Bible Commentary

Jeremiah 2:22

The Pulpit Commentary on Jeremiah 2:22

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Nitre does not mean the substance which now bears that name, but "natron," a mineral alkali, deposited on the shores and on the bed of certain lakes in Egypt, especially those in the Wady Nat-run (the ancient Nitria, whence came so large a store of precious Syriac manuscripts).

In ancient times, this natron was collected to make lye from for washing purposes (comp. ). Sope; rather, potash; the corresponding vegetable alkali (comp. ). Thine iniquity is marked.

So Kimchi and Gesenius (through a doubtful etymology); but the Aramaic use of the word favors the rendering stained, i.e. filthy. The word is in the participle, to indicate the permanence of the state (comp.

"Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood," etc.? 'Macbeth').

Recommended reading

More for Jeremiah 2:22

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

The Pulpit Commentary on Jeremiah 2:1-37Jeremiah 2:1-37 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION The second chapter forms the introduction of a group of discourses (Jeremiah 2-6), which should be read together. It is called By Ewald (and the position of the prophecy favors this view) the first oracle whi…Matthew Henry on Jeremiah 2:20-28Jeremiah 2:20-28 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryNotwithstanding all their advantages, Israel had become like the wild vine that bears poisonous fruit. Men are often as much under the power of their unbridled desires and their sinful lusts, as the brute beasts. But th…Expostulations with Israel. (b. c. 629.)Jeremiah 2:20-28 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleEXPOSTULATIONS WITH ISRAEL. (B. C. 629.) In these verses the prophet goes on with his charge against this backsliding people. Observe here, I. The sin itself that he charges them with—idolatry, that great provocation wh…The Pulpit Commentary on Jeremiah 2:20-37Jeremiah 2:20-37 · The Pulpit CommentaryJehovah's indictment against Israel. Note— I. ITS MANY COUNTS. 1. Their sin of outrageous character. It is spoken of as in Jeremiah 2:20, because it so commonly involved the grossest fleshly sins, and because it involve…The Pulpit Commentary on Jeremiah 2:22Jeremiah 2:22 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe stains of sin. I. SIN STAINS THE CHARACTER AND LIFE OF MEN. 1. Sin leaves stains behind it. No man can have clean hands after touching it. These stains are of two classes: 2. The stains of sin are not natural. They…The Pulpit Commentary on Jeremiah 2:22Jeremiah 2:22 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe sinner's attempt to wash away his sin. I. WHEREFORE HE MAKES THE ATTEMPT. Sometimes it is that II. THE MANNER IN WHICH HE PROCEEDS. 1. He partially abandons known sin, as Pharaoh, Nineveh, Israel. at time of Josiah'…
commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Jeremiah 2:1-37EXPOSITION The second chapter forms the introduction of a group of discourses (Jeremiah 2-6), which should be read together. It is called By Ewald (and the position of the prophecy favors this view) the first oracle whi…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Jeremiah 2:20-28Notwithstanding all their advantages, Israel had become like the wild vine that bears poisonous fruit. Men are often as much under the power of their unbridled desires and their sinful lusts, as the brute beasts. But th…Matthew HenrycommentaryExpostulations with Israel. (b. c. 629.)EXPOSTULATIONS WITH ISRAEL. (B. C. 629.) In these verses the prophet goes on with his charge against this backsliding people. Observe here, I. The sin itself that he charges them with—idolatry, that great provocation wh…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Jeremiah 2:20-37Jehovah's indictment against Israel. Note— I. ITS MANY COUNTS. 1. Their sin of outrageous character. It is spoken of as in Jeremiah 2:20, because it so commonly involved the grossest fleshly sins, and because it involve…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Jeremiah 2:22The stains of sin. I. SIN STAINS THE CHARACTER AND LIFE OF MEN. 1. Sin leaves stains behind it. No man can have clean hands after touching it. These stains are of two classes: 2. The stains of sin are not natural. They…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Jeremiah 2:22The sinner's attempt to wash away his sin. I. WHEREFORE HE MAKES THE ATTEMPT. Sometimes it is that II. THE MANNER IN WHICH HE PROCEEDS. 1. He partially abandons known sin, as Pharaoh, Nineveh, Israel. at time of Josiah'…Joseph S. Exell and contributors