Ezekiel 22:18
New International Version
“Son of man, the people of Israel have become dross to me; all of them are the copper, tin, iron and lead left inside a furnace. They are but the dross of silver.

New Living Translation
“Son of man, the people of Israel are the worthless slag that remains after silver is smelted. They are the dross that is left over—a useless mixture of copper, tin, iron, and lead.

English Standard Version
“Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to me; all of them are bronze and tin and iron and lead in the furnace; they are dross of silver.

Berean Standard Bible
“Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to Me. All of them are copper, tin, iron, and lead inside the furnace; they are but the dross of silver.

King James Bible
Son of man, the house of Israel is to me become dross: all they are brass, and tin, and iron, and lead, in the midst of the furnace; they are even the dross of silver.

New King James Version
“Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to Me; they are all bronze, tin, iron, and lead, in the midst of a furnace; they have become dross from silver.

New American Standard Bible
“Son of man, the house of Israel has become waste metal to Me; all of them are bronze, tin, iron, and lead in the smelting furnace; they are the waste metal of silver.

NASB 1995
“Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to Me; all of them are bronze and tin and iron and lead in the furnace; they are the dross of silver.

NASB 1977
“Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to Me; all of them are bronze and tin and iron and lead in the furnace; they are the dross of silver.

Legacy Standard Bible
“Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to Me; all of them are bronze and tin and iron and lead in the furnace; they are the dross of silver.

Amplified Bible
“Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross (metallic waste) to Me. All of them are (useless) bronze, tin, iron, and lead in the furnace; they are the dross of silver.

Christian Standard Bible
“Son of man, the house of Israel has become merely dross to me. All of them are copper, tin, iron, and lead inside the furnace; they are just dross from silver.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to Me. All of them are copper, tin, iron, and lead inside the furnace; they are the dross of silver.

American Standard Version
Son of man, the house of Israel is become dross unto me: all of them are brass and tin and iron and lead, in the midst of the furnace; they are the dross of silver.

Contemporary English Version
Ezekiel, son of man, I consider the people of Israel as worthless as the leftover metal in a furnace after silver has been purified.

English Revised Version
Son of man, the house of Israel is become dross unto me: all of them are brass and tin and iron and lead, in the midst of the furnace; they are the dross of silver.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Son of man, the people of Israel have become worthless to me. All of them are like copper, tin, iron, and lead in a smelting furnace. They are like the impurities left from silver.

Good News Translation
"Mortal man, the Israelites are of no use to me. They are like waste metal--copper, tin, iron, and lead--left over after silver has been refined in a furnace.

International Standard Version
"Son of Man, Israel has become like dross to me. All of them are like remnants of bronze, tin, iron, and lead in a furnace—the dross left over from smelting silver.

Majority Standard Bible
?Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to Me. All of them are copper, tin, iron, and lead inside the furnace; they are but the dross of silver.

NET Bible
"Son of man, the house of Israel has become slag to me. All of them are like bronze, tin, iron, and lead in the furnace; they are the worthless slag of silver.

New Heart English Bible
"Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to me: all of them are bronze and tin and iron and lead, in the midst of the furnace; they are the dross of silver.

Webster's Bible Translation
Son of man, the house of Israel is to me become dross: all they are brass, and tin, and iron, and lead, in the midst of the furnace; they are even the dross of silver.

World English Bible
“Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to me. All of them are bronze, tin, iron, and lead in the middle of the furnace. They are the dross of silver.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“Son of man, the house of Israel has been for dross to Me, "" All of them [are] bronze, and tin, and iron, and lead, "" In the midst of a furnace—silver has been dross,

Young's Literal Translation
The house of Israel hath been to Me for dross, All of them are brass, and tin, and iron, and lead, In the midst of a furnace -- dross hath silver been,

Smith's Literal Translation
Son of man, the house of Israel became to me for dross: all they brass and alloy, and iron, and lead, in the midst of the furnace; they were drosses of silver.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Son of man, the house of Israel is become dress to me: all these are brass, and tin, and iron, and lead, in the midst of the furnace: they are become the dress of silver.

Catholic Public Domain Version
“Son of man, the house of Israel has become like dross to me. All these are brass, and tin, and iron, and lead in the midst of the furnace; they have become like the dross of silver.

New American Bible
Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to me. All of them are copper, tin, iron, and lead within a furnace; they have become the dross from silver.

