by The Bible often uses nature and seasons as metaphors to convey spiritual truths. Winter, in particular, can represent seasons of waiting, dormancy, and sometimes hardship, but also preparation for new growth and renewal. As we reflect on these Scriptures about winter, may we be reminded of God’s faithfulness through all seasons of life. He brings warmth and light even in the coldest and darkest of times.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Summer
Bible Verses About Winter
Proverbs 20:4
“The lazy man does not plow when the winter [planting] season arrives; so he begs at the [next] harvest and has nothing [to reap].”
Commentary: This verse highlights the importance of diligence and foresight. Just as a farmer must work even during the hard, cold months of winter to reap a harvest, we too are called to be diligent in our spiritual growth. A season of inactivity or laziness can leave us unprepared when it is time for the harvest. Winter serves as a reminder that though we may not see immediate results, our actions today will impact our future.
Psalm 147:16-17
“He sends snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes. He casts forth His ice like fragments; who can stand before His cold?”
Commentary: This passage paints a vivid picture of God’s sovereignty over nature. Winter weather, though harsh and at times unbearable, is within His control. It reminds us of God’s power and majesty in all circumstances. No matter how difficult the situation, His strength sustains us. The cold and frost symbolize challenges that we cannot overcome on our own, but with God, we can endure and find warmth in His presence.
Job 37:9-10
“Out of its chamber comes the storm, and cold from the north wind. Ice is made by the breath of God, and the expanse of the waters is frozen.”
Commentary: This passage attributes the natural elements to God’s handiwork. Winter, with its storms and freezing cold, is not random but is part of the divine order established by God. In life, we encounter seasons of hardship, where things feel frozen or stagnant, but we are reminded here that God is still at work in those times, shaping and refining us for what lies ahead.
Isaiah 55:10-11
“For as the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth, making it bare and sprout, and providing seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so will My word be which goes out of My mouth; it will not return to Me void [useless], without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”
Commentary: Just as snow and rain are part of the natural cycle that brings life and sustenance, so too is God’s Word powerful and effective. Winter, though it may seem lifeless, plays a crucial role in preparing the earth for new growth. Likewise, even in spiritual winters, God’s Word is working in us, accomplishing His purposes, even if we don’t immediately see the results.
Psalm 74:17
“You have established all the boundaries of the earth; You have made summer and winter.”
Commentary: This verse acknowledges God as the creator and sustainer of the seasons. Winter is a time He designed with purpose, not just a bleak or empty period. In life, God creates seasons of rest and reflection, which are as vital to our spiritual growth as the active seasons of spring and summer. Trusting God through the winter seasons of our life allows us to appreciate the cycles He has set in place for our growth and renewal.
Genesis 8:22
“While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease.”
Commentary: This promise from God after the flood assures us of His faithfulness in maintaining the natural order. Winter, like the other seasons, is part of the rhythm that will continue as long as the earth remains. It speaks to God’s constancy and reliability. Even when life feels cold or barren, this verse reminds us that seasons change, and God’s promises endure through them all.
Zechariah 14:8
“On that day living waters will flow out from Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea (Dead Sea) and the other half toward the western sea (Mediterranean Sea); it will be in summer as well as in winter.”
Commentary: This prophecy envisions a time of abundance and blessing, where life flows continually, no matter the season. Winter, a time typically associated with cold and dormancy, is included in this imagery of flourishing. God’s provision and presence are not limited by seasons, and even in what feels like a “winter” of life, His living water flows freely, sustaining us in all circumstances.
Proverbs 31:21
“She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in [expensive] scarlet [wool].”
Commentary: This verse from the description of the virtuous woman highlights preparedness and care. Winter’s cold is no cause for fear because she has taken the time to prepare her household. Spiritually, this speaks to being well-equipped for the seasons of hardship or trial. When we clothe ourselves with faith, wisdom, and righteousness, we are prepared for the challenges winter may bring, both physically and spiritually.
Mark 13:18
“Pray that it will not occur in winter.”
