Divine Radiance: χιών (Strong’s G5510: chion) Illuminates Heavenly Glory

Strong’s G5510: A noun denoting snow, derived from Proto-Indo-European root *ghei- meaning “to shine, glitter.” Used metaphorically in Scripture to represent divine purity, brilliance, and transcendent glory, particularly in descriptions of heavenly beings and divine manifestations.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word χιών carries profound theological significance beyond its literal meaning of “snow.” In biblical contexts, it serves as a powerful metaphor for divine purity and celestial brilliance. Its usage in Matthew 28:3 to describe the angel’s appearance at the Messiah’s resurrection emphasizes supernatural radiance and heavenly glory. The early church fathers often employed this word to illustrate spiritual transformation and divine manifestation. Today, χιών continues to enrich our understanding of God’s transcendent nature and the glorified state awaiting believers.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χιών, chion, khee-OHN
• Pronunciation Guide: kh (as in Bach) + ee (as in feet) + OHN (as in own)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From PIE root *ghei- (to shine, glitter)
• Related to Sanskrit हिम (hima, “snow, winter”)
• Cognate with Latin hiems (winter)

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary white frozen precipitation
• Metaphorical representation of divine purity
• Symbol of supernatural brilliance

For compound words: Not applicable as χιών is a simple noun

Translation Options:

• Snow – most direct equivalent
• Snow-white – captures the emphasis on color and purity
• Brilliant white – emphasizes the luminous quality

E – Exploring Similar Words

• λευκός (leukos, lyoo-KOS) – white, bright – See G3022
• λαμπρός (lampros, lam-PROS) – bright, radiant – See G2986
• στιλβω (stilbo, STIL-bo) – to shine, glisten – See G4744

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third declension

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative: χιών
• Genitive: χιόνος
• Dative: χιόνι
• Accusative: χιόνα

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The rich lexical tradition surrounding χιών reveals its significance in biblical Greek. BDAG emphasizes its connection to divine manifestations, while Thayer’s highlights its use in describing celestial beings. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples, showing its evolution from a natural phenomenon to a metaphor for divine purity. Vine’s expounds on its theological implications, particularly in apocalyptic literature. Strong’s connects it to similar terms expressing brilliance, while Moulton and Milligan document its usage in papyri, showing its broader cultural significance in describing exceptional whiteness and purity.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as [χιών] snow.” Matthew 28:3

Additional References:
Mark 9:3
Revelation 1:14

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word χιών serves as a powerful metaphor in Scripture, particularly in theophanic contexts. Its usage in describing heavenly beings and divine manifestations points to the transcendent glory of God. The connection between physical snow’s pure whiteness and spiritual purity creates a vivid picture of God’s holiness. This word reminds us of the transformative power of the gospel, where our sins, though scarlet, can become as white as snow through the redemptive work of King Jesus.

D – Did You Know?

• χιών appears in some of the earliest Greek literature, dating back to Homer
• It’s one of few weather-related terms used metaphorically in biblical visions
• The word influenced early Christian baptismal imagery of purification

Strong’s G5510: A noun denoting snow, derived from Proto-Indo-European root *ghei- meaning “to shine, glitter.” Used metaphorically in Scripture to represent divine purity, brilliance, and transcendent glory, particularly in descriptions of heavenly beings and divine manifestations.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: snow, white, purity, divine manifestation, theophany, glory, heavenly beings, natural elements, weather, brilliance, radiance​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​