אָסִיר (a.sir)
a.sir
prisoner
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Definition
Definition
Brown-Driver-Briggs
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word asir describes a person bound in chains or confined within walls. In ancient times, this was a state of total vulnerability, where freedom depended entirely on another’s will. Yet Scripture often uses this image to show that human confinement cannot limit God’s care. Even in the darkest cells, divine attention remains present.
When you feel trapped by circumstances, illness, or fear, this word reminds you that your situation does not define your standing with God. The psalmist and prophets speak of prisoners who find peace not because their chains vanish instantly, but because they realize they are held by a faithful Creator. Your hope is not in the absence of struggle, but in the presence of One who sees you.
Zechariah offers a striking invitation to those in pain: turn to the stronghold and be prisoners of hope. This does not mean ignoring your reality, but anchoring your heart in God’s promise of restoration. You are seen, you are known, and you are never alone in your confinement.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] prisoners of2×
- the/ prisoners1×
- prisoners/ your1×
- prisoners/ his1×
- prisoners of1×
- prisoners1×
- O prisoners of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֲסִירֵ֖י2×
- הָ֣/אֲסִירִ֔ם1×
- אֲסִירָ֖י/ו1×
- אֲסִירַ֙יִ/ךְ֙1×
- אֲסִירֵ֥י1×
- אֲסִירִ֣ים1×
- אֲסִ֥ירֵי1×
Key Verses
-
Zechariah 9:12
Turn to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope! Even today I declare that I will restore double to you.
This verse redefines the identity of a prisoner not by their chains but by their hope, inviting them to look toward God’s strength rather than their own weakness.
-
Job 3:18
There the prisoners are at ease together. They don’t hear the voice of the taskmaster.
Here the term highlights a surprising peace found in death or deep suffering, where the noise of oppression finally ceases and rest becomes possible.
-
Genesis 39:20
Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were bound, and he was there in custody.
This occurrence shows Joseph’s initial placement in custody, illustrating how false accusations can lead to confinement before God’s purpose unfolds.