Ink, a substance used for writing, holds a modest yet significant place in the biblical narrative. While the Bible does not frequently mention ink, its references provide insight into the practices of writing and record-keeping in ancient times, as well as the symbolic meanings associated with written words.

Jeremiah 36:18
In the Old Testament, ink is mentioned in the context of the prophet Jeremiah's dictation to Baruch. The scribe Baruch used ink to write down the words of Jeremiah on a scroll. This passage highlights the importance of ink in preserving prophetic messages:
"So Baruch son of Neriah took a scroll and wrote on it all the words that Jeremiah had dictated to him, using ink."

2 Corinthians 3:3
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of ink to contrast the old covenant with the new covenant. He emphasizes the spiritual nature of the new covenant, which is not written with ink but with the Spirit of the living God:
"It is clear that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."

3 John 1:13
The Apostle John, in his third epistle, expresses a preference for personal communication over written correspondence, despite the availability of ink and paper. This reflects the relational aspect of early Christian communities:
"I have much to write to you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink."

Symbolism and Usage
Ink, as a medium for writing, symbolizes the permanence and authority of the written word. In biblical times, ink was typically made from soot or charcoal mixed with water and gum, and it was used with a reed pen on materials like papyrus or parchment. The use of ink in Scripture underscores the importance of recording divine revelations, legal documents, and personal correspondence.

The references to ink in the Bible, though few, serve as a reminder of the enduring nature of God's Word and the responsibility of His people to faithfully transmit His teachings. The transition from ink to the Spirit in the new covenant signifies the transformative power of God's work in the hearts of believers, moving beyond mere written words to a living, dynamic faith.Jeremiah 36:18
Then Baruch answered them, He pronounced all these words to me with his mouth, and I wrote them with ink in the book.
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2 Corinthians 3:3
For as much as you are manifestly declared to be the letter of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
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2 John 1:12
Having many things to write to you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come to you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
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3 John 1:13
I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write to you:
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The Scriptures Reveal Eternal Life through Jesus Christ
... law written without, with pen and ink, and there ... would receive the testimony that
the scriptures give of ... There was nothing more general among that people, than ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture iv the scriptures reveal.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ...
... the book of life for altering the sacred Scriptures in this ... with a view to awaken
a more general and individual ... epistles, written, not with pen and ink, but by ...
/.../chapter 10 from the close.htm

How the Books were Written.
... an iron pen which was dipped in ink composed of ... copies were made of the Sacred
Scriptures, in whole ... old manuscripts is large, and the first general division of ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter xii how the books.htm

The Approval of the Spirit
... behold him in his work in the Old Testament Scriptures. ... and say it is just paper,
ink and leather ... framing God's promises long enough," said General Booth, "and ...
/.../chapman/and judas iscariot/the approval of the spirit.htm

The Life of Sir Rob^T. Hamilton of Preston.
... it in the one hand, and pen and ink in the ... him, much in reading of the holy scriptures,
much in ... as also your public correspondences and general meetings, go to ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of sir rob%5Et.htm

God Hath Made Manifest
... and that as these are inscribed with ink, even so ... is expedient, and all virtue in
general, comprising it in ... also with respect to the other Scriptures, to take ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily i god hath made.htm

"Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. "
... the epistle of Christ, not written with ink and paper ... you would judge yourselves
according to the Scriptures, many of ... and belief of the very general truths and ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iii who walk not.htm

The Book of Enoch
... or writers were thoroughly acquainted with the Scriptures in the ... The general
introduction, which is contained in the first ... the art of writing with ink and paper ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of enoch.htm

The Plenary Inspiration of Every Part of the Bible, vindicated and ...
... would have been recognizable between the general complexion of ... the man, and the pen,
and the ink, and the ... err, because ye know not the Scriptures, neither the ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon iv the plenary inspiration.htm

The Bible
... his mouth, and I wrote them with ink in the ... Peter, corroboratively speaking of these
very Scriptures of the ... who remained alive after the general slaughter were ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/the bible.htm

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