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χιών

chiṓn

G5510 noun

SILEX Entry

Root χιων- snow, whiteness (by comparison)

Definition

A natural accumulation of frozen crystalline water vapor, i.e., snow. The primary lexical meaning is physical snow, especially as it settles on the ground, falls from the sky, or is visually perceived in the environment. Contextually, it can also indicate whiteness or brightness metaphorically, particularly in similes or comparisons.

Semantic Range

snow (precipitation or accumulation), whiteness (as a comparison or metaphor), pure or bright (in figurative expressions)

Root / Etymology

Uncertain. Some suggest possible connection with χειμών ('winter, storm'), but no direct derivation is confirmed. The root is not widely attested outside Greek, and its Indo-European origin is debated.

Historical & Contextual Notes

χιών appears mostly in poetic and descriptive contexts in classical Greek (e.g., Homer, lyric poets), denoting actual snow as a weather phenomenon and metaphorically for whiteness or brightness. The word is relatively rare in the Septuagint and New Testament, found primarily in similes (e.g., 'white as snow'). In Greek literature and the LXX/NT, χιών often serves as a visual standard for pure white coloration or brilliance, especially in descriptions of clothing, physical features, or supernatural visions (cf. Mt 28:3; Rev 1:14). Unlike related weather terms, χιών refers specifically to snow and not to wintry cold or storms. Standard English translations as 'snow' usually suffice for the literal sense, but the metaphorical use extends to purity and radiance. No significant semantic development observed between classical, Hellenistic, and New Testament usage, though functional metaphorical application is more prominent in later Jewish and Christian writings.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

perhaps akin to the base of χάσμα (χαλάω) or χειμών (as descending or empty); snow:--snow.

Root Family

χιών (chiōn) — snow, whiteness (by comparison)

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G5510-01 χιών chion N NOM F SG snow 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G5510-01 Matthew 28:3 χιών chion N NOM F SG snow
G5510-01 Revelation 1:14 χιών chion N NOM F SG snow
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