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Jeremiah 2:22 Although you wash with lye and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your guilt is still before Me," declares the Lord GOD.
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Jeremiah 2:22 Although you wash with lye and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your guilt is still before Me," declares the Lord GOD.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/jeremiah/2-22.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/24_Jer_02_22.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Jeremiah 2:22 - The Consequences of Israel's Sin" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Although you wash with lye and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your guilt is still before Me, declares the Lord GOD." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/jeremiah/2-22.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/jeremiah/2-22.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/jeremiah/">Jeremiah</a> > <a href="/jeremiah/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 22</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/jeremiah/2-21.htm" title="Jeremiah 2:21">◄</a> Jeremiah 2:22 <a href="/jeremiah/2-23.htm" title="Jeremiah 2:23">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/jeremiah/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Although you wash yourself with soap and use an abundance of cleansing powder, the stain of your guilt is still before me,” declares the Sovereign LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/jeremiah/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />No amount of soap or lye can make you clean. I still see the stain of your guilt. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/jeremiah/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Though you wash yourself with lye and use much soap, the stain of your guilt is still before me, declares the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Although you wash with lye and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your guilt is still before Me,” declares the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For though thou wash thee with nitre, and take thee much soap, <i>yet</i> thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/jeremiah/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For though you wash yourself with lye, and use much soap, <i>Yet</i> your iniquity is marked before Me,” says the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/jeremiah/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Although you wash yourself with lye And use much soap, The stain of your guilt is before Me,” declares the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />“Although you wash yourself with lye And use much soap, The stain of your iniquity is before Me,” declares the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/jeremiah/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Although you wash yourself with lye And use much soap, The stain of your iniquity is before Me,” declares the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/jeremiah/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Although you wash yourself with lye And use much soap, The stain of your iniquity is before Me,” declares Lord Yahweh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/jeremiah/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“For though you wash yourself with lye And use much soap, The stain of your guilt is [still] before Me [and you are soiled and dirty],” says the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/jeremiah/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Even if you wash with lye and use a great amount of bleach, the stain of your iniquity is still in front of me. This is the Lord GOD’s declaration.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/jeremiah/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Even if you wash with lye and use a great amount of soap, the stain of your sin is still in front of Me. This is the Lord GOD’s declaration. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/jeremiah/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For though thou wash thee with lye, and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord Jehovah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/jeremiah/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The LORD said: People of Israel, you are stained with guilt, and no soap or bleach can wash it away. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/jeremiah/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For though thou wash thee with lye, and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/jeremiah/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Even if you wash with detergent and use a lot of soap, I would still see the stains from your wickedness," declares the Almighty LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/jeremiah/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Even if you washed with the strongest soap, I would still see the stain of your guilt. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/jeremiah/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Though you wash yourself with lye and use much soap, the stain of your guilt is still before me," declares the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/jeremiah/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Although you wash with lye and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your guilt is still before Me,? declares the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/jeremiah/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You can try to wash away your guilt with a strong detergent. You can use as much soap as you want. But the stain of your guilt is still there for me to see," says the Lord GOD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/jeremiah/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For though you wash yourself with lye, and use much soap, yet your iniquity is marked before me," says the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/jeremiah/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For though thou shalt wash thee with niter, and take thee much soap, yet thy iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/jeremiah/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For though you wash yourself with lye, and use much soap, yet your iniquity is marked before me,” says the Lord Yahweh. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/jeremiah/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />But though you wash with natron, "" And multiply soap to yourself, "" Your iniquity is marked before Me,” "" A declaration of Lord YHWH.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/jeremiah/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> But though thou dost wash with nitre, And dost multiply to thyself soap, Marked is thine iniquity before Me, An affirmation of the Lord Jehovah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/jeremiah/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For if thou shalt wash thyself with nitre, and thou shalt increase to thee cleansing, thine iniquity was graven before me, says the Lord Jehovah.