Definition and Usage in Scripture:
The term "rubbish" in the Bible generally refers to waste, refuse, or debris. It is used both literally and metaphorically to describe things that are considered worthless or of no value. In the context of ancient times, rubbish would include broken pottery, discarded materials, and other forms of waste that were often piled outside city walls or in designated areas.

Biblical References:

1. Nehemiah 4:10 :
"Meanwhile, the people of Judah said: 'The strength of the laborer fails, and there is so much rubble that we will never be able to rebuild the wall.'"
In this passage, the term "rubble" is synonymous with rubbish, referring to the debris and waste that hindered the rebuilding efforts of Jerusalem's walls. The overwhelming presence of rubbish was a significant obstacle, symbolizing the challenges faced by the Israelites in their restoration work.

2. Philippians 3:8 :
"More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ."
Here, the Apostle Paul uses "rubbish" metaphorically to describe all worldly gains and achievements as worthless compared to the value of knowing Christ. This reflects a spiritual perspective where earthly accomplishments are deemed insignificant in light of eternal truths.

Theological Implications:

· Symbol of Worthlessness:
Rubbish in the Bible often symbolizes things that are devoid of value, whether material or spiritual. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly possessions and achievements when compared to the eternal significance of spiritual pursuits.

· Obstacles to Spiritual Growth:
Just as physical rubbish can impede construction efforts, spiritual "rubbish"—such as sin, distractions, or misplaced priorities—can hinder one's relationship with God. The call to clear away such debris is a recurring theme in Scripture, urging believers to focus on what truly matters.

· Transformation and Renewal:
The process of removing rubbish, as seen in Nehemiah's rebuilding efforts, can also be viewed as a metaphor for spiritual renewal. Clearing away the old and worthless makes way for new growth and restoration, aligning with the biblical theme of transformation through God's power.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient cities, rubbish heaps were common, often located outside city gates or in designated areas. These heaps were not only unsightly but could also pose health risks. The management of rubbish was a practical concern, reflecting the broader societal need for cleanliness and order. In a spiritual sense, the removal of rubbish aligns with the biblical call for purity and holiness among God's people.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to examine their lives for "rubbish" that may be hindering their spiritual walk. This involves identifying and discarding anything that detracts from one's relationship with Christ, whether it be material possessions, unhealthy relationships, or sinful habits. The pursuit of holiness involves a continual process of clearing away the old to make room for the new work God desires to do in one's life.1. (n.) Waste or rejected matter; anything worthless; valueless stuff; trash; especially, fragments of building materials or fallen buildings; ruins; debris.

2. (a.) of or pertaining to rubbish; of the quality of rubbish; trashy.

4027. perikatharma -- that which is cleaned off, refuse
... 4027 ("rubbish") describes someone as "the filth of the world, representing 'the
most abject and despicable men' (Grimm-Thayer) -- the scum or rubbish of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4027.htm - 7k

4657. skubalon -- refuse
... in Phil 3:8). Word Origin of uncertain origin Definition refuse NASB Word
Usage rubbish (1). garbage, dung. Neuter of a presumed ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4657.htm - 7k

5522. choos -- dust.
... Word Origin see chous. dust. From the base of cheimon; a heap (as poured out), ie
Rubbish; loose dirt -- dust. see GREEK cheimon. (choun) -- 2 Occurrences. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5522.htm - 6k

6083. aphar -- dry earth, dust
... Usage ashes (2), debris (2), dirt (1), dry soil (1), dust (91), dusty (1), earth
(5), ground (1), heap (2), loose earth (1), plaster (3), rubbish (1), rubble (1 ...
/hebrew/6083.htm - 6k

5122. nevalu -- a refuse heap
... Word Origin (Aramaic) perhaps of foreign origin Definition a refuse heap
NASB Word Usage refuse heap (1), rubbish heap (2). dunghill. ...
/hebrew/5122.htm - 6k

830. ashpoth -- an ash heap, refuse heap, dunghill
... or (contraction) shphoth {shef-ohth'}; plural of a noun of the same form as 'ashpah,
from shaphah (in the sense of scraping); a heap of rubbish or filth ...
/hebrew/830.htm - 6k