New Revised Standard Version
Mortal, the house of Israel has become dross to me; all of them, silver, bronze, tin, iron, and lead. In the smelter they have become dross.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Son of man, the house of Israel is to me become dross; all they are like brass and like tin, and like iron and lead in the midst of the furnace when they are mixed with silver.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
“Son of man, they of the house of Israel have been rejected by me, all of them, like brass and like tin and like iron and like lead within a furnace, which are mixed with silver
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Son of man, the house of Israel is become dross unto Me; all of them are brass and tin and iron and lead, in the midst of the furnace; they are the dross of silver.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Son of man, behold, the house of Israel are all become to me as it were mixed with brass, and iron, and tin, and lead; they are mixed up in the midst of the silver.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Refining Furnace
17Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 18“Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to Me. All of them are copper, tin, iron, and lead inside the furnace; they are but the dross of silver. 19Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because all of you have become dross, behold, I will gather you into Jerusalem.…

Cross References
Malachi 3:2-3
But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap. / And He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the LORD in righteousness.

Jeremiah 6:28-30
All are hardened rebels, walking around as slanderers. They are bronze and iron; all of them are corrupt. / The bellows blow fiercely, blasting away the lead with fire. The refining proceeds in vain, for the wicked are not purged. / They are called rejected silver, because the LORD has rejected them.”

Isaiah 1:22
Your silver has become dross; your fine wine is diluted with water.

Zechariah 13:9
This third I will bring through the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’”

Proverbs 17:3
A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts.

Isaiah 48:10
See, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.

1 Peter 1:7
so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 3:18
I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.

1 Corinthians 3:12-13
If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, / his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work.

Isaiah 1:25
I will turn My hand against you; I will thoroughly purge your dross; I will remove all your impurities.

Psalm 12:6
The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace, like gold purified sevenfold.

Daniel 12:10
Many will be purified, made spotless, and refined, but the wicked will continue to act wickedly. None of the wicked will understand, but the wise will understand.

Zephaniah 3:11-13
On that day you will not be put to shame for any of the deeds by which you have transgressed against Me. For then I will remove from among you those who rejoice in their pride, and you will never again be haughty on My holy mountain. / But I will leave within you a meek and humble people, and they will trust in the name of the LORD. / The remnant of Israel will no longer do wrong or speak lies, nor will a deceitful tongue be found in their mouths. But they will feed and lie down, with no one to make them tremble.”

2 Timothy 2:20-21
A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use. / So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.

Malachi 4:1
“For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble; the day is coming when I will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of Hosts. “Not a root or branch will be left to them.”


Treasury of Scripture

Son of man, the house of Israel is to me become dross: all they are brass, and tin, and iron, and lead, in the middle of the furnace; they are even the dross of silver.

the house

Psalm 119:119
Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.

Isaiah 1:22
Thy silver is become dross, thy wine mixed with water:

Jeremiah 6:28-30
They are all grievous revolters, walking with slanders: they are brass and iron; they are all corrupters…

brass

Ezekiel 22:20
As they gather silver, and brass, and iron, and lead, and tin, into the midst of the furnace, to blow the fire upon it, to melt it; so will I gather you in mine anger and in my fury, and I will leave you there, and melt you.

Isaiah 48:4
Because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;

Lamentations 4:1,2
How is the gold become dim! how is the most fine gold changed! the stones of the sanctuary are poured out in the top of every street…

in the midst

Proverbs 17:3
The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.

Isaiah 31:9
And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign, saith the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.

Isaiah 48:10
Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.

dross [heb] drosses

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Brass Bronze Children Copper Dross Furnace House Inside Iron Israel Lead Metal Midst Poorest Silver Sort Tin Waste
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Brass Bronze Children Copper Dross Furnace House Inside Iron Israel Lead Metal Midst Poorest Silver Sort Tin Waste
Ezekiel 22
1. A catalogue of sins in Jerusalem, and the dispersion of the Jews in consequence
17. God will burn them as dross in his furnace
23. The general corruption of prophets, priests, princes, and the people














Son of man
This phrase is a frequent address to Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a representative of the people. In Hebrew, "ben adam" underscores the prophet's connection to mankind, distinguishing him from the divine. It serves as a reminder of the humility and responsibility inherent in his prophetic mission. The term also foreshadows the New Testament usage where Jesus is referred to as the "Son of Man," highlighting His identification with humanity.

the house of Israel
This phrase refers to the collective people of Israel, God's chosen nation. Historically, the "house of Israel" encompasses the twelve tribes descended from Jacob. In Ezekiel's time, this term is particularly poignant as it addresses a nation in exile, suffering the consequences of their disobedience. Theologically, it reminds readers of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, a relationship marked by both divine promise and human failure.

has become dross to Me
"Dross" refers to the impurities that are separated from metals during the refining process. In Hebrew, the word "sig" conveys the idea of worthlessness and impurity. This metaphor illustrates Israel's spiritual and moral corruption, as they have turned away from God and His commandments. The imagery of dross suggests that, like impurities in metal, the people have become something to be discarded unless they repent and return to their covenantal obligations.

