בּוֹר (bor)
bor
pit; Cistern
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 47 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun bor refers to a dug-out hole in the ground, most commonly serving as a cistern or well for storing water. In the ancient Near East, these structures were vital for survival in dry climates, yet they also carried negative connotations of confinement and danger. The sources note that bor is used literally for water-holding pits but extends metaphorically to describe a dungeon or even the grave, emphasizing a place of entrapment or deep descent.
Its usage spans both narrative and poetic texts, appearing frequently in Jeremiah and Genesis. A notable example occurs in 2 Samuel 3:26, where it identifies a specific location known as the "cistern of Sirah," showing its application in proper names for real-world sites. The word often evokes imagery of being stuck or submerged, whether in literal water or metaphorical despair.
Translators typically render bor as "pit," "cistern," or "dungeon" depending on context. When used poetically, it frequently symbolizes trouble or death, such as when a psalmist cries out from the depths of a pit. This dual nature—providing life-giving water while also representing a trap—makes it a rich term for describing both physical necessity and spiritual peril.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word bor describes a dug-out hole in the ground, serving as a cistern for water or a place of confinement. In ancient Israel, these pits were vital for survival in dry climates, yet they also carried heavy connotations of danger and entrapment. This dual nature reflects our own experiences: we seek sources of life and refreshment, but we often find ourselves stuck in situations that feel like deep wells with no easy exit.
Scripture uses this imagery to show both God’s provision and human despair. When the psalmist prays not to become like those who go down into the pit (Psalm 143:7), he acknowledges the fear of being cut off from help. Yet, even in the darkest depths, the narrative of Joseph reminds us that what was meant for harm can be turned toward deliverance. We are never truly beyond reach.
When you feel trapped by circumstances or inner turmoil, remember that God sees you in your pit. He is the one who opens ways where there seem to be none. Trust that Your presence brings clarity and hope, even when the path upward feels steep and uncertain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 47 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ cistern8×
- the/ pit7×
- [the] pit7×
- a pit3×
- wells2×
- own cistern/ his2×
- in the/ pit2×
- from/ [the] well of2×
- the/ well1×
- the/ pits1×
- the/ pit/ towards1×
- the/ cistern of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/בּ֑וֹר5×
- הַ/בּ֖וֹר4×
- בֽוֹר\׃4×
- הַ/בּ֔וֹר3×
- בוֹרֽ/וֹ\׃2×
- ב֖וֹר2×
- מִ/בּוֹרֶ֑/ךָ1×
- מִ/בּ֥וֹר1×
- מִ/בּ֤וֹר1×
- מִ/בּ֣וֹר1×
- מִ/בּ֖וֹר1×
- מִ/בּ֔וֹר1×
Key Verses
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Psalms 143:7
Hurry to answer me, Yahweh. My spirit fails. Don’t hide your face from me, so that I don’t become like those who go down into the pit.
The psalmist uses the pit to express the terror of spiritual isolation and the urgent need for God's immediate response.
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Genesis 37:24
and they took him, and threw him into the pit. The pit was empty. There was no water in it.
This verse highlights the emptiness and danger of the pit, setting the stage for Joseph’s journey from despair to divine purpose.
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Psalms 28:1
By David. To you, Yahweh, I call. My rock, don’t be deaf to me, lest, if you are silent to me, I would become like those who go down into the pit.
David fears becoming like those who descend into the pit if God remains silent, linking the pit with death and abandonment.
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Genesis 41:14
Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon. He shaved himself, changed his clothing, and came in to Pharaoh.
Joseph’s release from the dungeon shows how God can lift someone out of confinement to a place of influence and restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word bor mean?
Why is the pit mentioned in Psalms?
How is bor used in the story of Joseph?
Does bor always mean a bad place?
Every Occurrence (47 verses across 17 books)
Genesis 7 verses
Come now therefore, and let’s kill him, and cast him into one of the pits, and we will say, ‘An evil animal has…
Genesis 37:22Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood. Throw him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him”—that he…
Genesis 37:24and they took him, and threw him into the pit. The pit was empty. There was no water in it.
Genesis 37:28Midianites who were merchants passed by, and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the…
Genesis 37:29Reuben returned to the pit, and saw that Joseph wasn’t in the pit; and he tore his clothes.
Genesis 40:15For indeed, I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also I have done nothing that they should put me…
Genesis 41:14Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon. He shaved himself, changed his…