Dust

DUST dust (`aphar; koniortos, chous):

Small particles of earth. The word has several figurative and symbolic meanings:

(1) Dust being the material out of which God is said to have formed man (Genesis 2:7), it became a symbol of man's frailty (Psalms 103:14, "For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust"; compare Genesis 18:27; Job 4:19, etc.), and of his mortality (Genesis 3:19, "Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return"; compare Job 34:15; Psalms 104:29; Ecclesiastes 3:20; 12:7, etc.) Hence, it is used figuratively for the grave (Psalms 22:15,29; 30:9; Daniel 12:2).

(2) Such actions as to lie in the dust, to lick the dust, to sprinkle dust on the head, are symbols expressive of deep humiliation, abasement or lamentation (e. g. Job 2:12; 42:6; Psalms 72:9; Isaiah 2:10; 47:1; 49:23; Lamentations 2:10; 3:29; Ezekiel 27:30; Micah 7:17; Revelation 18:19). Hence, such expressions as "He raiseth up the poor out of the dust," i.e. out of their state of lowliness (1 Samuel 2:8; Psalms 113:7).

(3) Throwing dust was an act expressive of execration. Thus, Shimei "cursed" David and "threw stones at him, and cast dust," literally, "dusted (him) with dust" (2 Samuel 16:13). So the crowd which Paul addressed at Jerusalem manifested their wrath against him by tossing about their garments and casting dust into the air (Acts 22:23).

(4) Shaking the dust off one's feet against anyone (Matthew 10:14; Mark 6:11; Luke 9:5; 10:11; Acts 13:51) is symbolic of renunciation, as we would say "washing one's hands of him," an intimation that all further intercourse was at an end. It was practiced by the Pharisees on passing from Gentileto Jewish soil, it being a rabbinical doctrine that the dust of a heathen land defiles.

(5) It is also used figuratively for an innumerable multitude (e. g. Genesis 13:16; 28:14; Job 27:16; Psalms 78:27).

(6) The expression "Yahweh will make the rain of thy land powder and dust" (Deuteronomy 28:24) means the dust in consequence of the drought shall fall down instead of rain on the dry ground. In Judea and vicinity during a sirocco, the air becomes filled with sand and dust, which are blown down by the wind with great violence.

D. Miall Edwards

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Bibliography Information

Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. "Entry for 'DUST'".  "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia".  1915.