Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage:The term "thrash" in the biblical context is often associated with the process of threshing, which is the act of separating grain from the husks and straw. This agricultural practice is frequently used metaphorically in the Bible to describe judgment, purification, and the separation of good from evil. Biblical References: 1. Isaiah 41:15 : "Behold, 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." In this passage, God speaks to Israel, promising to empower them to overcome their enemies. The imagery of a "threshing sledge" signifies strength and the ability to dismantle opposition, symbolizing divine judgment and victory over adversaries. 2. Micah 4:12-13 : "But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD or understand His plan, for He has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor. Arise and thresh, O Daughter of Zion, for I will give you horns of iron and hooves of bronze, and you will break to pieces many peoples." Here, the act of threshing is used to depict the gathering and judgment of nations. The Daughter of Zion is called to rise and execute God's judgment, emphasizing the theme of divine justice. 3. Matthew 3:12 : "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." John the Baptist uses the imagery of threshing to describe the coming judgment by Jesus. The wheat represents the righteous who will be gathered, while the chaff symbolizes the wicked who will face destruction. Theological Significance: The concept of thrashing in the Bible is deeply intertwined with themes of judgment and purification. It serves as a powerful metaphor for God's sovereign ability to discern and separate righteousness from wickedness. The process of threshing, which involves both separation and refinement, reflects the divine intention to purify His people and establish justice. Cultural and Historical Context: Threshing was a common agricultural practice in ancient Israel, essential for the production of grain. It involved spreading the harvested stalks on a threshing floor and using tools like a threshing sledge or animals to separate the edible grain from the inedible chaff. This process was labor-intensive and required skill, making it a fitting metaphor for divine action that requires precision and discernment. Symbolism in Prophetic Literature: Prophets often employed the imagery of threshing to convey messages of hope and warning. The act of thrashing symbolized both the impending judgment on the nations and the promise of restoration for God's people. It served as a reminder of God's ultimate authority and the certainty of His plans. Practical Application: For believers, the metaphor of thrashing serves as a call to self-examination and repentance. It encourages individuals to seek purity and righteousness, aligning themselves with God's will. The imagery also reassures believers of God's justice and the eventual triumph of good over evil, providing hope and motivation to persevere in faith. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) Alt. of Thresh.Greek 1194. dero -- to skin, to thrash ... to skin, to thrash. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: dero Phonetic Spelling: (der'-o) Short Definition: I flay, flog, scourge, beat Definition: I flay, flog ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1194.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 1758. dush -- to tread, thresh... root Definition to tread, thresh NASB Word Usage continue to thresh (1), thrash (1), thresh (3), threshed (2), threshing (4), trample (1), trampled (1 ... /hebrew/1758.htm - 6k Library The Holy Spirit and the one Church That Christ is the Hand and Arm of God. Gideon's Brave Band How the Midianites and Other Nations Fought against the Israelites ... Aubrey Leigh was a Man who had Chosen his Own Way of Life... Conversion David and Nathan Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ... Fear Not Walamir and Eutyches Thesaurus Thrash (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) Alt. of Thresh. 2. (vt) Alt. of Thresh. Multi-Version Concordance Thrash (1 Occurrence). Judges ... /t/thrash.htm - 6k Thresh (7 Occurrences) Whip (7 Occurrences) Falter (2 Occurrences) Thrashed (1 Occurrence) Thrasaeus Beat (85 Occurrences) Thrashing (2 Occurrences) Resources Thrash: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Thrash (1 Occurrence)Judges 8:7 Subtopics Related Terms |