God, in the end time, permits him (Revelation 11:2, etc.) to deceive all mankind into thinking he is their "savior."
The horse of Revelation 19 represents righteousness and is rode by a glorified Jesus. The rider is clothed in a garment "dipped in blood" which is Christ's own blood shed for our sins. His name is the "word of God" which is precisely the phrase the Apostle John uses for Jesus (John 1:1).
Jesus, at his Second Coming, will assert his right to rule over mankind with a display of power that will encourage people to repent (see Revelation 9:20 - 21, 16:9).
More Info on Biblical Meaning of white
The Great White Throne Judgment takes place in the second resurrection. It is a time, after the Millennium has completed, where God resurrects all those who never had a full chance at salvation.
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection . . .
And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life . . . (Revelation 20:5, 11 - 12, KJV).
At this judgment God will graciously open the mind of all those resurrected to his truth, giving them the ability to repent of their sins and ultimately receive eternal life.
In the End Time the devil will be allowed to kill all true Christians, have humanity worship and obey him, and gather an army to fight the return of Jesus Christ (see Revelation 13:4 - 7, 14:11, 16:12 - 16, 17:14 - 18, 19:17 - 21)! Paul also tells us that if the devil can appear to be righteous or "white" so can the angels who follow him (2Corinthians 11:13). The horse of Revelation 6 and 19 each represent something unique in Scripture.