The Greek word chiṓn, represented by G5510, is the term for snow. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. In each instance, it is used not as a literal weather element, but as a powerful simile to describe a level of whiteness that is pure, brilliant, and often supernatural in origin.
In biblical usage, G5510 serves as the ultimate standard for whiteness, particularly in describing divine beings or manifestations. In the vision of the glorified Christ, his head and hairs are described as "white like wool, as white as snow" Revelation 1:14, linking the color to divine glory and wisdom. Similarly, at the resurrection, the raiment of the angel is described as "white as snow" Matthew 28:3. During the transfiguration, Christ's garments become "shining, exceeding white as snow," a brightness that no earthly process could replicate Mark 9:3.
Several related words are used alongside G5510 to build a cumulative picture of purity and brilliance:
- G3022 leukós (white): This word, defined as "from ("light"); white," appears in every verse where snow is mentioned, serving as the primary adjective that G5510 is used to intensify (Matthew 28:3, Mark 9:3, Revelation 1:14).
- G2053 érion (wool): This term is used in direct parallel with snow to describe the whiteness of Christ's hair in the book of Revelation, creating a dual image of soft, pure whiteness Revelation 1:14.
- G1742 éndyma (apparel (especially the outer robe)): This word for raiment is used to describe the clothing of the angel at the tomb, which was "white as snow" Matthew 28:3.
- G2440 himátion (a dress (inner or outer)): This term for a garment describes the clothes of Jesus at the transfiguration, which became "exceeding white as snow" Mark 9:3.
The theological weight of G5510 is derived entirely from its symbolic use as a superlative.
- Divine Purity: The use of "snow" to describe the glorified Christ Revelation 1:14 and a holy angel Matthew 28:3 establishes it as a symbol of divine purity and perfection, free from any earthly stain or darkness.
- Supernatural Brightness: The description of Jesus' raiment at the transfiguration as "white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them" Mark 9:3 explicitly places this whiteness beyond natural or human capability, marking it as a sign of divine glory.
- A Standard of Comparison: By being used as the comparative element in a simile ("as white as snow"), G5510 functions as the benchmark against which the holy appearance of divine figures is measured for the human reader.
In summary, G5510 is a focused and potent term within the New Testament. While it appears rarely, its function is consistent and powerful. It is not used to describe a landscape or weather, but exclusively to provide a tangible, earthly comparison for a divine and supernatural level of whiteness. It serves to illustrate the absolute purity and brilliant glory associated with Christ and his heavenly messengers.
TRV