Bible Dictionaries
Dross

Holman Bible Dictionary

Either the refuse from impure metal which is separated by a process of smelting (Proverbs 25:4; Proverbs 26:23 ) or else the base (impure) metal before the smelting process. Litharge (lead monoxide) from which silver was to be extracted is perhaps meant at Isaiah 1:22 ,Isaiah 1:22,1:25 . The same sense is required if the reading dross is preferred over the emendation glaze (REB, NRSV, NIV) at Proverbs 26:23 . Dross is a symbol of impurity. The wicked are pictured as dross (Proverbs 25:4; Psalm 119:119 ) that renders the whole of society impure. Both Isaiah 1:22 ,Isaiah 1:22,1:25 and Ezekiel 22:18-19 speak of silver turned to dross as a picture of Israel's lost righteousness.