RUST (חֶלְאָה֒, H2689, rust or scum; ἰός, G2675, rust). Rust speaks of oxidation, corrosion, or tarnishing of metal surfaces. In the Biblical references, rust has symbolical connotations. The thick rust in a cooking pot of bronze became symbolic of the unpurged wickedness of the inhabitants of Jerusalem in Ezekiel’s parable (24:6-13). In two NT passages a similar type of indictment is charged against those who accumulate wealth under the symbolism of the rusting of silver and gold (Matt 6:19, 20; James 5:3). In both cases the question arises whether the rust testifies to the impermanence of the wealth or whether it witnesses against the rich who prefer to hoard the wealth and let it rot rather than use it for benefiting others. The latter may better suit the context where in the apocalyptic imagery rust is almost a living avenging force (TDNT, III, p. 335).