In the context of the Bible, the concept of an "inmate" as understood in modern terms—someone confined to a prison or jail—can be explored through various scriptural references to imprisonment and captivity. The Bible contains numerous accounts of individuals who were imprisoned, often unjustly, and these narratives provide insight into the spiritual and moral dimensions of confinement.

Old Testament References

1. Joseph: One of the earliest and most notable examples of imprisonment in the Bible is the account of Joseph. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph eventually found favor in Egypt but was falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and imprisoned. Despite his circumstances, Joseph maintained his faith in God, and his time in prison became a pivotal period for his eventual rise to power. Genesis 39:20-21 states, "So Joseph’s master took him and had him thrown into the prison where the king’s prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden."

2. Jeremiah: The prophet Jeremiah was also imprisoned for his prophecies against Jerusalem. His experiences highlight the persecution faced by those who speak God's truth. Jeremiah 37:15-16 recounts, "The officials were angry with Jeremiah, and they beat him and put him in jail in the house of Jonathan the scribe, for it had been made into a prison. So Jeremiah went into a cell in the dungeon and remained there a long time."

New Testament References

1. John the Baptist: Imprisoned by Herod Antipas for his bold condemnation of Herod's unlawful marriage, John the Baptist's imprisonment ultimately led to his martyrdom. His steadfastness in the face of persecution is a testament to his unwavering commitment to God's message. Matthew 14:3-4 notes, "Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because John had been telling him, 'It is not lawful for you to have her.'"

2. Paul and Silas: The Apostle Paul, along with Silas, experienced imprisonment multiple times during their missionary journeys. Their imprisonment in Philippi is particularly significant, as it led to the conversion of the jailer and his household. Acts 16:25-26 describes, "About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose."

Theological Implications

Imprisonment in the Bible often serves as a backdrop for demonstrating God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Those who are unjustly confined frequently experience divine intervention, which not only leads to their deliverance but also serves as a powerful witness to others. The narratives of biblical inmates underscore themes of perseverance, faith, and the transformative power of God's presence even in the darkest circumstances.

Spiritual Freedom

While physical imprisonment is a recurring theme, the Bible also emphasizes spiritual freedom through Christ. Jesus proclaimed liberation for the captives, as seen in Luke 4:18 : "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed." This spiritual liberation is available to all, regardless of physical circumstances, and is a central tenet of the Christian faith.

In summary, the concept of an inmate in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing both literal and spiritual dimensions. Through the accounts of biblical figures who endured imprisonment, believers are encouraged to trust in God's providence and to seek the ultimate freedom found in Christ.1. (n.) One who lives in the same house or apartment with another; a fellow lodger; esp., one of the occupants of an asylum, hospital, or prison; by extension, one who occupies or lodges in any place or dwelling.

2. (a.) Admitted as a dweller; resident; internal.

8453. toshab -- a sojourner
... a dweller (but not outlandish (nokriy)); especially (as distinguished from a native
citizen (active participle of yashab) and a temporary inmate (ger) or mere ...
/hebrew/8453.htm - 6k

John Chapter xi. 55-57; xii
... Because many have their door-posts sealed while there is no inmate abiding within:
they find it easy to have Christ's seal in the forehead, and yet at heart ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate l john chapter xi.htm

Faustus Recurs to the Genealogical Difficulty and Insists that ...
... of God till we come to the baptism; so that it is an injurious misrepresentation
on your part to speak of this writer as making the Son of God the inmate of a ...
/.../faustus recurs to the genealogical.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... fetch large cargoes of incense, and from time to time some Ilim chief would feel
himself honoured by having one of his daughters accepted as an inmate of the ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

Of Love to God
... God will not be an inmate, to have only one room in the heart, and all
the other rooms let out to sin. It must be an entire love. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/of love to god.htm

Opening Thoughts.
... We can picture Him as the inmate of a peaceful family, spirit blending with spirit
in sanctified communion. We can mark the tenderness of His holy humanity. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/i opening thoughts.htm

Introduction.
... name of Peregrinus, but Gennadius of Marseilles, [398] who flourished ad495, some
sixty years after its date, ascribes it to Vincentius, an inmate of the ...
/.../vincent/the commonitory of vincent of lerins/introduction.htm

It is not Enough that God Know us to be Chaste: we must Seem So ...
... even from the outside it may gaze, as it were, upon its own furniture, [268] "(a
furniture) such as to be suited to retain faith as its inmate perpetually. ...
/.../tertullian/on the apparel of women/chapter xiii it is not enough.htm

Mrs. Hsi's Gift
... She had taken every precaution and had, on three occasions, sent for him on plea
of her own illness during the time he was an inmate in the foreigner's ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter i mrs hsis gift.htm

The Great Furnace for a Great Soul
... She was now eight years old and permission was readily granted, so to Hwochow she
went and became an inmate of the Christian household there, her name being ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xi the great furnace.htm

A Believer's Privilege at Death
... It is an inmate that is always quarrelling; like Marcellus, that Roman captain,
of whom Hannibal said, whether he beat or was beaten, he would never be quiet. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 a believers privilege at.htm

Inmate (1 Occurrence)
... or dwelling. 2. (a.) Admitted as a dweller; resident; internal. Multi-Version
Concordance Inmate (1 Occurrence). Exodus 3:22 but ...
/i/inmate.htm - 7k

Inmost (49 Occurrences)

/i/inmost.htm - 20k

Utensils (72 Occurrences)
... Exodus 3:22 but every woman shall ask of her neighbour, and of her that is the inmate
of her house, utensils of silver, and utensils of gold, and clothing; and ...
/u/utensils.htm - 28k

Inlets (4 Occurrences)

/i/inlets.htm - 7k

Brethren (528 Occurrences)
... They say, further, that, after the death of Joseph, Mary became an inmate of the
home of her sister, and the families being combined, the presence and ...
/b/brethren.htm - 51k

Lord (59401 Occurrences)
... They say, further, that, after the death of Joseph, Mary became an inmate of the
home of her sister, and the families being combined, the presence and ...
/l/lord.htm - 61k

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