### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G3039}}` (likmáō) fundamentally derives its meaning from the agricultural practice of winnowing. The base definition indicates a connection to a winnowing fan or basket, though the specific noun is not provided in this entry. Literally, therefore, `{{G3039}}` means "to winnow," which involves separating the valuable grain from the worthless chaff, often by tossing it into the air so the wind carries away the lighter impurities. By analogy, this process of separation and forceful removal extends to a more severe and destructive meaning: "to triturate," or "to grind to powder." This secondary, analogical sense implies an act of utterly crushing, pulverizing, or disintegrating something into fine particles, signifying complete destruction or annihilation. The movement from a process of refinement (winnowing) to one of absolute destruction (grinding to powder) highlights the severe and irreversible nature of the action implied by the word in its New Testament context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{G3039}}` appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in parallel passages within the Synoptic Gospels, specifically in the context of Jesus's parable of the wicked tenants:
* [[Matthew 21:44]]: "And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder."
* [[Luke 20:18]]: "Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will grind him to powder."
In both instances, `{{G3039}}` is used to describe the ultimate and devastating consequence of the "stone" (referring to Christ, the rejected cornerstone from [[Psalm 118:22]]) falling upon someone. This imagery is deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecy, particularly [[Daniel 2:34-35]], where a stone cut without human hands strikes a great idol, breaking it into pieces that are then "ground to powder" and scattered by the wind. The language in Daniel depicts the complete destruction of earthly kingdoms by the divine, eternal kingdom.
Jesus's use of `{{G3039}}` in the parable of the wicked tenants draws directly from this prophetic tradition. The "falling on the stone" and being "broken" refers to those who stumble over Christ, rejecting Him and suffering the consequences of their disbelief. However, the more severe imagery of the stone "falling on" someone and "grinding him to powder" signifies a direct, active, and utterly destructive divine judgment. It speaks to the complete and irreversible obliteration of those who actively oppose or reject the authority and person of Christ, the Messiah. This is not merely damage or defeat, but total disintegration, leaving nothing behind.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept conveyed by `{{G3039}}` is closely related to several Old and New Testament themes and vocabulary:
* **Crushing/Breaking:** In the Hebrew Bible, words like `{{H1792}}` (daka', to crush, bruise) or `{{H7533}}` (ratas, to shatter) often convey similar notions of severe impact and disintegration, particularly in contexts of divine judgment or overwhelming power. In Greek, `{{G4937}}` (syntribō, to break in pieces, shatter) is used in the first part of the Matthew/Luke passage ("will be broken"). While similar, `{{G3039}}` emphasizes the pulverizing, complete obliteration.
* **Winnowing:** The literal meaning of `{{G3039}}` connects it to other biblical words for winnowing (e.g., `{{H2219}}` zara' in the Old Testament, or the concept in [[Matthew 3:12]] and [[Luke 3:17]] where John the Baptist speaks of Christ's winnowing fork). This imagery consistently represents divine judgment, separating the righteous (grain) from the wicked (chaff) for destruction.
* **The Stone:** Central to the meaning of `{{G3039}}` in the New Testament is the "stone" imagery. This refers to Christ as the rejected cornerstone ([[Psalm 118:22]]), the stumbling stone ([[Isaiah 8:14]], [[Romans 9:33]], [[1 Peter 2:8]]), and the stone of judgment and ultimate kingdom establishment ([[Daniel 2:34-35]], [[Daniel 2:44-45]]). The power and authority of this stone are absolute, leading either to salvation for those who build upon it, or to utter destruction for those it falls upon.
* **Judgment and Destruction:** The word signifies the finality and severity of divine judgment. It aligns with concepts of ultimate ruin and the complete undoing of those who stand in opposition to God's will and His Christ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3039}}` is profound, underscoring the absolute authority and inescapable judgment inherent in the person and mission of Jesus Christ.
1. **Christ as Judge:** The use of `{{G3039}}` highlights Christ not only as the rejected Messiah but also as the ultimate arbiter of divine judgment. He is the "stone" upon whom humanity's destiny pivots. Those who reject Him face an active, crushing judgment that leads to complete disintegration.
2. **Severity of Judgment:** "Grinding to powder" signifies the most extreme form of destruction. It is not merely a defeat or a breaking, but an utter pulverization, leaving no substance or identity. This imagery conveys the terrifying finality and comprehensive nature of God's wrath against unrepentant rebellion. It speaks to a judgment that eradicates existence as it was known.
3. **Irresistible Kingdom:** Echoing the prophecy of Daniel, `{{G3039}}` speaks to the irresistible power of God's kingdom, established through Christ. Just as the stone in Daniel's vision crushed all earthly kingdoms, so too will Christ's authority utterly dismantle all opposition. There is no standing against the force of the "stone" when it falls.
4. **Consequences of Rejection:** The stark contrast between "being broken" (stumbling over Christ) and "being ground to powder" (Christ actively judging) serves as a dire warning. While falling on the stone suggests a consequence of one's own actions of rejection, being ground to powder by the stone speaks to a direct, overwhelming act of divine retribution.
### Summary
`{{G3039}}` (likmáō) is a powerful Greek verb whose core meaning shifts from agricultural winnowing to the analogical sense of "grinding to powder." Its singular and impactful use in [[Matthew 21:44]] and [[Luke 20:18]] reveals its profound theological weight. In these passages, it vividly portrays the ultimate and devastating judgment enacted by Christ, the "stone," upon those who oppose or reject Him. Drawing on Old Testament prophetic imagery, particularly from Daniel, `{{G3039}}` signifies not just a breaking or defeat, but a complete and irreversible pulverization, illustrating the absolute authority of Christ and the inescapable, comprehensive nature of divine judgment against all who stand in opposition to His kingdom. It serves as a solemn reminder of the finality and severity of God's righteous wrath.
TRV