Vinegar: Heb. hometz, Gr. oxos, Fr. vin aigre; i.e., "sour wine." The Hebrew
word is rendered vinegar in
(Psalms 69:21) a prophecy fulfilled in the
history of the crucifixion
(Matthew 27:34) This was the common sour wine
(posea) daily made use of by the Roman soldiers. They gave it to
Christ, not in derision, but from compassion, to assuage his thirst.
(Proverbs 10:26) shows that there was also a stronger vinegar, which was not
fit for drinking. The comparison, "vinegar upon nitre," probably
means "vinegar upon soda" (as in the marg. of the R.V.), which then
effervesces.
