Rust

Rust - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

RUST, n. [Gr. probably from its color, and allied to ruddy, red, as L. rubigo is from rubeo. See Ruddy.]

1. The oxyd of a metal; a substance composed of oxygen combined with a metal, and forming a rough coat on its surface. All metals except gold are liable to rust.

2. Loss of power by inactivity, as metals lose their brightness and smoothness when not used.

3. Any foul matter contracted; as rust on corn or salted meat.

4. Foul extraneous matter; as sacred truths cleared from the rust of human mixtures.

5. A disease in grain, a kind of dust which gathers on the stalks and leaves.

RUST, v.i.

1. To contract rust; to be oxydized and contract a roughness on the surface.

Our armors now may rust.

2. To degenerate in idleness; to become dull by inaction.

Must I rust in Egypt?

3. To gather dust or extraneous matter.

RUST, v.t.

1. To cause to contract rust.

Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them.

2. To impair by time and inactivity.

rust (chel'ah; brosis): Strictly speaking rust is the red oxide of iron formed by the corrosion of that metal, but by extension it has come to mean corrosion produced on any metal. Chel'ah is translated "rust" in Eze 24:11,12. This rendering is probably based on 24:11. Copper caldrons are still used in Bible lands. Such vessels must be constantly watched when on the fire to guard against the possibility of their becoming dry. If this should happen the contents, whatever they may be, and the vessel itself will be injured. The copper of the caldron oxidizes and scales off in black or brownish scales, or rust. ios, was used in Greek to denote the corroding of metals. In Jas 5:3 occurs, "Your gold and your silver are rusted; and their rust .... shall eat your flesh as fire." The writers must have had in mind the actions of chemicals upon these metals which formed some such compound as the caustic silver nitrate.

Brosis, literally, "eating," which occurs in Mt 6:19,20, may refer to the diseases which attack such vegetation as wheat, grapes, cucumbers, etc. In no country is the saying "where moth and rust consume" (Mt 6:19) more true than in Syria. Any metal subject to corrosion seems to rust faster in that country than anywhere else. There are also many rusting fungi which the people have not learned to destroy and which do much damage to the crops.

See also SCUM.

James A. Patch