to sift out the good from the bad, leaving what is pure, clean, or choice
TranslatabilityPartialCertaintyStrong
The picture behind this word is separation: running something through a sieve so that whatever is worthless falls away and only what is clean or choice is left. Every use grows from that one image, whether the thing being sorted is metal, people, speech, or a weapon.
Because one act of sifting can be aimed at different results, the word reaches across a wide range:
- refining metal or people until only what is pure remains
- picking out the choice men, the select sheep, the best of a group
- rubbing a weapon until it is bright and keen
- purifying oneself, or dealing purely with those who are pure
Since the same act of sorting can target impurity, quality, or brightness, English needs several different words for it, which is why translators render this one verb as "purify," "choose," "polish," and "cleanse." Related Hebrew words are narrower: צרף is refining metal in fire, and בחר is simply choosing.
Nuances
1ato purify, cleanse, or refine: to remove impurity so that what is left is clean
Isa 52:11Jer 4:11Ezk 20:38Dan 11:35Dan 12:10
1bpure or clear, especially of speech that is clean and sincere
Job 33:3Zep 3:9
1cto pick out the choice ones: to select the best from a larger group
1Ch 7:401Ch 9:221Ch 16:41Neh 5:18
1dto polish or sharpen a weapon until it is bright and ready
Isa 49:2Jer 51:11
1eto show oneself pure: to deal purely with those who are pure
2Sa 22:27 (2×)Psa 18:26(27) (2×)
1fto test, sift, or make clear
Ecc 3:18