λικμάω
likmáō
G3039 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To winnow—specifically, to separate grain from chaff by tossing it in the air so that the lighter chaff is blown away and the heavier grain falls back; by extension, to crush or grind thoroughly, to reduce to powder. Primary sense is related to the agricultural action of winnowing grain, with secondary figurative senses (especially in later or metaphorical contexts) of utterly destroying, pulverizing, or sifting.
Semantic Range
to winnow grain, to sift, to separate by winnowing, to crush, to grind to powder, to reduce to fragments, to sift or test thoroughly (metaphorical)
Root / Etymology
From Greek λικμάς (likmás), meaning 'winnowed grain' or 'groats', ultimately related to λικμός (likmós), 'winnowing fan' or 'sieve'. The verb λικμάω derives from the noun and signifies the action performed with a winnowing fan. The etymology is related to agricultural vocabulary of grain processing.
Historical & Contextual Notes
λκμάω is a rare word in the Koine period, occurring more frequently in earlier Greek literature for agricultural activities. In the Septuagint, it is sometimes used to translate Hebrew verbs meaning 'to scatter' or 'to winnow.' In the New Testament (e.g., Luke 22:31), it is used metaphorically for sifting or testing, conveying the sense of being thoroughly shaken or separated. While English translations often render it as 'sift', the Greek nuance includes the more forceful actions of winnowing and grinding. In Hellenistic and Roman-era Greek, its literal use becomes less common, with stronger metaphorical application. The semantic movement from a physical agricultural process to a metaphor for spiritual trial or destruction parallels the shift seen in related verbs (e.g., σινιάζω). Traditional English renderings like 'grind to powder' or 'sift as wheat' can understate the severity or thoroughness implied by the term in its original context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from , the equivalent of (a winnowing fan or basket); to winnow, i.e. (by analogy), to triturate:--grind to powder.
Root Family
λικμάω (likmaō) — to winnow, to sift, to grind
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3039-01 |
λικμήσει | likmesei | V FUT ACT IND 3P SG |
it will grind | he will winnow | he will crush | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3039-01 |
Matthew 21:44 | λικμήσει | likmesei | V FUT ACT IND 3P SG |
will grind | he will winnow | he will crush |
G3039-01 |
Luke 20:18 | λικμήσει | likmesei | V FUT ACT IND 3P SG |
it will grind | he will winnow | it will grind |