Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  4000 Creation  »  0  »  4050 dust

Human beings were created from the dust by God and will return to it at death. Dust is therefore taken as a symbol of poverty, lowliness and humility. In Scripture dust is shaken off the feet to warn of future judgment, and is also used as a means of expressing grief.

Human beings were created from the dust by God

Genesis 2:7 See also Genesis 18:27; Psalm 103:14; 1 Corinthians 15:47

We will all return to dust when we die

Genesis 3:19 God's curse upon Adam affected all humanity ; Psalm 90:3 See also Job 10:9; Job 34:15; Ecclesiastes 12:7

Dust as a symbol of poverty, lowliness and humility

1 Samuel 2:8 See also Genesis 18:27; 1 Kings 16:2; Job 30:19

Dust as a simile for a multitude

Genesis 13:16 See also Genesis 28:14; Psalm 78:27

Dust is shaken off the feet as a warning of judgment

Mark 6:11 pp Matthew 10:14 pp Luke 9:5 See also Luke 10:10-11; Acts 13:51

Dust is used in expressing grief and repentance

Job 42:5-6; Lamentations 2:10 See also Joshua 7:6; Job 2:12; Ezekiel 27:30; Revelation 18:19

See also

1670  symbols
4006  creation, origin
4315  clay
5081  Adam, life of
5419  mourning
5446  poverty
5952  sorrow
6735  repentance, examples
7454  sprinkling
8276  humility
9021  death, natural
9210  judgment, God's