Definition and Context:
Snow-waters refer to the melting waters derived from snow, often symbolizing purity, cleansing, and the transient nature of life. In the biblical context, snow-waters are mentioned in relation to their purity and their role in the natural cycle of water, which is a testament to God's creation and providence.

Biblical References:
The concept of snow-waters is primarily found in the Old Testament, where it is used metaphorically to convey various spiritual truths. One of the key references is found in the Book of Job, which is rich in natural imagery and metaphors.

· Job 6:16 : "They are darkened because of the ice, and the snow hides itself in them." This verse speaks of streams that are swollen with melting snow, illustrating the temporary and unreliable nature of human promises and comforts, much like the ephemeral nature of snow-waters.

· Job 24:19 : "As drought and heat consume the melting snow, so Sheol steals those who have sinned." Here, the melting snow is used to depict the inevitability of death and judgment, just as snow inevitably melts under the heat of the sun.

Symbolism and Themes:
1. Purity and Cleansing: Snow-waters are often associated with purity due to their origin from snow, which is white and unblemished. This symbolism is consistent with biblical themes of cleansing and purification, as seen in other references to snow, such as in Isaiah 1:18, where sins are made "as white as snow."

2. Transience and Impermanence: The melting of snow into water serves as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life and human endeavors. Just as snow-waters quickly disappear, so too do earthly pursuits and life itself, emphasizing the need for reliance on God, who is eternal and unchanging.

3. God's Sovereignty and Provision: The cycle of snow and its melting into water is a testament to God's control over nature. It reflects His provision for the earth, as snow-waters contribute to the replenishment of streams and rivers, sustaining life.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, snow-waters remind believers of the importance of spiritual purity and the transient nature of worldly things. They serve as a call to focus on eternal truths and the righteousness that comes from God. The imagery of snow-waters also underscores the reliability of God's promises, in contrast to the unreliability of human assurances.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In the ancient Near East, snow was a rare and precious commodity, primarily found on mountaintops. The melting of snow into water was a vital source of fresh water, especially in arid regions. This natural phenomenon would have been well understood by the original audience of the biblical texts, making the metaphor of snow-waters a powerful and relatable image.

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not frequently mention snow-waters, the references that do exist provide rich imagery and profound spiritual lessons. They encourage believers to seek purity, recognize the fleeting nature of life, and trust in God's eternal provision and sovereignty.

Whether in Hell the Damned are Tormented by the Sole Punishment of ...
... Further, it is written (Job 24:19): "Let him pass from the snow waters to excessive
heat.". I answer that, According to Basil (Homilia vi in Hexaemeron and Hom. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether in hell the damned.htm

Snow-waters (1 Occurrence)
Snow-waters. Snow-water, Snow-waters. Snow-white . Multi-Version
Concordance Snow-waters (1 Occurrence). Job 24:19 Drouth ...
/s/snow-waters.htm - 6k

Nether-world (41 Occurrences)
... in the dust. (See JPS). Job 24:19 Drought and heat consume the snow
waters:'so doth'sheol those that have sinned. (See JPS). Job 26 ...
/n/nether-world.htm - 16k

Underworld (87 Occurrences)
... to the underworld. (BBE). Job 24:19 Snowwaters become dry with the heat:
so do sinners go down into the underworld. (BBE). Job 26 ...
/u/underworld.htm - 31k

Drought (20 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Job 24:19 Drought and heat consume the snowwaters, so does Sheol
those who have sinned. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/d/drought.htm - 13k

Drouth (9 Occurrences)
... rock of flint; (WBS). Job 24:19 Drouth and heat consume the snow-waters:
so doth the grave those who have sinned. (WBS). Psalms 32:4 ...
/d/drouth.htm - 9k

Melted (33 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS). Job 24:19 Drought and heat consume the
snowwaters, so does Sheol those who have sinned. (See NIV). ...
/m/melted.htm - 16k

Snow-white (1 Occurrence)
Snow-white. Snow-waters, Snow-white. Snowy . Noah Webster's Dictionary ...
(DBY). Snow-waters, Snow-white. Snowy . Reference Bible.
/s/snow-white.htm - 6k

Snatches (5 Occurrences)
... Who will ask him,'What are you doing?' (WEB YLT RSV NIV). Job 24:19 Drought and
heat consume the snowwaters, so does Sheol those who have sinned. (See NIV). ...
/s/snatches.htm - 7k

Snow-water (1 Occurrence)
Snow-water. Snowing, Snow-water. Snow-waters . Multi-Version Concordance
Snow-water (1 Occurrence). ... Snowing, Snow-water. Snow-waters . Reference Bible.
/s/snow-water.htm - 6k

Snatch (14 Occurrences)
... NAS RSV NIV). Job 24:19 Drought and heat consume the snowwaters, so does
Sheol those who have sinned. (See RSV NIV). Psalms 40:14 ...
/s/snatch.htm - 10k

Why did David ask God to “create in me a clean heart” in Psalm 51:10? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of the Sea of Galilee in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does God look like? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus