אֵסוּר

אֵסוּר

a bond (especially manacles of a prisoner)

Definition

The Hebrew noun אֵסוּר (ʼêçûwr) refers to a physical bond or fetter, specifically the manacles or chains used to restrain a prisoner. It denotes a binding constraint that restricts freedom, as seen when Samson's bonds 'became as flax that was burnt with fire' (Judges 15:14). In Ecclesiastes, the term is used metaphorically to describe the binding power of folly or a seductive woman that can ensnare a person (Ecclesiastes 7:26). It consistently conveys the idea of a powerful, confining restraint, whether literal or figurative.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only four times in the Old Testament. Its usage is split between literal and metaphorical contexts. Literally, it describes the physical bonds on Samson (Judges 15:14) and the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 37:15). Metaphorically, in Ecclesiastes, it describes the binding constraint of poverty from which a youth rises to kingship (Ecclesiastes 4:14) and the snares of a sinful woman (Ecclesiastes 7:26). It is used exclusively in poetic or narrative books, not in legal texts.

Etymology

אֵסוּר is a noun derived from the common Hebrew root אָסַר (ʼâsar, H631), meaning 'to bind, tie, or imprison.' This root is used for everything from tying animals (Genesis 49:11) to taking an oath. The noun form specifically denotes the resulting state or instrument of binding—the bond or fetter itself.

Semantic Range

This word enriches the biblical theme of bondage and deliverance. Literal bonds, like those on Samson and Jeremiah, highlight human oppression and God's power to break them (Judges 15:14). Metaphorically, it illustrates the spiritual and moral bondage of sin and folly (Ecclesiastes 7:26), pointing to the need for divine wisdom and redemption. Understanding this Hebrew term deepens the contrast between human constraint and God's liberating power. In the ancient Near East, prisoners were often bound with ropes, leather thongs, or metal manacles. אֵסוּר likely referred to these tangible, often brutal, instruments of control and humiliation. A prisoner's bonds were a public sign of subjugation and loss of autonomy. The metaphorical use draws directly from this concrete cultural reality, making the concept of being 'bound' by sin or circumstance vividly understandable. מוֹסֵר (môçêr, H4147) — a bond or fetter, often used in parallel with אֵסוּר (Psalm 2:3), but can also mean 'instruction' or 'discipline.' עֲבֹת (ʻăbōth, H5688) — a thick cord or rope used for binding, more general than manacles. אֲסִיר (ʼăçîyr, H616) — a bound one, a prisoner or captive, focusing on the person rather than the restraint.

Word Details