Rust, in biblical terms, often symbolizes decay, impermanence, and the corrupting nature of earthly treasures. The concept of rust is used metaphorically in Scripture to illustrate the transient nature of material wealth and the importance of storing up spiritual treasures.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 6:19-20 : "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." In this passage, Jesus teaches about the futility of accumulating earthly wealth, which is subject to decay and theft. Rust here represents the inevitable deterioration of material possessions, urging believers to focus on eternal, heavenly treasures that are immune to such decay.

2. James 5:1-3 : "Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days." James warns the wealthy about the dangers of hoarding riches. The corrosion of gold and silver, akin to rust, serves as a metaphor for the moral and spiritual decay that accompanies the selfish accumulation of wealth. This passage highlights the temporal nature of earthly riches and the judgment that awaits those who prioritize them over spiritual matters.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In biblical symbolism, rust is often associated with the broader theme of corruption and the fleeting nature of worldly possessions. It serves as a reminder of the impermanence of life and the futility of placing one's trust in material wealth. The imagery of rust destroying treasures underscores the biblical teaching that true security and value lie in spiritual, not material, pursuits.

The use of rust as a metaphor also reflects the biblical worldview that prioritizes spiritual integrity and eternal values over temporal gains. It challenges believers to examine their priorities and to invest in what is lasting and incorruptible—namely, their relationship with God and the pursuit of righteousness.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the concept of rust invites reflection on the nature of true wealth and security. It calls believers to a life of stewardship, where material resources are used for God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom rather than personal gain. The metaphor of rust serves as a caution against the idolatry of wealth and a reminder of the ultimate accountability before God.

In summary, rust in the Bible is a powerful symbol of decay and the transient nature of earthly treasures. It serves as a call to focus on eternal values and to live a life that reflects the priorities of the Kingdom of God.1. (n.) The reddish yellow coating formed on iron when exposed to moist air, consisting of ferric oxide or hydroxide; hence, by extension, any metallic film of corrosion.

2. (n.) A minute mold or fungus forming reddish or rusty spots on the leaves and stems of cereal and other grasses (Trichobasis Rubigo-vera), now usually believed to be a form or condition of the corn mildew (Puccinia graminis). As rust, it has solitary reddish spores; as corn mildew, the spores are double and blackish.

3. (n.) That which resembles rust in appearance or effects.

4. (n.) A composition used in making a rust joint. See Rust joint, below.

5. (n.) Foul matter arising from degeneration; as, rust on salted meat.

6. (n.) Corrosive or injurious accretion or influence.

7. (v. i.) To contract rust; to be or become oxidized.

8. (v. i.) To be affected with the parasitic fungus called rust; also, to acquire a rusty appearance, as plants.

9. (v. i.) To degenerate in idleness; to become dull or impaired by inaction.

10. (v. t.) To cause to contract rust; to corrode with rust; to affect with rust of any kind.

11. (v. t.) To impair by time and inactivity.

RUST

rust (chel'ah; brosis): Strictly speaking rust is the red oxide of iron formed by the corrosion of that metal, but by extension it has come to mean corrosion produced on any metal. Chel'ah is translated "rust" in Ezekiel 24:11, 12. This rendering is probably based on 24:11. Copper caldrons are still used in Bible lands. Such vessels must be constantly watched when on the fire to guard against the possibility of their becoming dry. If this should happen the contents, whatever they may be, and the vessel itself will be injured. The copper of the caldron oxidizes and scales off in black or brownish scales, or rust. ios, was used in Greek to denote the corroding of metals. In James 5:3 occurs, "Your gold and your silver are rusted; and their rust.... shall eat your flesh as fire." The writers must have had in mind the actions of chemicals upon these metals which formed some such compound as the caustic silver nitrate.

Brosis, literally, "eating," which occurs in Matthew 6:19, 20, may refer to the diseases which attack such vegetation as wheat, grapes, cucumbers, etc. In no country is the saying "where moth and rust consume" (Matthew 6:19) more true than in Syria. Any metal subject to corrosion seems to rust faster in that country than anywhere else. There are also many rusting fungi which the people have not learned to destroy and which do much damage to the crops.

See also SCUM.

