A photosensitive resin composition for color filters, which comprises a novolak resin containing repeating units represented by general formula (I) and having a molecular weight of about 1,000 to 50,000, a solvent, and a dye or pigment, and which is excellent in various performances including resolution, heat resistance and transparency. In formula (I) R1 through R5 represent each hydrogen, alkyl, etc.; and R6 and R7 represent each hydrogen, alkyl, etc., provided that the alpha group is located at the o- or p-position with respect to the OH group.