Winnowing

The exposing of grain to the air by either tossing or fanning so that the loose outer part is blown away. It is also used figuratively to refer to God's judgment.

Winnowing took place at the threshing-floor

See also Ruth 3:2

Winnowing used figuratively

Jeremiah 15:7; Matthew 3:12 parallel Luke 3:17 See also Proverbs 20:8, Proverbs 20:26; Isaiah 41:16; Jeremiah 4:11, Jeremiah 51:2

I will scatter them with a winnowing fork at the gates of the land. I will bereave and destroy My people who have not turned from their ways.

His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”