King James Version

What Does Matthew 3:12 Mean?

Matthew 3:12 in the King James Version says “Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn ...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

Matthew 3:12 · KJV

Context

10

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

11

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

12

Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

13

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

14

But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The winnowing fork imagery depicts Christ's separating work at judgment. Wheat represents the elect who will be gathered into God's barn (heaven), while chaff represents the reprobate who will be burned with 'unquenchable fire'—emphasizing the eternal, irreversible nature of hell. This agricultural metaphor was readily understood and highlights both election (the gathered wheat) and reprobation (the burned chaff).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Winnowing was the final stage of grain processing where grain was thrown into the air, allowing wind to separate heavier wheat from lighter chaff. This agricultural image would resonate with John's largely agrarian audience.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the imagery of wheat and chaff illustrate the doctrine of election and the final separation of believers and unbelievers?
  2. What does 'unquenchable fire' teach about the eternal conscious punishment of the wicked?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
οὗ1 of 26

“Whose”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

τὸ2 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πτύον3 of 26

“fan”

G4425

a winnowing-fork (as scattering like spittle)

ἐν4 of 26

“is in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ5 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χειρὶ6 of 26

“hand”

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

αὐτοῦ7 of 26

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ8 of 26

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

διακαθαριεῖ9 of 26

“he will throughly purge”

G1245

to cleanse perfectly, i.e., (specially) winnow

τὴν10 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἅλωνα11 of 26

“floor”

G257

a threshing-floor (as rolled hard), i.e., (figuratively) the grain (and chaff, as just threshed)

αὐτοῦ12 of 26

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ13 of 26

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

συνάξει14 of 26

“gather”

G4863

to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)

τὸν15 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σῖτον16 of 26

“wheat”

G4621

grain, especially wheat

αὐτοῦ17 of 26

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἰς18 of 26

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν19 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀποθήκην20 of 26

“the garner”

G596

a repository, i.e., granary

τὸ21 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ22 of 26

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἄχυρον23 of 26

“the chaff”

G892

chaff (as diffusive)

κατακαύσει24 of 26

“he will burn up”

G2618

to burn down (to the ground), i.e., consume wholly

πυρὶ25 of 26

“fire”

G4442

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)

ἀσβέστῳ26 of 26

“with unquenchable”

G762

not extinguished, i.e., (by implication) perpetual

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 3:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 3:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Malachi 4:1Matthew 13:30Luke 3:17Isaiah 41:16Jeremiah 51:2Psalms 1:4

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