בּוֹר

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

Definition

The Hebrew noun בּוֹר (bôwr) primarily refers to a pit or hole dug in the ground. Its most common meaning is a cistern, a man-made pit for collecting and storing rainwater (e.g., Jeremiah 2:13). However, it often describes a dry or empty cistern used as a prison or dungeon, as seen in the story of Joseph, who was thrown into a בּוֹר (Genesis 37:20-24). The word can also refer to a grave or a metaphorical pit of destruction, representing death or Sheol (Psalm 28:1). In a few instances, it is used synonymously for a well or spring (2 Samuel 23:15-16), though this is less frequent.

Biblical Usage

בּוֹר appears 65 times across the Old Testament, most frequently in the historical books (Genesis, Jeremiah) and wisdom literature (Psalms, Proverbs). It is used literally for physical pits, cisterns, and prisons. In the Prophets, it often carries a metaphorical sense, symbolizing exile, destruction, or death (e.g., Jeremiah 38:6). The Psalms use it poetically for distress or the grave (Psalm 40:2). A key pattern is its dual use for life-sustaining water storage and life-threatening imprisonment or death.

Etymology

Derived from the root בּוּר (bûr, H952), meaning 'to bore' or 'to dig out.' It is related to בְּאֵר (be'er, H877), 'a well,' sharing the core concept of a dug-out place. The development from the action of digging to the noun for the resulting hole or pit is straightforward.

Semantic Range

בּוֹר is a theologically significant word because it powerfully illustrates both human treachery and divine salvation. Joseph's pit (Genesis 37) becomes a symbol of betrayal yet also the starting point of God's redemptive plan. In the Prophets, empty cisterns symbolize idolatry and spiritual bankruptcy (Jeremiah 2:13). The 'pit' is a frequent metaphor for mortal danger, despair, and Sheol, making God's act of drawing someone up from the בּוֹר a potent image of rescue and redemption (Psalm 30:3). Understanding this range of meaning enriches readings of judgment, lament, and salvation.

In ancient Israel's arid climate, cisterns (בּוֹר) were vital for survival, lined with plaster to collect rainwater. An empty or broken cistern was useless and dangerous. Using a dry cistern as a makeshift prison, as with Joseph and Jeremiah, was a known practice. This cultural reality gives force to the metaphorical uses: a broken cistern could not hold water, just as idols could not provide for spiritual needs, and a prison pit was a place of helplessness.

שַׁחַת (shachath, H7845) — a pit of corruption or destruction, often more abstract. בְּאֵר (be'er, H877) — a well or spring, typically with flowing water. בּוֹר (bor, H953) — a dug pit, often for storage or as a trap. גּוּב (gub, H1356) — a pit or ditch, less common.

Word Details

Scripture References