### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ptýon**, represented by `{{G4425}}`, is the term for a **winnowing-fork**, or **fan**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Its definition, "a winnowing-fork (as scattering like spittle)," indicates its function as an agricultural tool used for separating grain from chaff.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In both of its biblical appearances, `{{G4425}}` is part of a powerful metaphor for divine judgment. The verses describe a figure whose **fan** is in his hand, ready to "throughly purge his floor" ([[Matthew 3:12]]; [[Luke 3:17]]). This act of winnowing with the **fan** results in the separation of the valuable **wheat**, which is gathered into a **garner**, from the worthless **chaff**, which is burned with "unquenchable fire" [[Matthew 3:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of the winnowing process:
* `{{G4621}}` **sîtos** (grain, especially wheat): This represents what is valuable and preserved. It is what will be gathered into the **garner** after being separated by the fan [[Matthew 3:12]].
* `{{G892}}` **áchyron** (chaff): This term for **chaff** represents what is worthless and destined for destruction. In both primary verses, the **chaff** is burned with fire after the winnowing process [[Luke 3:17]].
* `{{G1245}}` **diakatharízō** (to cleanse perfectly, i.e. (specially) winnow): This verb describes the action performed with the fan, meaning to **thoroughly purge**. It signifies a complete and decisive separation on the threshing floor [[Matthew 3:12]].
* `{{G257}}` **hálōn** (a threshing-floor): This is the location where the act of separation occurs. The fan is used to purge this **floor**, separating the elements upon it [[Luke 3:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4425}}` lies in its imagery of final judgment.
* **Instrument of Separation:** The **fan** is not merely a farm tool but a symbol of divine authority used to separate the righteous, represented by **wheat** `{{G4621}}`, from the unrighteous, represented by **chaff** `{{G892}}`.
* **Inevitable Judgment:** The imagery of the **fan** "in his hand" conveys a sense of readiness and impending action, highlighting that a day of reckoning is certain ([[Matthew 3:12]]; [[Luke 3:17]]).
* **Permanent Destinies:** The winnowing process results in two irreversible outcomes: the **wheat** is gathered for preservation into the **garner** `{{G596}}`, while the **chaff** is completely consumed by "unquenchable fire," signifying eternal security and final destruction [[Luke 3:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4425}}` **ptýon**, while appearing only twice, provides one of scripture's most vivid illustrations of divine judgment. As a **winnowing-fork**, it represents the instrument by which a divine figure will ultimately separate humanity. The word transforms a common agricultural practice into a profound metaphor for the final, decisive separation that determines eternal destinies.
TRV