חִוָּר
𐤇𐤅𐤓
chivvâr
H2358 adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
A color term in Aramaic meaning 'white,' typically describing something pale, bright, or dazzling in appearance. It refers to the appearance of objects or features characterized by lightness in color and is used in contexts where particular attention is drawn to the color itself.
Semantic Range
white (of garments, hair, or appearance), bright, dazzling, shining
Root / Etymology
From the root חור, meaning 'to be white' or 'to become pale.' The term חִוָּר is an Aramaic adjective derived from this root, paralleling the Hebrew root חָוַר (to be pale, to whiten), though the form itself is specifically Aramaic.
Historical & Contextual Notes
חִוָּר appears only in Biblical Aramaic sections of the Hebrew Bible (specifically in Daniel 7:9), where it is used to describe the dazzling whiteness of the Ancient of Days' clothing. While the related Hebrew root חָוַר exists, its actual use as a color adjective in biblical Hebrew is extremely rare, with Aramaic forms predominating in later periods. The word contrasts with other color terms such as לָבָן (Hebrew 'white') and שָׂגוֹל (Aramaic 'purple'), and its emphasis is on a more brilliant or shining whiteness, often used in descriptions of extraordinary or supernatural contexts. In translation, 'white' is standard, but the nuance of dazzling brightness may be understated in English.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to חָוַר; white; white.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
חור (ḥ-w-r) — to be white, to shine, to become pale
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1032 | בֵּית חוֹרוֹן | Horon |
| H1133 | בֶּן־חוּר | Chur |
| H2352 | חוּר | Holes |
| H2353 | חוּר | Chur |
| H2354 | חוּר | Chur |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2358-01 |
חִוָּ֗ר | chivar | AAamsa |
white | bright white | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2358-01 |
Daniel 7:9 | חִוָּ֗ר | chivar | AAamsa |
white | bright white |