Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:Snow-water refers to the water derived from melted snow. In biblical times, snow was a rare and significant phenomenon in the regions of Israel and surrounding areas, primarily due to the generally warm climate. However, snow did fall on higher elevations such as Mount Hermon and occasionally in Jerusalem. The melting of snow provided a vital source of fresh water, symbolizing purity and refreshment.
Biblical References:The concept of snow-water is mentioned in the Bible, often symbolizing purity, cleansing, and the transient nature of life. One of the key references to snow-water is found in the book of Job. Job, in his discourse on the fleeting nature of life and the pursuit of righteousness, uses snow-water as a metaphor for purity and cleansing:
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Job 9:30 : "If I should wash myself with snow and cleanse my hands with lye."
In this verse, Job speaks of washing himself with snow-water, highlighting the idea of seeking purity and cleansing. The imagery of snow-water here emphasizes the desire for moral and spiritual cleanliness, which is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures.
Symbolism and Theological Significance:Snow-water, due to its association with snow, carries a strong symbolic meaning of purity and cleansing. In the biblical context, snow is often used to represent the purity and holiness of God. For instance, in
Isaiah 1:18 , the Lord invites His people to reason together, promising that though their sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. This imagery underscores the transformative power of God's forgiveness and the cleansing from sin.
The use of snow-water in
Job 9:30 further illustrates the human longing for purity and the recognition of one's own limitations in achieving it through personal effort alone. It points to the need for divine intervention and grace to attain true righteousness.
Cultural and Historical Insights:In ancient Israel, snow was not a common occurrence, making it a powerful symbol when it did appear in the biblical text. The melting snow from mountains like Hermon would contribute to the water supply, especially during the dry seasons. This natural process was essential for sustaining life and agriculture, making snow-water a valuable resource.
The rarity and purity of snow-water would have made it a fitting metaphor for the cleansing and renewal that comes from God. It serves as a reminder of the refreshing and life-giving nature of God's provision and the spiritual renewal available through His grace.
Conclusion:While the Bible does not frequently mention snow-water, its symbolic use in passages like
Job 9:30 provides rich theological insights into themes of purity, cleansing, and the human condition. The imagery of snow-water invites believers to reflect on their own need for spiritual cleansing and the transformative power of God's forgiveness.
Library
Washed to Greater Foulness
... "If I wash myself withsnow water, and make my hands never so clean; yet... Job describes
himself as washing insnow water, and making his hands never so clean....
Of Cleanness of Mind
... velut munditiae manus meae, tamen sordibus intinges me, et abominabuntur me vestimenta
mea; that is to say: If I be washed withsnow water,' that means true...
Wesley at Eighty-One Begs 200
... But it was hard work as most of the streets were filled with melting snow, which
often lay ankle deep; so that my feet were steeped insnow water nearly from...
Book ii.
... ix.15, 16. If I were righteous, he would not hear me. 29-31. If I wash
myself withsnow water, etc. x.15. If I be righteous, etc....
"Wash You, Make You Clean, Put Away the Evil of Your Doings from...
... If you take any other water, any other righteousness but his, and wash thyself
therewith, suppose it besnow water that washeth cleanest"thy most exact...
He that Doubteth is Damned if He Eat, Because He Eateth not of...
... If I was a missionary among the Esquimaux Indians, where they live on dried seal's
flesh andsnow-water, I would administrate the supper in those substances....
Sweet Comfort for Feeble Saints
... of you, moral man, and down you will go; and the glorious livery of your morality
will be so stained, that though you wash your hands insnow water, and make...
Book I.
... perverse. If I wash myself withsnow-water, and make my hands never so
clean, Thou hast dyed me again and again with filth. Mine...
Article iii: of Love and the Fulfilling of the Law.
... vers., sorrows). Likewise chap.9, 30: If I wash myself withsnow-water, and make
my hands never so clean, yet shalt Thou plunge me in the ditch....
Another Mode of Justification
... Job 9, 28: I am afraid of all my sorrows [Vulg., opera, works]; v.30: If I wash
myself withsnow-water, and make my hands never so clean, yet Thou shalt plunge...
Thesaurus
Snow-water (1 Occurrence)Snow-
water. Snowing,
Snow-
water. Snow-waters . Multi-Version
Concordance
Snow-
water (1 Occurrence). Job 9:30 If I washed
...Snow (25 Occurrences)
... Carrying the figure farther,snow-water might be expected to have a special value
for cleansing: "If I wash myself withsnow-water" (Job 9:30)....
Clean (298 Occurrences)
... withsnowwater, and make my hands never so clean" (zakhakh, Job 9:30; figurative
also); "clean provender" (hamits, the Revised Version (British and American...
Snowing (1 Occurrence)
Soap (4 Occurrences)
... James A. Patch. Multi-Version Concordance Soap (4 Occurrences). Job 9:30 If I am
washed withsnowwater, and make my hands clean with soap; (BBE YLT NIV)....
Snow-waters (1 Occurrence)
Snow-waters.Snow-water, Snow-waters. Snow-white . Multi-Version Concordance...
(WBS YLT).Snow-water, Snow-waters. Snow-white . Reference Bible.
Purified (44 Occurrences)
... did so continually. (See NIV). Job 9:30 If I have washed myself with
snow-water, And purified with soap my hands, (YLT). Psalms 12:6...
Cleansed (76 Occurrences)
... Job 9:30 If I washed myself withsnow-water, and cleansed my hands in purity, (DBY).
Job 35:3 For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee?...
Washed (113 Occurrences)
... before the builders. (BBE). Job 9:30 If I am washed withsnowwater, and
make my hands clean with soap; (BBE DBY YLT NIV). Job 14:19...
Purity (16 Occurrences)
... heavens for purity; (YLT). Job 9:30 If I washed myself withsnow-water, and
cleansed my hands in purity, (DBY). Psalms 2:12 Kiss the...
Resources
What does it mean that the Word of God will not return void? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the Sea of Galilee in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that our sins are washed away? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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