The Aramaic word tᵉlag, represented by H8517, is the word for snow. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, making its single usage highly specific and significant. It serves as a powerful descriptor in a divine vision.
The sole appearance of H8517 is found in a vision of the Ancient of days. The text describes this figure's garment as being "white as snow" Daniel 7:9. In this context, snow is used as a simile to illustrate the absolute and brilliant whiteness of the clothing, emphasizing the purity and majesty of the divine being on the throne.
Several related Aramaic words appear in the same verse, building upon the theme of whiteness and purity:
- H2358 chivvâr (white): This word is used to directly describe the garment that is being compared to snow, stating it was "white as snow" Daniel 7:9. It establishes the primary quality that snow is meant to exemplify.
- H6015 ʻămar (wool): This word appears in a parallel simile in the same passage, describing the hair of the Ancient of days as being "like the pure wool" Daniel 7:9. This reinforces the imagery of perfect whiteness and purity associated with the divine figure.
The theological weight of H8517 is derived entirely from its singular, powerful context in the vision of the Ancient of days.
- Symbol of Divine Purity: By comparing the garment of the Ancient of days to snow, the vision conveys a standard of absolute holiness and untainted purity Daniel 7:9.
- Image of Majesty: The comparison to snow is part of a larger description of a divine being whose appearance is brilliant and awe-inspiring, contributing to an overall image of divine glory and authority.
In summary, H8517 is a concise but impactful word. While used only once, its appearance in Daniel's vision of the Ancient of days is pivotal. It functions as a key element in a description of divine majesty, using the imagery of snow to communicate a profound sense of perfect purity and holiness that characterizes the divine figure.
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