Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(burnt in). Ancient ink heavy and thick and carried in an ink-horn (Jer. 36:18; Ezek. 9:2).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
We know from the papyrus rolls discovered in Egypt that writing with pen, or reed, and ink was practiced in early days. Jeremiah caused Baruch to write in a book with ink the denunciations against Israel and Judah (Jer. 36:18). The horn that contained the ink was carried in the girdle, as it is in some parts of the East to this day (Ezek. 9:2-3,11).
Strong’s Dictionary of Greek Words:
Meaning:
neuter of 3189 as noun; ink
“552. Ink” From Manners and Customs of the Bible:
Jeremiah 36:18. He pronounced all these words unto me with his mouth, and I wrote them with ink in the book.
1. The ink of the ancients was usually composed of lampblack, soot, or pulverized charcoal, prepared with gum and water. It was sold in small particles or grains. When needed for use some of the grains were put into the inkhorn, (see note on Ezekiel 9:2, #570) and mixed with water until the mixture became of the consistence of our modern printer’s ink. It was of an intense glossy black, retaining its color for ages, yet easily obliterated with sponge and water. This is thought to be referred to in Numbers 5:23, and Col. 2:14. The ink still used in the East is mostly of this character.
Ink is also mentioned in 2 Corinthians 3:3; 2 John 12, and 3 John 13.
2. For a description of books, see note on Job 19:23-24 (#414).
“888. Ink - Pens” From Manners and Customs of the Bible:
3 John 13. I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee.
1. For a description of the ink used in the East, see note on Jeremiah 36:18 (#552).
2. There were two sorts of pens. One was of iron, for use on metallic or waxed plates. See Jeremiah 17:1 and notes on Job 19:23-24 (#414) and on Luke 1:63 (#750). The other was a reed pointed in the same manner as the quill pens of modern times, though not usually slit. This was used with the ink for writing on parchment, or on papyrus.