The concept of Snow in Christianity

According to Christianity, Snow symbolizes the cold, harsh conditions found in regions like Lebanon, contrasting with the milder winters elsewhere. In this context, it represents a place where the Shepherd guides believers through hardships, teaching resilience. Gnosticism, on the other hand, views Snow as a punishment zone for blasphemers, signifying divine retribution. Thus, Snow carries distinct meanings in both belief systems, reflecting both trials and consequences associated with spiritual journeys.1
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Synonyms: Powder, Flakes, Frost, Ice, Blizzard, Snowfall, Ice crystals

In German: Schnee; In Finnish: Lumi; In Dutch: Sneeuw; In Spanish: Nieve; In Swedish: Snö; In Malay: Salji; In French: Neige; In Portugese: Neve; In Italian: Nevicare; In Polish: Śnieg

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Snow'

Christianity Books

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) The text suggests that when the Shepherd, Who Himself has known sorrows, leads us up into those barren regions of perpetual cold and snow, He teaches us to brush it away.[1]

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) This refers to the precipitation that falls on the heights of Lebanon in Syria, while the winter is mild in other areas.[2]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) The frozen precipitation that can be seen on the peaks of Hermon from the tomb of neby Ismail.[3]

From: Hymns for Christian Devotion

(1) This refers to frozen precipitation that descends from the sky, a solid form of water that appears in the form of flakes.[4]

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) The text mentions a form of precipitation, inquiring about its nature as an atmospheric phenomenon, and highlighting its characteristics.[5] (2) This refers to the accumulation of frozen precipitation that covers the mountains, highlighting the cold climate.[6]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Gnostic concept of 'Snow'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: Pistis Sophia

(1) This refers to a region or place characterized by snowy conditions, where the soul of the murderer is taken to endure a period of retribution, as described within the provided text.[7] (2) The snow is a region where the blasphemer is taken and punished, and vengeance is taken on him.[8]