(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to חָוַר; white; white.
Transliteration:chivvâr
Pronunciation:khiv-vawr'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term chivvâr (חִוָּר), transliterated as chivvâr and designated by Strong's `{{H2358}}`, carries the fundamental meaning of "white." Its etymological root corresponds to the Hebrew châvar (חָוַר), `{{H2357}}`, which denotes the concept of "to be white" or "to grow pale." Thus, chivvâr semantically refers to the pure color white, often implying a pristine, unblemished, or distinctly luminous quality. This core meaning is consistent across its usage, focusing on the visual attribute of whiteness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word chivvâr (חִוָּר) appears only once in the biblical text, within the Aramaic portion of the book of Daniel. This singular occurrence is highly significant, providing a profound theological insight into the nature of God:
* **[[Daniel 7:9]]**: "I beheld till 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."
In this apocalyptic vision, Daniel describes the "Ancient of Days," a majestic depiction of God. The term chivvâr is used to characterize His garment, emphasizing its brilliant whiteness, compared explicitly to "snow" and "pure wool." This vivid imagery sets a scene of unparalleled purity and divine majesty, preceding the judgment and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. The whiteness here is not merely a descriptive color but a symbolic attribute of the divine being.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding chivvâr is enhanced by considering its relationship to other biblical terms and concepts associated with the color white:
* **Hebrew Cognate**: The definition points to châvar (חָוַר), `{{H2357}}`, as its corresponding root. While `{{H2357}}` is a verb meaning "to be white" or "to grow pale," it underscores the shared semantic field.
* **Other Hebrew Words for "White"**:
* lâbân (לָבָן), `{{H3835}}`: A common Hebrew word for "white," used for various objects, including garments, leprosy, and the moon's light (e.g., [[Exodus 16:31]], [[Leviticus 13:3]]).
* tsach (צַח), `{{H6703}}`: Implies a dazzling or brilliant white, often associated with purity or splendor (e.g., [[Job 6:6]], [[Song of Solomon 5:10]]).
* **Concepts**: The color white in biblical thought is consistently linked with:
* **Purity and Holiness**: Often associated with ritual cleanliness and moral uprightness.
* **Righteousness**: As seen in passages like [[Psalm 51:7]] ("whiter than snow") and [[Isaiah 1:18]] ("white as snow").
* **Glory and Majesty**: Divine appearances are frequently described with brilliant light and whiteness (e.g., [[Matthew 17:2]], [[Revelation 1:14]]).
* **Victory and Triumph**: White garments or horses can symbolize triumph (e.g., [[Revelation 6:2]], [[Revelation 19:11]]).
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of chivvâr in [[Daniel 7:9]] carries profound theological weight, as it describes the visual attributes of the "Ancient of Days," a direct representation of God. This imagery communicates several critical theological truths:
* **Divine Purity and Holiness**: The garment "white as snow" signifies God's absolute, unblemished purity and His intrinsic holiness. He is utterly set apart from all defilement and sin.
* **Majesty and Sovereignty**: The dazzling whiteness contributes to the overwhelming majesty of the Ancient of Days, underscoring His supreme authority and glorious presence in the heavenly court. This visual splendor reinforces His position as the ultimate Judge and Sovereign.
* **Righteousness in Judgment**: In the context of the vision's focus on judgment and the establishment of God's righteous rule, the white garments symbolize the perfect righteousness and impartiality of the divine judge. His judgments are pure and just, reflecting His own character.
* **Eternity and Unchangeableness**: The "Ancient of Days" combined with the pristine, unblemished whiteness suggests an eternal, timeless being whose character is unchanging and perpetually pure.
### Summary
chivvâr (חִוָּר), `{{H2358}}`, is an Aramaic term meaning "white." Despite its sole occurrence in the biblical text, its placement in [[Daniel 7:9]] is exceptionally significant. There, it vividly describes the garment of the "Ancient of Days" as "white as snow" and "pure wool," a powerful depiction of God. This imagery communicates God's absolute purity, intrinsic holiness, majestic glory, and perfect righteousness, particularly in the context of divine judgment and eternal sovereignty. The whiteness serves as a visual metaphor for the unblemished and unchanging character of the Almighty.
TRV