Commentary: Jesus speaks of the coming tribulation and advises His disciples to pray that it would not happen during winter, a season when travel and survival would be more difficult. Winter here symbolizes additional hardship on top of an already difficult situation. This verse reminds us of the power of prayer, even in difficult times, asking God for relief and mercy in the midst of challenging circumstances.
2 Timothy 4:21
“Do your best to come before winter.”
Commentary: In Paul’s final letter, he urges Timothy to come before winter, indicating the urgency of the matter. Winter may bring delays, making travel difficult. Spiritually, this reminds us not to delay in responding to God’s call. There are seasons in life when we must act quickly and decisively, as waiting too long may result in missed opportunities or greater challenges ahead.
Jeremiah 36:22
“Now the king was sitting in the winter house in the ninth month, with a fire burning in the brazier before him.”
Commentary: This verse describes a physical winter setting, with the king seeking warmth by the fire. In contrast, spiritually, we can seek warmth and refuge in God during the cold, barren seasons of our lives. Winter in this sense invites us to draw nearer to God, finding comfort in His presence, just as the king sought physical warmth by the fire in his winter house.
Psalm 104:19
“He made the moon for the seasons; the sun knows the [exact] place of its setting.”
Commentary: God has established the natural order, including the seasons. Winter, like all seasons, has a purpose in God’s creation. This verse reminds us of the divine timing of all things, both in nature and in our lives. Just as winter has a place in the cycle of the year, so too do the seasons of difficulty or waiting in our spiritual journey. Trusting in God’s timing is key to finding peace in any season.
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool.”
Commentary: In this verse, winter imagery is used to convey the cleansing and purification that comes from God’s forgiveness. Snow, in its purity and whiteness, symbolizes the state of a soul after being washed by God’s grace. Winter reminds us of this opportunity for renewal, just as snow covers the earth in a fresh blanket of white. God’s invitation is to experience this forgiveness, no matter how stained our lives may feel.
Job 38:29-30
“From whose womb has come the ice? And the frost of heaven, who has given it birth? Water becomes hard like stone, and the surface of the deep is imprisoned.”
Commentary: God speaks to Job about His mastery over creation, including the harshness of winter. Ice and frost, though daunting and cold, are under God’s control. This passage reminds us that, even in the most challenging seasons, God is the creator and sustainer. The hard times we experience are not outside His sovereignty, and even in the icy moments of life, His plan for us remains firm and steady.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Seasons Changing
Song of Solomon 2:11-12
“For behold, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing [of birds] has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.”
Commentary: This passage celebrates the end of winter and the arrival of spring. It represents the joy that comes after a period of waiting or hardship. Just as winter gives way to the new life of spring, our times of struggle and difficulty will pass, ushering in seasons of joy, growth, and renewal. The imagery here is one of hope and anticipation of better days ahead, reminding us that no winter lasts forever.
Proverbs 6:6-8
“Go to the ant, O lazy one; observe her ways and be wise, which, having no chief, overseer, or ruler, prepares her food in the summer and brings in her provisions [of food for the winter] in the harvest.”
Commentary: This proverb uses the ant as an example of wisdom and preparation. Even though the ant has no overseer, it diligently prepares for the winter. Spiritually, this teaches us the value of discipline and forethought. We are encouraged to prepare our hearts and minds for challenging times, ensuring that we are spiritually stocked with faith and perseverance to face the winters of life.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
“There is a season [a time appointed] for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven.”
Commentary: This verse reminds us that every season of life, including winter, has its purpose. While winter may symbolize a time of dormancy or difficulty, it is part of God’s design. Trusting in God’s timing and recognizing that each season has its role helps us to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace. There is comfort in knowing that just as winter is necessary, so are the more challenging seasons of our spiritual journey.
Matthew 24:20
“Pray that your flight [from persecution] will not be in winter or on a Sabbath.”
Commentary: Jesus speaks here of the tribulations to come, advising His followers to pray that their escape from danger will not occur in winter, when conditions are more difficult. Winter represents added hardship on top of the existing struggle. The verse encourages us to seek God’s guidance and protection, knowing that we can pray for His mercy to ease our path, even in the hardest seasons.
Psalm 51:7
“Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.”
