DROSS (סִיג, H6092, Ezek 22:18; סִיגִ֑ים elsewhere). Literally that which is removed from metal through the smelting process; the waste matter. Generally, the dross of silver is discussed (Prov 25:4; Isa 1:22; Ezek 22:18). Dross is parallel to בְּדִיל, H974, “alloy, tin” (Isa 1:25). In each case dross is a symbol of moral corruption (cf. Ps 119:119), sometimes describing the wickedness of Israel (Ezek 22:18).

כֶּ֣סֶף ֭סִיגִים “silver of dross” (Prov 26:23, mg.) has been rightly altered by the RSV to כספסיגים, “as glaze.” Ugaritic spsg “whiteness” or “white glaze” provided a clue to this meaning.

Bibliography W. F. Albright, BASOR 98 (1945), 24, 25.