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/jeremiah/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Though thou wash thyself with nitre, and multiply to thyself the herb borith, thou art stained in thy iniquity before me, saith the Lord God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/jeremiah/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Even if you wash yourself with soap, and increase your use of herbal soaps, you are still stained by your iniquity in my sight, says the Lord God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/jeremiah/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Even if you scour it with lye, and use much soap, The stain of your guilt is still before me, oracle of the Lord GOD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/jeremiah/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Though you wash yourself with lye and use much soap, the stain of your guilt is still before me, says the Lord GOD.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/jeremiah/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For though you wash yourself with nitre and use much sulphur, yet your sins within you are marked before me, says the LORD God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/jeremiah/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And if you will be whitened in niter and you multiply sulphur for yourself, your sins have defiled them among you before me, says LORD JEHOVAH God<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/jeremiah/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For though thou wash thee with nitre, And take thee much soap, Yet thine iniquity is marked before Me, Saith the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/jeremiah/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Though thou shouldest wash thyself with nitre, and multiply to thyself soap, <i>still</i> thou art stained by thine iniquities before me, saith the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/jeremiah/2-22.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5k55c51ZGhs?start=450" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/2.htm">The Consequences of Israel's Sin</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">21</span>I had planted you like a choice vine from the very best seed. How could you turn yourself before Me into a rotten, wild vine? <span class="reftext">22</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">Although</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/3526.htm" title="3526: tə·ḵab·bə·sî (V-Piel-Imperf-2fs) -- To wash. A primitive root; to trample; hence, to wash, whether literal or figurative.">you wash</a> <a href="/hebrew/5427.htm" title="5427: ban·ne·ṯer (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Natron or carbonate of soda. From nathar; mineral potash.">with lye</a> <a href="/hebrew/7235.htm" title="7235: wə·ṯar·bî- (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjImperf-2fs) -- To be or become much, many or great. A primitive root; to increase.">and use an abundance</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1287.htm" title="1287: bō·rîṯ (N-fs) -- Lye, alkali, potash, soap. Feminine of bor; vegetable alkali.">of soap,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3799.htm" title="3799: niḵ·tām (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To be stained. A primitive root; properly, to carve or engrave, i.e. to inscribe indelibly.">the stain</a> <a href="/hebrew/5771.htm" title="5771: ‘ă·wō·nêḵ (N-csc:: 2fs) -- Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity. Or oavown; from avah; perversity, i.e. evil.">of your guilt</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lə·p̄ā·nay (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">is still before Me,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/5002.htm" title="5002: nə·’um (N-msc) -- Utterance. From na'am; an oracle.">declares</a> <a href="/hebrew/136.htm" title="136: ’ă·ḏō·nāy (N-proper-ms) -- Lord. Am emphatic form of 'adown; the Lord.">the Lord</a> <a href="/hebrew/3069.htm" title="3069: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- YHWH. A variation of Yhovah.">GOD.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-16.htm">Isaiah 1:16</a></span><br />Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/51-2.htm">Psalm 51:2</a></span><br />Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/9-30.htm">Job 9:30-31</a></span><br />If I should wash myself with snow and cleanse my hands with lye, / then You would plunge me into the pit, and even my own clothes would despise me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/64-6.htm">Isaiah 64:6</a></span><br />Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/30-12.htm">Proverbs 30:12</a></span><br />There is a generation of those who are pure in their own eyes and yet unwashed of their filth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/36-25.htm">Ezekiel 36:25</a></span><br />I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/3-2.htm">Malachi 3:2-3</a></span><br />But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap. / And He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the LORD in righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-7.htm">1 John 1:7</a></span><br />But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/7-14.htm">Revelation 7:14</a></span><br />“Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-13.htm">Hebrews 9:13-14</a></span><br />For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, / how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/3-5.htm">Titus 3:5</a></span><br />He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-25.htm">Matthew 23:25-28</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. / Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well. / Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/7-14.htm">Mark 7:14-23</a></span><br />Once again Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, “All of you, listen to Me and understand: / Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him; but the things that come out of a man, these are what defile him.” / If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-11.htm">1 Corinthians 6:11</a></span><br />And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-26.htm">Ephesians 5:26</a></span><br />to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For though you wash you with nitre, and take you much soap, yet your iniquity is marked before me, said the Lord GOD.</p><p class="hdg">for though</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/9-30.htm">Job 9:30,31</a></b></br> If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean; … </p><p class="hdg">yet thine iniquity</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/16-17.htm">Jeremiah 16:17</a></b></br> For mine eyes <i>are</i> upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/17-1.htm">Jeremiah 17:1</a></b></br> The sin of Judah <i>is</i> written with a pen of iron, <i>and</i> with the point of a diamond: <i>it is</i> graven upon the table of their heart, and upon the horns of your altars;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/32-34.htm">Deuteronomy 32:34</a></b></br> <i>Is</i> not this laid up in store with me, <i>and</i> sealed up among my treasures?