James A. Patch

2447. ios -- rust, poison
... rust, poison. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: ios Phonetic Spelling:
(ee-os') Short Definition: poison, rust Definition: poison, rust; an arrow ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2447.htm - 6k

2728. katioo -- to rust over
... to rust over. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: katioo Phonetic Spelling:
(kat-ee-o'-o) Short Definition: I rust Definition: I rust; pass: I am rusted ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2728.htm - 6k

1035. brosis -- eating, food
... eating, food. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: brosis Phonetic Spelling:
(bro'-sis) Short Definition: eating, food, a meal, rust Definition: (a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1035.htm - 6k

5315. phago -- eat
... Transliteration: phago Phonetic Spelling: (fag'-o) Short Definition: I eat Definition:
I eat, partake of food; met: I devour, consume (eg as rust does); used ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5315.htm - 7k

2068. esthio -- to eat
... Verb Transliteration: esthio Phonetic Spelling: (es-thee'-o) Short Definition: I
eat Definition: I eat, partake of food; met: I devour, consume (eg as rust does ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2068.htm - 7k

2457. chelah -- rust
... rust. Transliteration: chelah Phonetic Spelling: (khel-aw') Short Definition: rust.
Word Origin from an unused word Definition rust NASB Word Usage rust (5). ...
/hebrew/2457.htm - 5k

The Heart with the Treasure.
... THE HEART WITH THE TREASURE. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where
moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. ...
/.../macdonald/unspoken sermons/the heart with the treasure.htm

James v. 1-6
... Your riches are corrupted and your garments moth-eaten: Your gold and silver is
cankered, and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat ...
/.../neander/the epistle of james practically explained/james v 6-jan.htm

The Holy Spirit is that Large River by which the Mystical ...
... Teach us, Lord Jesus, teach us as Thou didst teach Thine apostles, saying: "Lay
not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where rust and moth destroy ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xvi the holy spirit.htm

Letter vi. In My Last Two Letters I have Given the State of the ...
... Will he insist that the rust is not rust, or that it is a rust sui generis,
intentionally formed on the steel for some mysterious virtue in it, and that the ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/letter vi in my last.htm

What Christ Himself Taught.
... Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt,
and where robbers break through; but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven ...
/.../justin/the first apology of justin/chapter xv what christ himself taught.htm

Colossians iii. 7-May
... if one, who has clean scoured a statue that was filthy, or rather who has recast
it, and displayed it bright afresh, [836] should say that the rust was eaten ...
/.../homily viii colossians iii 7-may.htm

The Sermon on the Mount.
... A Matthew 6:19-34. ^a 19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where
moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlii the sermon on the 6.htm

Of the Fourfold Method of Discrimination.
... of a false and heretical meaning, show the image not of the true king but of an
usurper; and that we refuse those whose weight and value the rust of vanity has ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xxii of the fourfold.htm

How those who Fear Scourges and those who Contemn them are to be ...
... Hence, again, it is written, She hath wearied herself with much labour, and her
exceeding rust went not out from her, not even by fire (Ezekiel 24:12). ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xiii how those who.htm

"All was Closed, and I Saw no More. " "For the Folly of Feeling a ...
... fouler than the tilestone. His hair was red as rust, clipped in front,
[276] with full locks hanging on the temples. He grinned on ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter lxvi all was closed.htm

Rust (7 Occurrences)
... As rust, it has solitary reddish spores; as corn mildew, the spores are double and
blackish. 3. (n.) That which resembles rust in appearance or effects. ...
/r/rust.htm - 11k

Deposit (19 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 24:6 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: Woe to the bloody city, to the
caldron whose rust is therein, and whose rust is not gone out of it! ...
/d/deposit.htm - 15k

Filth (21 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Ezekiel 24:6 Wherefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Woe to the bloody city,
to the caldron whose rust is therein, and whose rust is not gone out of it! ...
/f/filth.htm - 17k

Yourselves (530 Occurrences)
... Matthew 6:19 "Don't lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and
rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE ...
/y/yourselves.htm - 36k

Noisome (7 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Ezekiel 24:12 She hath wearied herself with toil; yet her great rust
goeth not forth out of her; her rust goeth not forth by fire. (See JPS). ...
/n/noisome.htm - 9k

Labours (19 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS DBY YLT). Ezekiel 24:12 She hath exhausted her labours, yet her great rust
goeth not forth out of her: let her rust be in the fire. (DBY). ...
/l/labours.htm - 12k

Treasures (77 Occurrences)
... Matthew 6:19 "Don't lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and
rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS ...
/t/treasures.htm - 31k

Thieves (25 Occurrences)
... Matthew 6:19 "Don't lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and
rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE ...
/t/thieves.htm - 14k

Rusted (1 Occurrence)
... (imp. & pp) of Rust. ... James 5:3 Your gold and your silver are rusted; and their rust
shall be for a testimony against you, and shall eat your flesh as fire. ...
/r/rusted.htm - 6k

Efforts (11 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Ezekiel 24:12 She has wearied herself with toil; yet her great rust
doesn't go forth out of her; her rust doesn't go forth by fire. (See NIV). ...
/e/efforts.htm - 9k

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