The term "winnoweth" is an archaic form of the verb "winnow," which appears in various passages of the Bible, particularly in the context of agricultural practices. Winnowing is the process of separating the chaff from the grain, an essential step in the preparation of harvested crops. This practice is frequently used metaphorically in Scripture to illustrate spiritual truths, divine judgment, and the separation of the righteous from the wicked.

Biblical Context and Usage

In ancient agrarian societies, winnowing was a common activity performed after the harvest. The harvested grain would be threshed to loosen the edible part of the grain from the husks. The mixture would then be tossed into the air, allowing the wind to blow away the lighter chaff while the heavier grain fell back to the ground. This imagery is vividly depicted in several biblical passages.

One notable reference is found in the book of Isaiah: "For behold, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, as grain is sifted in a sieve, yet not the smallest grain shall fall to the ground" (Isaiah 30:24). Here, the act of winnowing symbolizes God's judgment and purification of His people, ensuring that only the faithful remain.

In the New Testament, John the Baptist uses the imagery of winnowing to describe the coming ministry of Jesus Christ: "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 emphasizes the role of Christ as the divine judge who will separate the righteous from the unrighteous at the end of the age.

Theological Significance

The process of winnowing serves as a powerful metaphor for divine judgment and the discernment between good and evil. It underscores the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and His ability to purify and preserve His people. The imagery of winnowing also highlights the importance of spiritual readiness and the need for individuals to align themselves with God's will to avoid being cast away like chaff.

In the Psalms, the righteous are contrasted with the wicked, who are described as chaff driven away by the wind: "Not so the wicked! For they are like chaff driven off by the wind" (Psalm 1:4). This reinforces the idea that those who reject God's ways will ultimately face separation and destruction.

Practical Application

For believers, the concept of winnowing serves as a reminder to live a life of faithfulness and obedience to God. It calls for self-examination and a commitment to spiritual growth, ensuring that one's life bears the fruit of righteousness. The imagery of winnowing encourages Christians to trust in God's refining process, knowing that He is at work to purify and perfect His people for His glory.

In summary, "winnoweth" and its related imagery in the Bible convey profound spiritual truths about judgment, purification, and the ultimate separation of the righteous from the wicked. Through this metaphor, Scripture calls believers to a life of holiness and devotion, trusting in God's sovereign plan for His creation.

Psalm CXLVII.
... or rather may, with a kind of shadowy appearance of faith, have attached themselves
to His people: yet He knoweth what He counteth, what He winnoweth away. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxlvii.htm

Winnoweth (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Winnoweth (2 Occurrences). ... Behold, he winnoweth
barley to night in the threshingfloor. (KJV JPS ASV WBS). ...
/w/winnoweth.htm - 6k

Winnowing (7 Occurrences)

/w/winnowing.htm - 9k

Winnowest (1 Occurrence)

/w/winnowest.htm - 6k

Threshingfloor (18 Occurrences)
... (KJV). Ruth 3:2 And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast?
Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor. (KJV). ...
/t/threshingfloor.htm - 15k

To-night (15 Occurrences)
... Ruth 3:2 And now is not Boaz our kinsman, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold,
he winnoweth barley to-night in the threshing-floor. (See JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/t/to-night.htm - 11k

Maids (28 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Ruth 3:2 And now is there not Boaz our kinsman, with whose maidens thou
wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to-night in the threshing-floor. (See NAS). ...
/m/maids.htm - 14k

Sifteth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sifteth (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 20:26 A wise king winnoweth
the wicked, And bringeth the threshing -wheel over them. (See JPS). ...
/s/sifteth.htm - 6k

Threshing-floor (36 Occurrences)
... Ruth 3:2 And now is not Boaz our kinsman, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold,
he winnoweth barley to-night in the threshing-floor. (See JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/t/threshing-floor.htm - 21k

Wast (84 Occurrences)
... (See JPS DBY). Ruth 3:2 And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou
wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor. ...
/w/wast.htm - 33k

Kindred (41 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Ruth 3:2 And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou
wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor. (KJV DBY WBS). ...
/k/kindred.htm - 21k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus