πτύον
ptýon
G4425 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A winnowing-fork; an agricultural implement with prongs used to toss and separate grain from chaff by means of wind. Also figuratively, an instrument or means of separation or judgment. The primary sense conveys a physical object used in the threshing process, while some contexts (notably prophetic or judgment imagery) extend the winnowing act metaphorically to separation or sorting.
Semantic Range
winnowing-fork, agricultural shovel, implement for separating grain and chaff, instrument of separation, symbol of judgment or separation
Root / Etymology
From the root πτύω ('to spit'), based on the notion of scattering or dispersing. The noun πτύον designates an implement that scatters separated material, drawing a conceptual parallel with the act of spitting.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, πτύον is rare, primarily denoting a winnowing-fork — a shovel-like tool with prongs used after threshing grain to toss mixed grain and chaff into the air, allowing the lighter chaff to blow away. In the New Testament (notably Matthew 3:12, Luke 3:17), the term appears in imagery related to agricultural sorting but also carries an implied metaphorical meaning: the process of separation and purification, as in divine judgment or sorting. English translations have traditionally rendered the term as 'fan,' 'winnowing-fork,' or 'shovel,' though 'fan' (in older versions) can mislead modern readers, as it refers to an instrument for tossing, not blowing. The term is distinct from ἀνεμοβολεῖον (wind-thrower/fan), which refers to a similar tool; πτύον specifically signals the action of tossing to achieve separation. Non-biblical Greek usage is sparse, reinforcing the word's technical, agricultural specificity. No direct Hebrew equivalent in the Septuagint; the concept appears in Hebrew agricultural vocabulary (e.g., מִזְרֶה, 'winnowing shovel'). The word's rarity and specificity mean the full agricultural and metaphorical context can be lost in concise English translation.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from πτύω; a winnowing-fork (as scattering like spittle):--fan.
Root Family
πτύον (ptyon) — to scatter, to disperse; winnowing implement; instrument of separation
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4425-01 |
πτύον | ptuon | N NOM N SG |
winnowing fork | winnowing-fork | winnowing-fork | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4425-01 |
Matthew 3:12 | πτύον | ptuon | N NOM N SG |
winnowing fork | winnowing-fork | winnowing-fork |
G4425-01 |
Luke 3:17 | πτύον | ptuon | N NOM N SG |
winnowing-fork | winnowing-fork | winnowing-fork |