אָסַר (a.sar)
a.sar
to bind
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 51 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb asar means to tie, bind, or fasten something securely. It covers a wide range of physical actions, from harnessing animals to vehicles and binding sacrifices, to tying people with ropes or fetters. The word appears frequently in narratives about imprisonment, such as the binding of Joseph’s brothers (Genesis 42:24) or Samson’s capture by the Philistines (Judges 16:21).
Its meaning extends beyond literal restraint into legal and spiritual realms. In Numbers 30, it describes a father or husband binding themselves with an oath or vow, creating a solemn obligation that must be kept. This figurative use shows how the physical act of tying translates into binding commitments in social and religious life.
The sources note a rare, late usage where asar means to gird oneself for battle, linking the idea of securing clothing to preparing for conflict. Translators often render it as "bind," "imprison," or "harness" depending on context. The consistent thread is the concept of restriction or connection, whether through ropes, vows, or military readiness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word asar describes the physical act of binding, whether it is tying a chariot to oxen or securing a prisoner with ropes. In Genesis 42:24, Joseph’s brother Simeon was bound before the others’ eyes, a moment that carried heavy emotional weight and lasting consequence. This imagery reminds us that our words and actions have tangible effects on those around us, creating bonds of trust or barriers of restriction.
Beyond physical restraint, asar also applies to vows and commitments. When Numbers 30 describes binding oneself with an oath, it highlights the seriousness of keeping one’s word. In your daily life, this invites you to consider how you tie yourself to promises. Are your commitments secure? This word encourages integrity, showing that what we bind ourselves to should reflect faithfulness and truth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 51 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he bound/ him4×
- will you be bound3×
- to/ bind3×
- harness3×
- and/ they bound/ him3×
- and/ he bound3×
- tied up2×
- those/ imprisoned2×
- and/ she bound/ him2×
- and/ he harnessed2×
- and/ he confined/ him2×
- [were] imprisoned2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לֶ/אְסֹ֣ר2×
- וַ/יַּאַסְרֵ֙/הוּ֙2×
- וַ/יֶּאְסֹ֖ר2×
- תֵּאָסֵֽר\׃1×
- תֵּאָסֵ֑ר1×
- תֵאָסֵ֖ר1×
- נֶֽאֱסָרְ/ךָ֙1×
- לַֽ/אֲסוּרִים֙1×
- לֶ/אֱסָרְ/ךָ֣1×
- לֶ/אֱס֤וֹר1×
- יַאַסְרֻ֗/נִי1×
- יַאַסְר֙וּ/נִי֙1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 42:24
He turned himself away from them, and wept. Then he returned to them, and spoke to them, and took Simeon from among them, and bound him before their eyes.
This verse shows the emotional impact of binding when Joseph physically restrains Simeon as proof of his brothers’ honesty.
-
Judges 16:21
The Philistines laid hold on him and put out his eyes; and they brought him down to Gaza and bound him with fetters of bronze; and he ground at the mill in the prison.
Samson’s binding with bronze fetters illustrates total loss of freedom and strength, contrasting with his earlier divine power.
-
Genesis 49:11
Binding his foal to the vine, his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, he has washed his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.
Jacob’s blessing uses binding imagery to depict future abundance and peace, where even animals are securely tied to resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does asar mean in Genesis 42?
Is asar only about imprisonment?
How is asar different from other words for bind?
Every Occurrence (51 verses across 14 books)
Genesis 8 verses
Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were bound, and he was…
Genesis 40:3He put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.
Genesis 40:5They both dreamed a dream, each man his dream, in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the…
Genesis 42:16Send one of you, and let him get your brother, and you shall be bound, that your words may be tested, whether there is…
Genesis 42:19If you are honest men, then let one of your brothers be bound in your prison; but you go, carry grain for the famine of…
Genesis 42:24He turned himself away from them, and wept. Then he returned to them, and spoke to them, and took Simeon from among…
Genesis 46:29Joseph prepared his chariot, and went up to meet Israel, his father, in Goshen. He presented himself to him, and fell…
Genesis 49:11Binding his foal to the vine, his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, he has washed his garments in wine, his robes in…