Word Study for H2358 (חִוָּר)

chivvâr /khiv-vawr'/ Ask about this word

Root(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to חָוַר

Meaningwhite

KJV usagewhite.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of chivvâr — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Aramaic word chivvâr, represented by H2358, means white. It is a highly specific term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire biblical text. Its sole occurrence is in a powerful prophetic vision, where it is used to describe the purity and majesty of a divine figure.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The single use of H2358 is found in the book of Daniel. In a vision of heavenly judgment, the prophet sees the "Ancient of days" take his seat on a throne. The description of this figure uses chivvâr to convey a sense of absolute purity and divine splendor, stating that his "garment was white as snow" Daniel 7:9. The word's context is one of awesome authority and righteousness.

Related Words & Concepts

In its only appearance, H2358 is used alongside other words that enhance the imagery of purity and brilliance:

H8517 tᵉlag (snow): This Aramaic word for snow is used in direct comparison to provide a standard for the whiteness of the garment of the Ancient of days Daniel 7:9.
H5343 nᵉqêʼ (pure): Used in the same verse, this word describes the quality of the wool which the hair of the Ancient of days resembles, reinforcing the theme of cleanness and perfection Daniel 7:9.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H2358 is derived entirely from its singular, impactful context in Daniel's vision.

Divine Purity: The color white, described by chivvâr, is used for the garment of the Ancient of days, symbolizing his absolute holiness and righteousness.
Majesty and Authority: The vision is one of judgment, with thrones being set. The brilliant white apparel of the judge, the Ancient of days, underscores his supreme authority and majesty.
Visual Symbol of Holiness: Paired with the imagery of "pure wool" for hair and a "fiery flame" for the throne, the white garment contributes to a powerful and unforgettable depiction of God's character Daniel 7:9.

Summary

In summary, while chivvâr H2358 has a very limited use, its role is significant. It functions as a key descriptor in one of the Old Testament's most vivid portraits of divine authority. Its singular appearance in Daniel 7:9 permanently associates the word white with the untainted purity and awesome majesty of the Ancient of days seated for judgment.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as an adjective across 1 occurrence, inflected in 1 grammatical form — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

חִוָּר

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

1 verse, all in Daniel — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.