סֹ֫הַר (so.har)
so.har
prison
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun sohar refers to a place of confinement, specifically described in ancient lexicons as a "roundhouse" or a circular enclosure. While it translates generally to "prison," its physical shape distinguishes it from other Hebrew words for detention centers. This structural detail suggests a confined, perhaps isolated space, emphasizing the total restriction of movement for those held within.
This term appears six times in the Hebrew Bible, with the majority of occurrences found in Genesis. It is notably used to describe the place where Joseph was kept after being accused by Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:20). The specific use of sohar here highlights the abrupt transition from favor to imprisonment, marking a period of waiting and uncertainty before his eventual rise to power.
Translators typically render sohar as "prison" or "dungeon," capturing the essence of captivity without necessarily conveying the architectural nuance. The word’s limited usage in Scripture focuses attention on specific historical moments of confinement rather than establishing a broad theological category for incarceration. Its presence in the Joseph narrative serves as a concrete setting for divine providence working through human suffering.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word sohar describes a specific type of confinement, often understood as a circular enclosure or roundhouse. In the story of Joseph, this is where he was held after being falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife. The physical shape of such a place suggests total restriction, cutting off any easy escape and leaving the prisoner in a state of waiting.
Yet, this setting becomes a backdrop for God’s quiet faithfulness. Even within these walls, Joseph found favor with the keeper and was given responsibility over other prisoners. This word reminds us that our current circumstances, however confining they may feel, do not limit God’s presence or His ability to work through difficult seasons.
When life feels like a closed circle, we can look to Joseph’s example. He did not know what lay ahead, but he remained faithful in the present moment. This word encourages us that God sees us even in our most isolated times, preparing us for purposes we cannot yet see.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ prison8×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/סֹּֽהַר\׃3×
- הַ/סֹּ֑הַר2×
- הַ/סֹּ֙הַר֙1×
- הַ/סֹּ֗הַר1×
- הַ/סֹּ֔הַר1×
Key Verses
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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 verse establishes the setting where Joseph’s sudden fall from favor leads to confinement, marking a pivotal turn in his narrative.
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Genesis 39:21
But Yahweh was with Joseph, and showed kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
Here, the text highlights that despite being in the sohar, Yahweh was with Joseph, showing kindness and securing him favor with the jailer.
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Genesis 40:5
They both dreamed a dream, each man his dream, in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the cup bearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were bound in the prison.
The cupbearer and baker are described as bound in this same prison, linking their dreams and subsequent interpretations to Joseph’s own experience of confinement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does sohar mean in the Bible?
How is sohar different from other words for prison?
Why is sohar important in Genesis?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 1 books)
Genesis 6 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 39:21But Yahweh was with Joseph, and showed kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
Genesis 39:22The keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever they did there,…
Genesis 39:23The keeper of the prison didn’t look after anything that was under his hand, because Yahweh was with him; and that…
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…