Bible dictionary for children
Winnowing
Winnowing separates heavier grain from lighter chaff by using moving air.
In simple words
What does it mean?
Winnowing separates heavier grain from lighter chaff by using moving air. It follows other work that frees grain from the harvested stalks.
Ruth 3 mentions Boaz winnowing barley at the threshing floor. The harvest setting explains the work taking place at night.
Talk about it
Why can wind move the chaff while leaving heavier grain behind?
An example from the Bible
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Ruth and Boaz at the Threshing Floor
Ruth 3:1–18
Ruth carefully asks Boaz to act as her family's redeemer, and Boaz answers with kindness and honesty.
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Bible context & readings +
Read the surrounding passage to see who is speaking and how this word or idea is being used. The linked reading opens the full chapter.
Related reading: Ruth 3:2
Now isn’t Boaz our kinsman, with whose maidens you were? Behold, he will be winnowing barley tonight on the threshing floor.Full readings at eBible.org · World English Bible Classic. Read with an adult.
