Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Process: Threshing is an agricultural process mentioned frequently in the Bible, involving the separation of grain from the husks and straw. This was traditionally done by spreading the harvested stalks on a threshing floor and then using tools or animals to break the grain free. The process was essential for preparing grain for consumption and storage. Biblical Context and Symbolism: Threshing holds significant symbolic meaning in the Bible, often representing judgment and purification. The act of separating the valuable grain from the worthless chaff serves as a metaphor for God's judgment, where the righteous are distinguished from the wicked. Old Testament References: Threshing is first mentioned in the context of agricultural practices in the Old Testament. In the Book of Ruth, Ruth is found gleaning in the fields during the barley harvest, and Boaz is seen winnowing barley on the threshing floor (Ruth 3:2). The threshing floor is also a place of divine encounter, as seen in the account of David purchasing the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite to build an altar to the Lord (2 Samuel 24:18-25). The prophet Isaiah uses threshing as a metaphor for God's judgment: "See, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff" (Isaiah 41:15). This imagery emphasizes the power and thoroughness of divine judgment. New Testament References: In the New Testament, John the Baptist uses the imagery of threshing to describe the coming judgment by the Messiah: "His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire" (Matthew 3:12). This passage highlights the separation of the righteous from the unrighteous at the end of the age. Cultural and Historical Significance: Threshing was a communal activity in ancient Israel, often involving family and community members. The threshing floor was a central place in agricultural society, serving not only as a site for processing grain but also as a location for social and religious gatherings. Spiritual Lessons: The process of threshing serves as a powerful reminder of the need for spiritual discernment and the importance of living a life that bears fruit. Just as the grain must be separated from the chaff, believers are called to live lives that reflect their faith and commitment to God, producing the fruits of righteousness. Conclusion: Threshing, both as a literal agricultural practice and a metaphorical concept, plays a significant role in biblical teaching. It underscores themes of judgment, purification, and the ultimate separation of good from evil, encouraging believers to pursue righteousness and remain faithful to God's commands. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To beat out grain from, as straw or husks; to beat the straw or husk of (grain) with a flail; to beat off, as the kernels of grain; as, to thrash wheat, rye, or oats; to thrash over the old straw.2. (v. t.) To beat soundly, as with a stick or whip; to drub. 3. (v. t.) To practice thrashing grain or the like; to perform the business of beating grain from straw; as, a man who thrashes well. 4. (v. t.) Hence, to labor; to toil; also, to move violently. 5. (v. t. & i.) Same as Thrash. Greek 248. aloao -- to thresh ... aloao. 249 . to thresh. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: aloao Phonetic Spelling: (al-o-ah'-o) Short Definition: I thresh Definition: I thresh (wheat). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/248.htm - 6k 5147. tribos -- a beaten track, a path Strong's Hebrew 1758. dush -- to tread, thresh... 1757, 1758. dush or dish. 1759 . to tread, thresh. Transliteration: dush or dish Phonetic Spelling: (doosh) Short Definition: threshing. Word Origin a prim ... /hebrew/1758.htm - 6k 156. adash -- thresh 1854. daqaq -- to crush, pulverize, thresh 2251. chabat -- to beat off, beat out 1869. darak -- to tread, march Library A Sermon for the Time Present How to Read the Bible Reform God's Gentle Power The Desolations of the Lord, the Consolation of his Saints Harvest Joy Concerning those who Come in the Name of Christ the Terrible Signs ... Habakkuk's Rhapsody of the Chaldeans The Providence of God Additional Notes. Thesaurus Thresh (7 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Thresh (7 Occurrences). ... You will thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and will make the hills like chaff. ... /t/thresh.htm - 9k Threshed (7 Occurrences) Threshing (57 Occurrences) Threshingfloor (18 Occurrences) Hoofs (18 Occurrences) Beat (85 Occurrences) Beaten (73 Occurrences) Gains (19 Occurrences) Thrash (1 Occurrence) Three-year-old (1 Occurrence) Resources What is the meaning of gleaning in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is Gideon referred to as Jerubbaal? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the symbolism in Amos, e.g., sledges with iron teeth (Amos 1:3), murdered pregnant women (Amos 1:13), burning bones (Amos 2:1), destroyed roots (Amos 2:9), and hooks (Amos 4:2)? | GotQuestions.org Thresh: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Thresh (7 Occurrences)Isaiah 27:12 Isaiah 28:28 Isaiah 41:15 Jeremiah 51:33 Hosea 10:11 Micah 4:13 Habakkuk 3:12 Subtopics Related Terms |