4596. mei -- perhaps ruin heap
... heap. From avah; a pile of rubbish (as contorted), ie A ruin (compare iy) -- heap.
see HEBREW avah. see HEBREW iy. 4595, 4596. mei. 4597 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/4596.htm - 6k

That the Holy Sepulchre had Been Covered with Rubbish and with ...
... Book III. Chapter XXVI."That the Holy Sepulchre had been covered with
Rubbish and with Idols by the Ungodly. For it had been in ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xxvi that the holy sepulchre.htm

Discouragements and Courage
... And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there
is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.11. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/discouragements and courage.htm

Centenary Commemoration of the Consecration of Bishop Seabury. ...
... Will they sacrifice? Will they make an end in a day? Will they revive the
stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? ...
/.../centenary commemoration of the consecration.htm

Boehme's Universe
... symbolism of alchemy and astrology, and he was obliged to force his spiritual insight
into a language which for us has become largely an antique rubbish heap.[5 ...
/.../chapter x boehmes universe.htm

Enthusiasm and Full Salvation.
... thorough in Thy service, and to go and win souls for Thee." "Very well," the Lord
says, "I am ready to come into the temple, if you will clear out the rubbish. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter x enthusiasm and full.htm

The Gospel According to --You.
... old, grey, stone monkery in the Near East, and they have run across old manuscripts
hidden away in some dark cell, covered with dust and with rubbish, perhaps. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/the gospel according toyou.htm

Other New Testament Names for "Being Filled with the Spirit. "
... How? why? Because so much rubbish has fallen in that the well is choked. Clear out
the well, and the water will spring up again as in Christ's day. ...
/.../macneil/the spirit-filled life/chapter viii other new testament.htm

To the Rev. Andrew Brandram
... They were Spanish contrabandistas, or smugglers of the lowest class, and earned
a miserable livelihood by smuggling such rubbish from Portugal into Spain. ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev andrew brandram.htm

A Reasonable Service
... Back in the Old Testament times for fourteen years there had been no song in the
temple, for it was filled with rubbish and uncleanness, but the rubbish was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/a reasonable service.htm

The Builders on the Wall
... will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?" Tobiah,
still more contemptuous, added, "Even that which they build, if a fox go ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 53 the builders on.htm

Rubbish (5 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) of or pertaining to rubbish; of the quality of rubbish; trashy.
Multi-Version Concordance Rubbish (5 Occurrences). ...
/r/rubbish.htm - 8k

Rubble (17 Occurrences)
... will they sacrifice? will they make an end this day? will they revive the stones
out of the heaps of rubbish, seeing they are burned?' (See NAS NIV). ...
/r/rubble.htm - 12k

Litter (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (n.) Things lying scattered about in a manner indicating slovenliness;
scattered rubbish. 4. (n.) Disorder or untidiness resulting ...
/l/litter.htm - 9k

Gihon (6 Occurrences)
... which lies on the opposite side of this ridge at the head of the Tyropoeon
("cheesemakers'") valley, or valley of the son of Hinnom, now filled up by rubbish. ...
/g/gihon.htm - 16k

Jacob's (34 Occurrences)
... At present the rubbish in the well has been cleared out; but there is still a domed
structure over it, and you gaze down the shaft cut in the living rock and ...
/j/jacob's.htm - 23k

Rubbing (7 Occurrences)

/r/rubbing.htm - 8k

Gezer (14 Occurrences)
... The approach is steep on every side, and in early times, before the accumulation
around the sides of the rubbish of some millenniums, must have been much more ...
/g/gezer.htm - 27k

Feeble (147 Occurrences)
... will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of
rubbish, seeing they are burned? (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/f/feeble.htm - 38k

Jerusalem (782 Occurrences)
... The modern Jerusalem by-and-by began to be built over the immense beds of rubbish
resulting from the overthrow of the ancient city; and whilst it occupies ...
/j/jerusalem.htm - 89k

Offal (6 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A dead body; carrion. 3. (n.) That which is thrown away as worthless or
unfit for use; refuse; rubbish. Multi-Version Concordance Offal (6 Occurrences). ...
/o/offal.htm - 8k

How can I have a closer relationship with God? | GotQuestions.org

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Rubbish: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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