Lexical Summary chión: Snow Original Word: χιών Strong's Exhaustive Concordance snow. Perhaps akin to the base of chasma (chalao) or cheimon (as descending or empty); snow -- snow. see GREEK chasma see GREEK chalao see GREEK cheimon NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the root chi- Definition snow NASB Translation snow (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5510: χιώνχιών, χιόνος, ἡ, from Homer down, the Sept. for שֶׁלֶג, snow: Matthew 28:3; Mark 9:3 (where it is omitted by G T Tr WH); Revelation 1:14. Topical Lexicon Concept of SnowSnow serves in Scripture as a striking emblem of purity, cleansing, and divine majesty. While rare in much of the biblical world, its brilliant whiteness made it an ideal metaphor for holiness and forgiveness. In the Greek New Testament the imagery appears only twice, but in two of the most exalted Christological scenes, underscoring its theological weight. Occurrences in the New Testament Matthew 28:3 – “His appearance was like lightning, and His clothes were white as snow.” Revelation 1:14 – “The hair of His head was white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like a blazing fire.” Both texts compare incomparable glory to the purest white that terrestrial experience can supply, emphasizing Christ’s perfection and authority. Resurrection Glory (Matthew 28:3) • Revelation of holiness: At the empty tomb an angel’s robe “white as snow” declares that death’s defilement is conquered. Exalted Majesty (Revelation 1:14) • Eternal wisdom: White hair recalls the “Ancient of Days” (Daniel 7:9), aligning Jesus with the God of judgment. Old Testament Foundations Hebrew writers used snow to picture cleansing (Psalm 51:7; Isaiah 1:18), beauty (Proverbs 31:21), and the fearful power of the Creator (Job 37:6). The Septuagint’s use of the same Greek term in passages such as Psalm 147:16 supplies a familiar conceptual backdrop for New Testament readers. Christological Significance 1. Incarnate purity – From birth to ascension Jesus remains unstained; the “white as snow” simile visualizes His sinlessness. Eschatological Dimension Snow symbolism anticipates believers’ final state, “clothed in white robes” (Revelation 7:14), enjoying a creation where impurity is forever banished. Ministry Applications • Preaching: Snow offers a vivid illustration of complete forgiveness for texts on repentance and justification. Key Cross-References Isaiah 1:18; Psalm 51:7; Daniel 7:9; Mark 9:3; Revelation 7:14; Revelation 20:11. Summary Though occurring only twice in the Greek New Testament, the term translated “snow” communicates truths at the heart of the gospel: Christ’s unblemished purity, His authoritative judgment, and the promise of believers’ full cleansing. Snow’s radiant whiteness affirms that the risen, reigning Lord is altogether holy and able to make His people holy as well. Forms and Transliterations χιόνα χίονα χιόνι χιόνος χιων χιών χλαίνας chion chiōn chiṓnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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