ἀλοάω

Aloaō (G0248) is a Greek verb that means "to thresh." Threshing was a crucial agricultural process in ancient times, where crops such as grains and legumes were loosened from their stalks and chaff. The verb likely connotes the action of separating the grain from the chaff, a vital step in preparing the grain for harvesting or milling. The use of aloaō in three instances in the Bible highlights its importance in the context of agriculture and land management. Without threshing, grains would not be separated from their inedible parts, and the agricultural cycle would be incomplete. The semantic domain of Aloaō falls under Agriculture & Land, indicating its significance in ancient agricultural practices and the related activities of harvesting and processing. In its limited occurrences in the Bible, aloaō may be seen as an agricultural term that grounds the narrative in the practical realities of ancient life. While the verb's frequency is low, its presence underscores the importance of agriculture in the biblical worldview and serves as a reminder of the hard work and expertise required to produce food in ancient times.