dross
sig denotes unwanted material separated from silver and, figuratively, people compared to it.
The term most often occurs in imagery of silver and refining, naming material to be removed or contrasted with silver. It also describes Israel or the wicked figuratively in contexts where they are compared to that unwanted material.
Senses in use
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Residue removed in silver-refining imagery · dominant
In Proverbs 25:4, the plural absolute form stands in the instruction to remove material from silver so that a vessel may come forth for the refiner. Isaiah 1:22 contrasts silver that has become such material, while Isaiah 1:25 speaks of its removal in a refining action; the APB renders these clauses with “dross.”
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Figurative comparison for people under judgment · common
In Ezekiel 22:18, the singular absolute form is used when the house of Israel “has become dross,” followed by a furnace and silver comparison in the APB. Ezekiel 22:19 again applies the plural form to those gathered into Jerusalem, and Psalm 119:119 compares the wicked of the land to it as they cease.
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Term in an opaque comparison · rare
Proverbs 26:23 has the plural absolute form in a comparison involving burning lips, a wicked heart, and earthenware. The APB renders the verse as “like glaze spread over earthenware,” so the specific contribution of the term is not transparent from the translation.
In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB explicitly uses “dross” in the silver, refining, Israel, and wickedness contexts, including Proverbs 25:4, Isaiah 1:22, Isaiah 1:25, Ezekiel 22:18, Ezekiel 22:19, and Psalm 119:119. In Proverbs 26:23 it instead renders the comparison with “glaze,”.