### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **çîyg**, represented by `{{H5509}}`, refers to the refuse or impurity that is separated from metal during smelting, defined as **dross** or scoria. It appears **8 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. While it has a literal metallurgical meaning, it is primarily used as a powerful metaphor for moral corruption, worthlessness, and spiritual impurity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H5509}}` consistently illustrates the concept of contamination and the need for purification. The house of Israel is described as having become **dross**, a mixture of base metals like brass, tin, iron, and lead, which are impurities found in silver [[Ezekiel 22:18]]. This metaphor extends to individuals, where a wicked heart is likened to a worthless potsherd covered with silver **dross** [[Proverbs 26:23]]. Scripture also portrays the removal of **dross** as a necessary act of refinement to produce something of value, as when impurities are taken from silver to create a vessel for the finer [[Proverbs 25:4]]. Conversely, the wicked are compared to **dross** whom God puts away [[Psalms 119:119]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and meaning of dross:
* `{{H6884}}` **tsâraph** (to fuse, refine): This is the action performed to separate dross. God promises to "purge away" `{{H6884}}` the **dross** `{{H5509}}` from his people [[Isaiah 1:25]], and removing the dross allows for a vessel to be made for the "finer" `{{H6884}}` [[Proverbs 25:4]].
* `{{H3701}}` **keçeph** (silver): Dross is almost always mentioned in relation to **silver**. The corruption of Israel is described as their **silver** becoming **dross** [[Isaiah 1:22]], and Ezekiel identifies the people as "the **dross** of **silver**" [[Ezekiel 22:18]].
* `{{H7563}}` **râshâʻ** (wicked): This term is explicitly equated with dross. The psalmist states that God puts away all the **wicked** of the earth like **dross** [[Psalms 119:119]], directly linking moral evil with metallurgical impurity.
* `{{H3564}}` **kûwr** (furnace): This is the instrument of purification or judgment where dross is separated. God declares that the house of Israel, as **dross**, will be gathered into the midst of the **furnace** [[Ezekiel 22:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5509}}` is significant, highlighting themes of corruption and divine purification.
* **Symbol of Moral Corruption:** Dross represents the degradation of something originally pure. When Israel is called **dross**, it signifies their fall into sin and worthlessness in God's eyes, having become spiritually impure like contaminated metal ([[Ezekiel 22:18]], [[Isaiah 1:22]]).
* **Object of Divine Judgment:** Because it is worthless and corrupting, dross must be removed. This is seen in God's judgment, where He "puttest away" the wicked of the earth like **dross** [[Psalms 119:119]] and gathers them for destruction as one gathers base metals into a furnace [[Ezekiel 22:19]].
* **The Process of Purification:** The removal of **dross** is essential for restoration. God's promise to "purely purge away" the dross from His people signifies a refining process intended to restore them to a state of purity and value [[Isaiah 1:25]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5509}}` is much more than a term for metallic waste. It serves as a stark biblical symbol for sin, hypocrisy, and spiritual decay. It powerfully illustrates the state of a nation or individual who has become corrupt and worthless. The concept of **dross** is fundamentally tied to the work of a divine refiner, who either purges the impurity to restore value or discards the wicked who are identified with it.
TRV