The term “dung heap” (or “refuse heap”, “garbage heap”, “ash heap”, or simply “heap of filth”) appears several times in the Bible. A dung heap is a place where waste is dumped—whether it is animal dung (which could later become fertilizer) or garbage from human activities. In simple terms, it’s a kind of landfill or trash pit. In biblical usage, it often symbolizes degradation, disgrace, or the lowest condition a person can be in.
Let’s explore how Scripture uses this term and what it spiritually signifies.
Biblical Usage and Symbolism
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Psalm 113:7 (NKJV):
“He raises the poor out of the dust, And lifts the needy out of the ash heap.”
This verse shows God’s power to lift a person from the most disgraceful or hopeless place—symbolized by the “ash heap”—and elevate them to honor. Spiritually, it reflects God’s redemptive ability to restore dignity. -
1 Samuel 2:8 (NKJV):
“He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap, to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory.”
Similar to Psalms, this highlights God’s transforming power to promote the humble and oppressed. -
Ezra 6:11 (NKJV):
“Also I issue a decree that whoever alters this edict, let a timber be pulled from his house and erected, and let him be hanged on it; and let his house be made a refuse heap because of this.”
Here, a refuse heap (or dung heap) symbolizes destruction, disgrace, and the final result of rebellion against God’s decree. -
Isaiah 25:10 (NKJV):
“For on this mountain the hand of the Lord will rest, and Moab shall be trampled down under Him, as straw is trampled down for the refuse heap.”
Moab, a symbol of pride and resistance to God, is said to be trampled in filth, signifying total humiliation and defeat. -
Lamentations 4:5, Daniel 2:5, and Daniel 3:29 also contain expressions involving heaps or garbage pits, often representing judgment or punishment.
The New Testament – A Unique Reference
In the New Testament, the word appears only once in this context:
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Luke 14:34–35 (NKJV):
“Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”Jesus teaches a profound spiritual lesson: if believers lose their spiritual effectiveness, they are like salt that has lost its flavor—useless, not even worthy of being thrown onto a dung heap where it might otherwise aid in decomposing waste or fertilizing the ground. It becomes totally unredeemable.
This message is also reflected in:
Matthew 5:13 (NKJV):“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”
Spiritual Lessons
Jesus compares His followers to salt and light. Salt purifies, preserves, and adds flavor—but if it loses its purpose, it becomes worthless. Likewise, if Christians lose their godly character, they fail in their witness and become spiritually unproductive.
A dung heap may still serve a purpose—decaying matter may eventually be turned into fertilizer or even used to generate bioenergy. But salt that’s lost its essence has no value at all. Christ is warning believers: don’t lose your spiritual identity, for without it, even the dung heap is too good for you.
Final Reflection and Call to Repentance
Have you truly received Christ into your life?
The Bible warns that Jesus will return like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2). That means He will come unexpectedly—when the world least anticipates it.
Are you ready if Jesus were to return today?
If you’re unsure, that alone is a clear sign that you need to make things right with God. Repent of your sins sincerely, believe in the gospel, and surrender your life to Christ. He will receive you, forgive you, and fill you with His Holy Spirit.
“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” —2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV)
May the Lord bless you and draw you closer to Himself.