סֹהַר
a dungeon (as surrounded by walls)
Definition
The Hebrew word סֹהַר (çôhar) refers to a secure, walled place of confinement, specifically a dungeon or prison. It describes a place where prisoners are held under guard, often within a larger structure like a house or fortress. In the Bible, it is used exclusively in the story of Joseph's imprisonment in Egypt (Genesis 39:20-23, 40:3, 40:5), where he was confined after being falsely accused. The term emphasizes the physical security and isolation of the confinement, being a place surrounded by walls.
Biblical Usage
This word is used six times, all within Genesis 39-40. It describes the specific prison where Joseph was held after Potiphar's wife falsely accused him. The usage shows a pattern: it is the 'house of the סֹהַר' (Genesis 39:20), a place under the authority of a chief jailer (Genesis 39:21-23). Later, it is the place where Pharaoh's chief cupbearer and baker are also confined (Genesis 40:3, 5). Its usage is confined to this narrative context of Egyptian imprisonment.
Etymology
סֹהַר (çôhar) is derived from the same root as סַהַר (sahar, H5469), which means 'roundness' or 'dome.' This suggests the core idea of something that is rounded, encircled, or enclosed. The noun form çôhar thus developed the meaning of a 'round house' or an 'enclosed place,' which fits its usage as a walled dungeon.
Semantic Range
While the word itself describes a physical prison, its exclusive use in Joseph's story gives it theological significance. Joseph's time in the סֹהַר becomes a pivotal stage in God's providential plan. Despite being in a place of shame and confinement, Genesis 39:21 states 'the LORD was with Joseph,' showing God's presence and favor even in the darkest circumstances. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of Joseph's story by highlighting the stark contrast between his physical imprisonment and his spiritual freedom and God's active work to elevate him.
In the ancient Near East, prisons were not always institutions for long-term punishment as in modern times. They were often holding cells for political prisoners, those awaiting trial, or slaves being disciplined. The 'house of the סֹהַר' in Genesis was likely a secure room or cell within Potiphar's house or an associated administrative building, under the control of a high-ranking official like the captain of the guard.
בֵּית הָאֲסוּרִים (bêyth haʾăsûrîym, H1004) — a more general phrase meaning 'house of the prisoners.' כֶּלֶא (keleʾ, H3615) — a more general term for a prison, enclosure, or confinement.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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