χιών denotes snow—frozen water falling from the sky or lying on the ground. In Scripture, snow's striking whiteness makes it a natural image for purity and radiance. Matthew 28:3 describes the angel at Jesus' tomb: 'His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow (λευκὸν ὡς χιών)'—dazzling brilliance suggesting heavenly glory. Revelation 1:14 uses similar language for the risen Christ: 'The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow (ὡς χιών)'—emphasizing not age but the radiant purity and transcendent glory of the exalted Lord.