All of them
This phrase emphasizes the totality of Israel's corruption. It is not just a few individuals but the entire nation that has strayed from God's ways. This collective indictment underscores the pervasive nature of sin and the need for comprehensive repentance and renewal. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of communal disobedience and the importance of national integrity in the eyes of God.

are bronze, tin, iron, and lead
These metals, while valuable in certain contexts, are inferior to silver and gold, which are often used in Scripture to symbolize purity and worth. The mention of these lesser metals highlights the degradation of Israel's spiritual state. Historically, these metals were common in the ancient Near East and used for various practical purposes, but in this context, they symbolize the diminished value and spiritual decay of the people.

in the furnace
The furnace is a place of intense heat used for refining metals. In biblical symbolism, it represents a place of testing and purification. Theologically, this imagery suggests that God is subjecting Israel to a process of judgment and refinement. The furnace metaphor serves as both a warning and a promise: while the heat of judgment is severe, it also offers the hope of purification and restoration for those who repent.

they are the dross of silver
Silver, often associated with redemption and value, is here contrasted with its dross, symbolizing the potential for purity that has been marred by sin. The phrase underscores the tragic reality that Israel, once precious in God's sight, has become tainted by idolatry and injustice. Yet, the mention of silver also hints at the possibility of redemption, as dross can be removed, and the metal restored to its intended glory. This duality of judgment and hope is a central theme in Ezekiel's prophetic message.

(18) Become dross.--The second prophecy (Ezekiel 22:17-22) is occupied with a figure taken from the refining of silver, which is a favourite one with the prophets (see Isaiah 1:25; Jeremiah 6:29; Zechariah 13:9; Malachi 3:3). The peculiar appropriateness of this figure has been often noted in the fact that the completion of the process of refining silver in the furnace was determined by the parting of the floating dross and the reflection of the image of the refiner from its molten surface. This figure, while setting forth the punishment of Israel, shows clearly that this punishment was for the purpose of purification.

Verse 18. - The house of Israel is to me become dross, etc. A new parable, based upon Isaiah 1:22, 23 and Jeremiah 6:80, begins, and is carried out with considerable fullness. In Malachi 3:2, 3 we have the same imagery. Baser metals have been mingled with the silver, and must be burnt out, but there is hope, as well as terror, in the parable. Men throw the mixed metals into the smelting-pot in order that the silver may be separated from the dross and come out pure (comp. 1 Peter 1:7). And this was to be the issue of the "fiery trial" through which Jerusalem and its inhabitants were to pass.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of man,
אָדָ֕ם (’ā·ḏām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

the house
בֵֽית־ (ḇêṯ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

has become
הָיוּ־ (hā·yū-)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

dross to Me.
לְסִ֑יג (lə·sîḡ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5509: A moving back or away, dross

All
כֻּלָּ֡ם (kul·lām)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

of them are copper,
נְ֠חֹשֶׁת (nə·ḥō·šeṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5178: Copper, something made of that metal, coin, a fetter, base

tin,
וּבְדִ֨יל (ū·ḇə·ḏîl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 913: Alloy, tin, dross

iron,
וּבַרְזֶ֤ל (ū·ḇar·zel)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1270: Iron, an iron implement

and lead
וְעוֹפֶ֙רֶת֙ (wə·‘ō·w·p̄e·reṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5777: Lead (a metal)

inside
בְּת֣וֹךְ (bə·ṯō·wḵ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre

the furnace;
כּ֔וּר (kūr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3564: Smelting pot or furnace

they are but
הָיֽוּ׃ (hā·yū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

the dross
סִגִ֥ים (si·ḡîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5509: A moving back or away, dross

of silver.
כֶּ֖סֶף (ke·sep̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701: Silver, money


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 22:18 Son of man the house of Israel (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 22:17
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