winnow Summary and Overview
Bible Dictionaries at a Glance
winnow in Easton's Bible Dictionary
Corn was winnowed, (1.) By being thrown up by a shovel against the wind. As a rule this was done in the evening or during the night, when the west wind from the sea was blowing, which was a moderate breeze and fitted for the purpose. The north wind was too strong, and the east wind came in gusts. (2.) By the use of a fan or van, by which the chaff was blown away (Ruth 3:2; Isa. 30:24; Jer. 4:11, 12; Matt. 3:12).
winnow in Schaff's Bible Dictionary
WIN'NOW . The process of winnowing among the Hebrews was much like that sometimes in use at the present day. The grain was taken upon a shovel and thrown up in the wind, and the lighter chaff and straw separated, sometimes by the help of a fan. Isa 30:24; Isa 41:15-16; Matt 3:12. It was common to winnow grain at evening, when, in Palestine, the sea-breeze usually blows. Ruth 3:2. See Fax, Thresh. WIN'TER lasts, in Palestine, from the beginning of December to the beginning of February, and is characterized by severe winds, frost, and snow-falls in the mountains, and by vehement winds, rain, and hail-storms in the lowland. Song 2:11. See Seasons.