Chaff
NatureWhat is the meaning of Chaff in the Bible?
Four different words have been translated 'chaff' in the Old Testament, referring to light husks and fine particles of straw separated from grain during winnowing.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the physical properties of chaff as weightless debris easily scattered by wind clarifies the biblical imagery used to describe the transient nature of the wicked and their ultimate removal from the community of the righteous.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Chaff were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Chaff in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Chaff clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Chaff." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/chaff/