from זָרָה; a winnowing shovel (as scattering the chaff); fan.
Transliteration:mizreh
Pronunciation:miz-reh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4214}}` (מִזְרֶה, *mizreh*) refers to an agricultural implement, specifically a "winnowing shovel" or "fan." Its etymology traces back to the verb `{{H2219}}` (זָרָה, *zarah*), meaning "to scatter," "to winnow," or "to disperse." In ancient agricultural practice, after grain was threshed to separate the kernels from the stalks, the *mizreh* was used to toss the mixture of grain and chaff into the air. The wind would then blow away the lighter chaff, allowing the heavier grain to fall back onto the threshing floor. Thus, the core meaning of *mizreh* is an instrument for separation, purification, and dispersal, primarily in the context of grain processing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H4214}}` appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, but its limited occurrences carry significant weight, both literally and metaphorically.
1. **[[Isaiah 30:24]]**: "And the oxen and the donkeys that work the ground will eat seasoned fodder, which has been winnowed with the shovel and with the fork."
* Here, *mizreh* is used in its most literal sense, describing a tool for preparing high-quality fodder. The context is one of divine blessing and abundant provision for God's people in a future messianic era. The imagery evokes a time of prosperity where even the working animals receive superior, carefully prepared sustenance, indicating meticulous care and blessing.
2. **[[Jeremiah 15:7]]**: "I will winnow them with a winnowing shovel in the gates of the land; I will bereave them of children and destroy my people, since they did not return from their ways."
* In this powerful prophetic declaration, *mizreh* is employed metaphorically as an instrument of divine judgment. Yahweh declares He will "winnow" His people, Judah, signifying a violent scattering and destruction. Just as a winnowing shovel separates and casts away the worthless chaff, God will separate and disperse His disobedient people from their land. The "gates of the land" emphasize the public, inescapable nature of this judgment, where they will be exposed and scattered. This verse highlights the destructive and purging aspect of the winnowing process when applied to human destiny.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of winnowing and the tools associated with it are deeply embedded in biblical agricultural imagery, often serving as powerful metaphors.
* **`{{H2219}}` (זָרָה, *zarah*)**: The root verb, meaning "to scatter," "to winnow," or "to disperse." This verb is frequently used in contexts of divine judgment, where God "scatters" nations or His own people due to their rebellion (e.g., [[Leviticus 26:33]], [[Deuteronomy 28:64]], [[Ezekiel 5:2]]).
* **Chaff (`{{H4671}}` - *mots* or `{{H2842}}` - *chashash*)**: The worthless byproduct of winnowing, frequently used to symbolize the wicked, the ungodly, or those who will be judged and blown away (e.g., [[Psalm 1:4]], [[Job 21:18]], [[Isaiah 17:13]]).
* **Threshing Floor (`{{H1637}}` - *goren*)**: The place where winnowing occurred, often a prominent, open area, further emphasizing the public nature of the separation.
* **New Testament Parallel (`{{G4425}}` - πτύον, *ptuon*)**: John the Baptist famously describes the Messiah's role using this imagery: "His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire" ([[Matthew 3:12]], [[Luke 3:17]]). This directly links the Old Testament agricultural metaphor of judgment to Jesus' eschatological role.
### Theological Significance
The `{{H4214}}` (*mizreh*), or winnowing shovel, serves as a potent theological symbol, primarily of divine judgment, separation, and purification.
1. **Divine Judgment and Separation**: The most prominent theological application of the *mizreh* is as an instrument of God's righteous judgment. As seen in [[Jeremiah 15:7]], God uses the image of winnowing to describe His decisive action in separating the rebellious from the faithful, or the wicked from the righteous. This is not merely dispersal but a purging, where the worthless elements (chaff) are removed and destroyed, while the valuable (grain) is preserved. It underscores God's active involvement in the affairs of humanity, meting out justice.
2. **Purification and Refinement**: While judgment can be severe, the underlying purpose of winnowing is purification. The process removes impurities, leaving behind what is pure and valuable. Theologically, this speaks to God's desire for a holy people and His willingness to employ even harsh measures to refine and sanctify them. The winnowing process, though painful, ultimately leads to a purified remnant.
3. **Sovereignty and Control**: The image of God wielding the *mizreh* highlights His absolute sovereignty over nations and individuals. He is the one who orchestrates the scattering and gathering, the judgment and preservation. Nothing is haphazard; all is under His control, serving His divine purposes.
4. **Messianic Eschatology**: The imagery of the winnowing fork finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, where John the Baptist proclaims Jesus as the one who will perform the final, decisive winnowing. This elevates the agricultural tool to a symbol of the Messiah's role as judge and redeemer, separating humanity into two eternal destinies: those gathered into the barn (salvation) and those burned as chaff (condemnation).
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H4214}}` (מִזְרֶה, *mizreh*), a "winnowing shovel" or "fan," is an agricultural implement used for separating grain from chaff. Though appearing only twice in the Hebrew Bible, its usage is profoundly significant. In [[Isaiah 30:24]], it denotes a literal tool for preparing quality food, symbolizing divine provision. More powerfully, in [[Jeremiah 15:7]], it becomes a vivid metaphor for God's severe judgment, signifying the scattering and destruction of a disobedient people. Theologically, the *mizreh* represents divine judgment, the process of separation and purification, and God's sovereign control over human destiny. This Old Testament imagery culminates in the New Testament, where John the Baptist portrays the Messiah, Jesus, as the ultimate wielder of the winnowing fork, executing final judgment and gathering His people. Thus, the humble *mizreh* stands as a powerful testament to God's justice, holiness, and ultimate authority.
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