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/66-11.htm">Abundance</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-12.htm">Affirmation</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-15.htm">Although</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-19.htm">Declares</a> <a href="/jeremiah/1-16.htm">Evil-Doing</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-3.htm">Guilt</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-5.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-25.htm">Lye</a> <a href="/isaiah/63-3.htm">Marked</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-9.htm">Multiply</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-20.htm">Nitre</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-25.htm">Soap</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-20.htm">Soda</a> <a href="/jeremiah/1-6.htm">Sovereign</a> <a href="/isaiah/63-3.htm">Stain</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-20.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-13.htm">Use</a> <a href="/isaiah/4-4.htm">Wash</a> <a href="/isaiah/4-4.htm">Washed</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/13-22.htm">Abundance</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-29.htm">Affirmation</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-30.htm">Although</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-29.htm">Declares</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-22.htm">Evil-Doing</a> <a href="/jeremiah/3-13.htm">Guilt</a> <a href="/jeremiah/3-13.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/job/9-30.htm">Lye</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-18.htm">Marked</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-3.htm">Multiply</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-20.htm">Nitre</a> <a href="/malachi/3-2.htm">Soap</a> <a href="/job/9-30.htm">Soda</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-10.htm">Sovereign</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-11.htm">Stain</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-28.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-25.htm">Use</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-14.htm">Wash</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-34.htm">Washed</a><div class="vheading2">Jeremiah 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/2-1.htm">God having shown his former kindness, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/2-5.htm">expostulates with the people on their causeless and unexampled revolt</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/2-14.htm">They are the causes of their own calamities</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/2-18.htm">The sins and idolatries of Judah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/2-35.htm">Her confidence is rejected.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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This phrase suggests an attempt at self-cleansing or self-righteousness. The use of lye symbolizes human efforts to remove sin through external means. Biblically, this reflects the futility of trying to achieve righteousness through works alone, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/64-6.htm">Isaiah 64:6</a>, where human righteousness is compared to "filthy rags."<p><b>and use an abundance of soap</b><br>Soap, like lye, represents human attempts to cleanse oneself from sin. The emphasis on "abundance" highlights the intensity and frequency of these efforts. This can be connected to the rituals and sacrifices in the Old Testament, which were insufficient for true purification without genuine repentance and faith. <a href="/hebrews/10-4.htm">Hebrews 10:4</a> states that it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins, pointing to the need for a deeper, spiritual cleansing.<p><b>the stain of your guilt is still before Me</b><br>The "stain" signifies the indelible mark of sin that human efforts cannot erase. This imagery is consistent with the biblical theme that sin leaves a lasting impact that only God can remove. <a href="/psalms/51-2.htm">Psalm 51:2-3</a> reflects David's plea for God to wash away his iniquity, acknowledging that only divine intervention can cleanse the heart. The persistence of guilt before God underscores His omniscience and the seriousness of sin.<p><b>declares the Lord GOD</b><br>This phrase asserts the authority and finality of God's pronouncement. The use of "Lord GOD" (Yahweh Elohim) emphasizes His sovereignty and covenant relationship with Israel. It serves as a reminder that God's declarations are absolute and rooted in His character. This is consistent with the prophetic tradition, where God's word is ultimate and unchangeable, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/55-11.htm">Isaiah 55:11</a>, where God's word accomplishes what He desires.<br><br>In summary, <a href="/jeremiah/2-22.htm">Jeremiah 2:22</a> highlights the inadequacy of human efforts to cleanse sin and the necessity of divine intervention. It points to the need for a savior, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice provides the true cleansing from sin, as described in 1 <a href="/john/1-7.htm">John 1:7</a>, where the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jeremiah.htm">Jeremiah</a></b><br>A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. His ministry spanned the reigns of several kings and was marked by themes of repentance and judgment.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom of Israel, which had turned away from God and was engaging in idolatry and other sins. Jeremiah's prophecies were directed towards this nation.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord_god.htm">The Lord GOD</a></b><br>The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is both just and merciful. He calls His people to repentance and warns them of the consequences of their sin.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_ineffectiveness_of_human_efforts.htm">The Ineffectiveness of Human Efforts</a></b><br>Human attempts to cleanse oneself from sin, symbolized by "lye" and "soap," are inadequate. True cleansing comes only from God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_guilt.htm">The Reality of Guilt</a></b><br>Sin leaves a stain that is visible to God, regardless of how we try to cover it up. Acknowledging our guilt is the first step towards repentance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_call_to_repentance.htm">God's Call to Repentance</a></b><br>God, in His mercy, calls His people to recognize their sin and turn back to Him. Repentance is not just about feeling sorry but involves a change of heart and actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_necessity_of_divine_cleansing.htm">The Necessity of Divine Cleansing</a></b><br>Only God can remove the stain of sin. This points to the need for a Savior, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who provides the ultimate cleansing through His sacrifice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_in_holiness.htm">Living in Holiness</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to live lives that reflect the holiness of God, continually seeking His cleansing and guidance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_jeremiah_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_skeptics_view_coniah's_fate_change.htm">How do skeptics reconcile Jeremiah 22:24-27's prophecy against Coniah with his later release and royal favor in Babylon (2 Kings 25:27-30)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_2_kings_25_27-30_align_with_jeremiah_22_30.htm">In 2 Kings 25:27-30, Jehoiachin is freed and honored in Babylon--how does this align with Jeremiah 22:30's prophecy that his line would no longer prosper on David's throne?