Lexical Summary sohar: Prison, dungeon Original Word: סֹהַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance prison From the same as cahar; a dungeon (as surrounded by walls) -- prison. see HEBREW cahar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as sahar Definition perhaps roundness NASB Translation jail* (5), jailer* (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs סֹ֫הַר noun [masculine] roundness (?); — only in ׳בֵּית הַמּ Genesis 39:20 (twice in verse); Genesis 39:21,22,23 (all J), Genesis 40:3,5 (RJ), the round house (name of a prison: but ׳ס perhaps an Egyptian word Hebraized, compare Dr in HastingsDB ii.768 n. and EbÄg. M. 318 f.). Topical Lexicon Overview The noun סֹהַר designates the royal holding facility of Egypt where Joseph was incarcerated. All eight uses occur within Genesis 39–40, forming a tightly focused narrative unit that highlights God’s providence in confinement and elevation. Occurrences in Genesis • Genesis 39:20 (twice) – Joseph is taken “to the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. So he remained there in the prison.” Narrative Function The prison marks the lowest outward point in Joseph’s descent—from favored son to slave to falsely accused inmate—yet it simultaneously becomes the stage for divine favor. Within its walls Joseph’s administrative gifting is recognized, relationships are forged that later open the doors of Pharaoh’s court, and the covenant promise of Genesis 37 moves forward. The repeated reference to the prison intensifies the dramatic tension: although confined, Joseph exercises increasing authority, illustrating how God’s purpose overrides human injustice. Historical Background Ancient Egyptian prisons were generally attached to military or governmental complexes rather than operating as independent penitentiaries. Confinement awaited trial or sentence; long-term incarceration was rare. That Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker share Joseph’s quarters indicates a high-security royal facility overseen by the “captain of the guard” (likely Potiphar himself, Genesis 39:1; 40:3). Archaeological evidence from Middle and New Kingdom texts describes such guardhouses used for political detainees, aligning with the biblical portrayal of a place reserved for court officials. Theological Themes Providence in Adversity Genesis 39:21–23 makes explicit what might otherwise seem hidden: “the Lord was with Joseph.” The prison becomes a microcosm of God’s sovereignty, demonstrating that no circumstance lies outside His redemptive control (Romans 8:28). Testing and Preparation Joseph’s management of prisoners anticipates his later stewardship of Egypt’s grain. Faithfulness in obscurity proves essential training for public leadership (Luke 16:10). Typology of Christ Joseph’s unjust suffering, righteous character, and subsequent exaltation foreshadow Jesus Christ, who was “numbered with the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:12) yet rose to sovereign authority (Philippians 2:8–11). The prison thus participates in the larger biblical pattern of humiliation preceding glory. Reversal of Fortunes The repeated mention that Joseph “found favor” spotlights God’s ability to reverse human verdicts. Psalm 105:18–20 recalls this episode: “His feet were confined with shackles… until his word came to pass; the word of the Lord proved him true. The king sent and released him.” Lessons for Ministry Compassionate Outreach The Lord’s presence in confinement encourages prison ministry. Hebrews 13:3 exhorts believers to “remember those in prison as if you were bound with them.” Joseph models active concern for fellow inmates, listening to their dreams and offering hope. Leadership Under Constraint Christian leaders often face limiting situations—organizational, cultural, or physical. Joseph’s stewardship under confinement urges diligence and integrity regardless of setting, trusting God to broaden influence in His timing. Hope for the Oppressed Believers suffering injustice can draw strength from Joseph’s story: earthly chains cannot shackle divine purpose. Prayerful dependence and excellence in small tasks prepare the way for eventual vindication. Conclusion Every instance of סֹהַר in Genesis underscores that what appears to be a dead end can become a divine passageway. The prison that confined Joseph ultimately connected him to Pharaoh’s palace, safeguarding the patriarchal family and advancing God’s covenant plan. Through this repeated motif Scripture teaches that the Lord remains present, purposeful, and powerful—even behind the bars of human limitation. Forms and Transliterations הַסֹּ֑הַר הַסֹּ֔הַר הַסֹּ֗הַר הַסֹּ֙הַר֙ הַסֹּֽהַר׃ הסהר הסהר׃ has·sō·har hasSohar hassōharLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 39:20 HEB: אֶל־ בֵּ֣ית הַסֹּ֔הַר מְק֕וֹם אֲשֶׁר־ INT: about court prison the place where Genesis 39:20 Genesis 39:21 Genesis 39:22 Genesis 39:22 Genesis 39:23 Genesis 40:3 Genesis 40:5 8 Occurrences |
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