The term "dungeon-house" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, the concept of a dungeon or a place of confinement is present throughout the Scriptures. In biblical times, dungeons were often used as places of imprisonment and were typically dark, damp, and oppressive. They served as holding places for those awaiting trial or punishment and were often located underground or within fortified structures.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, dungeons are mentioned in several narratives. One of the most notable references is found in the account of Joseph. After being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, Joseph was cast into a prison, which is often understood to be a dungeon-like setting. Genesis 39:20 states, "So Joseph’s master took him and had him thrown into the prison where the king’s prisoners were confined. So Joseph was there in the prison."

Another significant mention is in the book of Jeremiah. The prophet Jeremiah was imprisoned multiple times for his prophecies against Jerusalem. In Jeremiah 38:6 , it is recorded, "So they took Jeremiah and dropped him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king’s son, which was in the courtyard of the guard. They lowered Jeremiah by ropes into the cistern; it had no water, only mud, and Jeremiah sank into the mud." This cistern functioned as a dungeon, highlighting the harsh conditions faced by prisoners.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, dungeons are implied in the accounts of the apostles' imprisonments. The Apostle Paul, for instance, experienced imprisonment on several occasions. In Acts 16:24 , after Paul and Silas were beaten, they were thrown into prison: "On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks." The "inner cell" suggests a more secure and isolated part of the prison, akin to a dungeon.

Symbolic and Theological Implications

Dungeons in the Bible often symbolize the trials and tribulations faced by God's people. They serve as a backdrop for demonstrating faithfulness and divine deliverance. For example, Joseph's rise from the dungeon to a position of power in Egypt illustrates God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises. Similarly, the miraculous release of Paul and Silas from prison in Acts 16 underscores the power of prayer and worship, even in dire circumstances.

Theologically, dungeons can also represent spiritual bondage and the darkness of sin. The liberation from such places, whether physical or spiritual, is a testament to God's redemptive power and His ability to bring light into the darkest situations.

Cultural and Historical Insights

Historically, dungeons were part of the broader penal system in ancient Near Eastern cultures. They were often located within city walls or royal palaces and were used to detain political prisoners, debtors, and those accused of serious crimes. The conditions in these dungeons were typically harsh, reflecting the limited rights and protections afforded to prisoners at the time.

In summary, while the term "dungeon-house" is not directly mentioned in the Bible, the concept is woven throughout the biblical narrative, serving as a powerful symbol of trial, endurance, and divine intervention.Dungeon-house (1 Occurrence)

Jeremiah 37:16
When Jeremiah was come into the dungeon-house, and into the cells, and Jeremiah had remained there many days;
(ASV JPS)

Dungeon-house (1 Occurrence)
Dungeon-house. Dungeon, Dungeon-house. Dungeons . Multi-Version
Concordance Dungeon-house (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 37 ...
/d/dungeon-house.htm - 6k

Dungeon (15 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 37:16 When Jeremiah was come into the dungeonhouse, and into the cells,
and Jeremiah had remained there many days; (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS ...
/d/dungeon.htm - 12k

Cabin
... East the prison often consisted of a pit (compare "dungeon-house" the Revised ... The
phrase "and into the cells" seems superfluous after "into the dungeonhouse.". ...
/c/cabin.htm - 7k

Vaulted (6 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 37:16 When Jeremiah was come into the dungeonhouse, and into the cells,
and Jeremiah had remained there many days; (See NAS NIV). ...
/v/vaulted.htm - 8k

Dungeons (1 Occurrence)

/d/dungeons.htm - 6k

Cell (8 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 37:16 When Jeremiah was come into the dungeonhouse, and into the cells,
and Jeremiah had remained there many days; (Root in WEB JPS ASV YLT NAS RSV ...
/c/cell.htm - 9k

Cells (24 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Jeremiah 37:16 When Jeremiah was come into the dungeonhouse, and into the
cells, and Jeremiah had remained there many days; (WEB JPS ASV YLT RSV). ...
/c/cells.htm - 14k

Jeremiah (141 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 37:16 When Jeremiah was come into the dungeonhouse, and into the cells,
and Jeremiah had remained there many days; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT ...
/j/jeremiah.htm - 75k

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