Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Process Winnowing is an agricultural process used to separate grain from chaff. It involves throwing the harvested grain into the air so that the wind can blow away the lighter chaff, leaving the heavier grain to fall back to the ground. This method has been used since ancient times and is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a metaphor for judgment and purification. Biblical References The practice of winnowing is referenced multiple times in the Scriptures, often symbolizing the separation of the righteous from the wicked. In the Old Testament, winnowing is depicted as a common agricultural activity. For example, in the book of Ruth, Boaz is found winnowing barley at the threshing floor (Ruth 3:2). This setting provides the backdrop for Ruth's approach to Boaz, which ultimately leads to their marriage and her inclusion in the lineage of David and Jesus. In the prophetic literature, winnowing is used metaphorically to describe God's judgment. Isaiah 41:16 states, "You will winnow them, and a wind will carry them away; a gale will scatter them. But you will rejoice in the LORD; you will glory in the Holy One of Israel." Here, the act of winnowing symbolizes the dispersal and destruction of Israel's enemies, highlighting God's power and the deliverance of His people. Jeremiah also uses the imagery of winnowing to convey divine judgment. In Jeremiah 15:7 , God declares, "I will winnow them with a winnowing fork at the gates of the land. I will bereave them of children; I will destroy My people, for they did not turn from their ways." This passage underscores the seriousness of Israel's sin and the inevitable consequences of their disobedience. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, John the Baptist uses the imagery of winnowing to describe the coming ministry of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 3:12 , John proclaims, "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." This statement emphasizes the role of Jesus as the righteous judge who will separate the faithful from the unfaithful, gathering the former into His kingdom and consigning the latter to judgment. Theological Significance Winnowing, as depicted in the Bible, carries significant theological implications. It serves as a powerful metaphor for divine judgment, illustrating the separation of good from evil, purity from impurity, and the faithful from the unfaithful. This imagery reinforces the biblical theme of God's holiness and justice, as well as His desire for a purified people who are set apart for His purposes. The process of winnowing also highlights the necessity of discernment and the importance of living a life that aligns with God's will. Believers are called to examine their lives, ensuring that they bear the fruit of righteousness and are not found wanting when subjected to the divine winnowing process. Strong's Hebrew 2219. zarah -- to scatter, fan, winnow... 1), disperses (1), north (1), scatter (13), scattered (7), scrutinize (1), spread (4), winnow (3), winnow them with a winnowing (1), winnowed (1), winnows (2). ... /hebrew/2219.htm - 6k Library Hymns for the Feast of the Epiphany. Hymn i. To Thee be Praise ... The Best Things Work for Good to the Godly Hidden Manna Christ's Priestly Office Job's Regret and Our Own Thesaurus Winnows (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Winnows (3 Occurrences). Ruth ... were? Behold, he winnows barley tonight in the threshing floor. (WEB NAS). ... /w/winnows.htm - 7k Threshing (57 Occurrences) Girls (27 Occurrences) Winnowing-shovel (2 Occurrences) Wins (3 Occurrences) Winnowing (7 Occurrences) Tonight (23 Occurrences) Drives (17 Occurrences) Maidens (40 Occurrences) Bo'az (24 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Winnows (3 Occurrences)Ruth 3:2 Proverbs 20:8 Proverbs 20:26 Subtopics Related Terms |
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