# ash, ashes

## Facts:

The term “ash” (or “ashes”) refers to the grey powdery substance that is left behind after wood is burned.


* In ancient times, sitting in ashes was a sign of mourning or grieving. When grieving, it was the custom to wear rough, scratchy sackcloth and sit in ashes or put ashes on the head.
* Putting ashes on the head was also a sign of humiliation or embarrassment.
* An “ash heap” is a pile of ashes.
* Sometimes the word “dust” is used with the term “ashes” in the phrase, “dust and ashes.”  This phrase can be translated as “dust and ashes” or simply as “ashes.”
* When translating “ashes,” use the word in the target language that refers to the burned-up remains after wood has burned.

(See also: [fire](../other/fire.md), [sackcloth](../other/sackcloth.md))

## Bible References:

* [1 Kings 20:10](rc://en/tn/help/1ki/20/10)
* [Jeremiah 06:26](rc://en/tn/help/jer/06/26)
* [Psalms 102:09](rc://en/tn/help/psa/102/09)
* [Psalms 113:07](rc://en/tn/help/psa/113/07)

## Word Data:

* Strong’s: H80, H665, H1854, H6083, H6368, H7834, G2868, G4700, G5077, G5522