חִוָּר

חִוָּר

white

Definition

The noun חִוָּר (chivvâr) means 'white' or 'whiteness.' It is an Aramaic term used in the Old Testament to describe a brilliant, radiant white, often associated with purity, glory, or divine appearance. Its single biblical occurrence is in Daniel 7:9, where it describes the hair of the 'Ancient of Days' as being 'like pure wool' and white as snow. This specific use conveys not merely a color but an intense, supernatural whiteness symbolizing eternal purity and divine majesty.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in the Aramaic portion of the book of Daniel. It appears in Daniel 7:9 within a prophetic vision, describing the hair of the divine figure, the Ancient of Days. The context is one of heavenly throne-room judgment, where the whiteness contributes to the imagery of awe, holiness, and eternal authority.

Etymology

חִוָּר is an Aramaic noun derived from a root corresponding to the Hebrew root חָוַר (chavar, H2357), which carries the basic sense of 'to be white' or 'to grow pale.' The Aramaic form is a direct cognate, showing the shared linguistic heritage between Hebrew and Aramaic in describing color and physical states.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, this word is theologically significant. In Daniel 7:9, the 'whiteness' (chivvâr) of the Ancient of Days' hair is a key attribute in a vision central to biblical prophecy and the doctrine of God. It symbolizes God's absolute purity, wisdom, and eternal nature. This radiant whiteness contrasts with the flawed, temporal kingdoms described in the same chapter, highlighting God's transcendent holiness and sovereign authority as judge. Understanding this term enriches the reading of this pivotal apocalyptic scene. In the ancient Near East, white was often associated with purity, light, and the divine. For Daniel's original audience, the description of a figure with hair 'white like wool' (Daniel 7:9) would evoke concepts of venerable age, wisdom, and celestial glory. The specific choice of an Aramaic term here also reflects the historical context of the Jewish exile in Babylon, where Aramaic was the common language. לָבָן (lavan, H3836) — The common Hebrew word for 'white,' used for ordinary objects (e.g., Genesis 30:35) and leprous spots (Leviticus 13). חָוַר (chavar, H2357) — The Hebrew verbal root meaning 'to be white' or 'to grow pale,' from which the Aramaic חִוָּר is derived.

Word Details