Definition: For though thou wash thee with nitre, and take thee much soap, [yet] thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord GOD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 2:22. It’s a really powerful and somewhat unsettling part of the book! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that even if someone tries to make themselves clean – uses lots of soap, washes their hands with special stuff – God still sees all their wrongdoings. It’s a strong statement about God’s judgment and His unwavering watchfulness. Let's unpack it word by word: "Jeremiah 2:22" : This is the specific passage we’re looking at. It’s from the Old Testament book of Jeremiah. “For though thou washest thee with nitre, and take theeth much soap” : This part describes a very elaborate cleansing ritual – using lots of soap and water to try to wash away all their sins. “Nitrure” is a Hebrew word that means ‘bitter’ or ‘strong’. “[Yet] thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord GOD.” This is the crucial part. "Iniquity" literally translates to “sin” or “wrongdoing.” The Lord God says this – this whole cleansing ritual – is showing Him what they’ve done. Putting it all together: Jeremiah is telling us that God doesn't give up on people, even when they're trying their best to be clean. He sees everything they’ve done, even the worst of it. It’s a reminder that God is always watching and judging. What does this mean practically? This verse can be interpreted in a few ways: Judgment: It suggests God will ultimately judge people for their sins, regardless of how hard they try to hide them. Focus on Righteousness: It emphasizes the importance of living a righteous life – striving to do what is right and holy – because it's God’s way of showing that you are truly pleasing to Him. Important Note: This verse isn't meant to be discouraging! It's also a reminder of God's unwavering love and justice. He wants to protect His people, even when they struggle with sin. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this verse might be used in stories or literature?