Commentary: Snow is used here as a symbol of purity. David’s plea for forgiveness in this psalm is a heartfelt request to be made clean, as white as freshly fallen snow. Winter snow, in its pristine state, mirrors the transformative power of God’s forgiveness. No matter how deeply we may have sinned, God’s grace can make us pure again, just as the snow covers the earth in white.
Jeremiah 36:30
“Therefore this is what the Lord says about Jehoiakim king of Judah: ‘He will have no one to sit on the throne of David; and his dead body will be thrown out to the heat of the day and the frost of the night.'”
Commentary: This verse warns of the judgment to come upon Jehoiakim for his disobedience. The frost of the night, a feature of winter, represents the cold consequences of defying God. Winter is often associated with barrenness and harshness, reflecting the spiritual state of those who rebel against God’s commands. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of living outside of God’s will.
Amos 3:15
“I will tear down the winter house along with the summer house; the houses of ivory will also perish, and the great houses will come to an end,” declares the Lord.”
Commentary: God’s judgment is foretold upon the wealthy who trust in their riches rather than in Him. The mention of the winter house alongside the summer house shows the extent of their luxury. Winter here represents the complacency that can come from comfort and security. God warns that no amount of earthly wealth can protect us from His judgment. True security lies in faithfulness to God, not in material possessions.
Genesis 31:40
“Thus I was: by day the heat consumed me and by night the cold, and I could not sleep.”
Commentary: Jacob reflects on the hardships he endured, including the cold nights, as he served Laban. The mention of cold in the night parallels the trials we often face in the winter seasons of life. These are times of discomfort, loss, and loneliness, but Jacob’s perseverance shows that enduring such seasons can lead to blessing. We are reminded to hold fast to God during our winter seasons, knowing that His promises will ultimately prevail.
Exodus 16:23
“He said to them, ‘This is what the Lord has said: Tomorrow is a solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord; bake what you will bake, and boil what you will boil, and all that remains left over put aside to keep until morning.'”
Commentary: Winter is a time of rest, much like the Sabbath. God commands His people to prepare in advance and trust Him for provision during times of rest or inactivity. In our spiritual lives, there are seasons where God asks us to rest, trust, and rely on Him. The winter season can be a time for reflection and dependence on God’s faithfulness, as we allow Him to work in our hearts.
John 10:22-23
“At that time the Feast of Dedication took place in Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon.”
Commentary: This verse simply notes that it was winter when Jesus was walking in the temple. While the physical season of winter may seem incidental, it reminds us that Jesus is present with us even in the cold and challenging times of life. His presence in the temple, despite the season, is a comforting reminder that we can always find Him, no matter the time or season we are experiencing.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Snow
What Does the Bible Say About Winter
Winter, oh winter! The time of the year when the air gets cold, the days get shorter, and we all start bundling up in our thickest coats and scarves. But what does the Bible say about this chilly season? Well, winter is mentioned a few times in the Bible, and while it doesn’t go into great detail about snowball fights or sipping hot chocolate by the fire, it does remind us that winter is part of God’s design.
Just like every other season, winter has a purpose. It shows us that life moves in cycles. There’s a time for everything: a time to plant, a time to harvest, and yes, a time to rest. Winter is that time when the earth rests. The trees may look bare, and the ground may seem frozen, but under the surface, God is still at work, preparing everything for the renewal that comes in the spring.
Winter also teaches us patience. Sometimes, the cold feels like it’s dragging on forever, and we wonder if the warmth will ever return. But just like we wait for spring, we are reminded to trust God’s timing in all things. He’s in control of the seasons, just as He is in control of our lives. The cold may be tough, but it doesn’t last forever, and God’s plans are always good.
And when the snow covers the ground, it can make everything look so pure and clean. It reminds us that just like snow covers the earth, God’s grace covers us, washing us clean and making us new. Even in the coldest times of our lives, God is with us, covering us with His love and mercy.
So, while winter may seem like a time of stillness and cold, it’s actually a season filled with God’s handiwork, a season that invites us to slow down, rest, and trust in the One who controls it all. Just as winter leads to spring, so too do the tough times in our lives lead to new beginnings with God by our side.