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_verify_jeremiah_22_5's_judgment.htm">In Jeremiah 22:5, how can one verify historically or archaeologically that God's promised judgment on the house of David came to pass exactly as stated?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_zedekiah_seek_jeremiah's_prophecy.htm">Why would King Zedekiah, who ignored God, privately seek Jeremiah's prophecy in Jeremiah 37:17, and does this align with his other actions?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/jeremiah/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(22) <span class= "bld">Nitre.</span>--The mineral alkali found in the natron lakes of Egypt that took their name from it. The Hebrew word <span class= "ital">nether </span>is the origin of the Greek <span class= "bld">and </span>English words. (Comp. <a href="/proverbs/25-20.htm" title="As he that takes away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar on nitre, so is he that singes songs to an heavy heart.">Proverbs 25:20</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">Sope.</span>--Not the compounds of alkali and oil or fat now known by the name, but the potash or alkali, obtained from the ashes of plants, which was used by itself as a powerful detergent. The thought is the same as that of <a href="/job/9-30.htm" title="If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean;">Job 9:30</a>, and, we may add, as that of <span class= "ital">Macbeth, </span>Acts 2, sc. 2 :--<p>"Will all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood<p>Clean from my hand? No; this my hand will rather<p>The multitudinous seas incarnadine,<p>Making the green one red."<p>The guilt was too strongly "marked," too "deep-dyed in grain" to be removed by any outward palliatives.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/jeremiah/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 22.</span> - 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. <a href="/proverbs/25-20.htm">Proverbs 25:20</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Sope</span>; rather, potash; the corresponding vegetable alkali (comp. <a href="/isaiah/1-25.htm">Isaiah 1:25</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Thine iniquity is marked</span>. So Kimchi and Gesenius (through a doubtful etymology); but the Aramaic use of the word favors the rendering <span class="accented">stained</span>, <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. 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'). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/jeremiah/2-22.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Although</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you wash</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּכַבְּסִי֙</span> <span class="translit">(tə·ḵab·bə·sî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3526.htm">Strong's 3526: </a> </span><span class="str2">To trample, to wash</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with lye</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּנֶּ֔תֶר</span> <span class="translit">(ban·ne·ṯer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5427.htm">Strong's 5427: </a> </span><span class="str2">Natron or carbonate of soda</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and use an abundance</span><br /><span class="heb">וְתַרְבִּי־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ṯar·bî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7235.htm">Strong's 7235: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become much, many or great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of soap,</span><br /><span class="heb">בֹּרִ֑ית</span> <span class="translit">(bō·rîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1287.htm">Strong's 1287: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lye, alkali, potash, soap</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the stain</span><br /><span class="heb">נִכְתָּ֤ם</span> <span class="translit">(niḵ·tām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3799.htm">Strong's 3799: </a> </span><span class="str2">To carve, engrave, to inscribe indelibly</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of your guilt</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲוֺנֵךְ֙</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·wō·nêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct | second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5771.htm">Strong's 5771: </a> </span><span class="str2">Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is still before Me,”</span><br /><span class="heb">לְפָנַ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(lə·p̄ā·nay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">declares</span><br /><span class="heb">נְאֻ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(nə·’um)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5002.htm">Strong's 5002: </a> </span><span class="str2">An oracle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Lord</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲדֹנָ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḏō·nāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_136.htm">Strong's 136: </a> </span><span class="str2">The Lord</span><br /><br /><span class="word">GOD.</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוִֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3069.htm">Strong's 3069: </a> </span><span class="str2">YHWH</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/jeremiah/2-22.htm">Jeremiah 2:22 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/jeremiah/2-22.htm">Jeremiah 2:22 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/jeremiah/2-22.htm">Jeremiah 2:22 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/2-22.htm">Jeremiah 2:22 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/2-22.htm">Jeremiah 2:22 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/jeremiah/2-22.htm">Jeremiah 2:22 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/jeremiah/2-22.htm">Jeremiah 2:22 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/jeremiah/2-22.htm">Jeremiah 2:22 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/jeremiah/2-22.htm">Jeremiah 2:22 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/jeremiah/2-22.htm">Jeremiah 2:22 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/jeremiah/2-22.htm">OT Prophets: Jeremiah 2:22 For though you wash yourself with lye (Jer.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/jeremiah/2-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jeremiah 2:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 2:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/jeremiah/2-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Jeremiah 2:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 2:23" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>