In biblical times, prison-houses were places of confinement used to detain individuals who were accused or convicted of crimes. The concept of imprisonment is present throughout the Scriptures, serving as both a literal and metaphorical element in the biblical narrative.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, prison-houses were often rudimentary and could be part of a larger structure, such as a palace or a fortress. They were used to hold individuals temporarily until a decision was made regarding their fate. One of the earliest mentions of imprisonment is found in the account of Joseph. After being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, Joseph was placed in a prison-house, which was part of the captain of the guard's house (Genesis 39:20). Despite his unjust imprisonment, God was with Joseph, granting him favor and success even in confinement (Genesis 39:21-23).

The prophet Jeremiah also experienced imprisonment. During the reign of King Zedekiah, Jeremiah was confined in the court of the guard for prophesying the fall of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 32:2-3). His imprisonment was a result of his faithfulness to God's message, illustrating the theme of suffering for righteousness.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, prison-houses continue to play a significant role. The Roman Empire, which governed much of the biblical world during this period, had a more developed system of imprisonment. Prisons were used not only for punishment but also for holding individuals awaiting trial or execution.

The apostles frequently encountered imprisonment as they spread the Gospel. Peter and John were imprisoned by the Jewish authorities for preaching about Jesus and His resurrection (Acts 4:3). Later, Peter was again imprisoned by King Herod, but an angel of the Lord miraculously freed him (Acts 12:5-10).

The Apostle Paul experienced imprisonment multiple times throughout his ministry. His letters, known as the Prison Epistles, were written during his confinement and include Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. In Philippians, Paul speaks of his imprisonment as an opportunity to advance the Gospel, demonstrating his unwavering faith and commitment to Christ (Philippians 1:12-14).

Symbolic and Theological Significance

Prison-houses in the Bible also carry symbolic and theological significance. They often represent spiritual bondage and the need for deliverance. Isaiah prophesied about the coming Messiah, who would "open the eyes of the blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house" (Isaiah 42:7). This prophecy points to the spiritual liberation that Jesus Christ would bring.

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself speaks of setting captives free, emphasizing His mission to liberate those bound by sin and spiritual oppression (Luke 4:18). The imagery of prison-houses serves as a powerful metaphor for the transformative power of the Gospel, which frees individuals from the bondage of sin and death.

Conclusion

Prison-houses in the Bible are multifaceted, serving as literal places of confinement and as symbols of spiritual bondage and liberation. Through the narratives of individuals like Joseph, Jeremiah, Peter, and Paul, the Scriptures reveal God's presence and purpose even in the midst of imprisonment. The ultimate message of deliverance through Christ underscores the hope and freedom available to all who believe.

Of the Error in which the Doctrine of Origen is Involved.
... that, in proportion to their various sins, they merited different degrees of debasement
from heaven to earth, and diverse bodies as prison-houses; and that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 23 of the error in.htm

A Desperate Case --How to Meet It
... youthful passions of their childhood have become developed; and you may find them
with the low forehead and dark scowling eye, if you will, in our prison-houses ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a desperate casehow to meet.htm

The Two-Fold Aspect of the Divine Working
... their slavery and submission. Torture and prison-houses they might become;
frowning portents they necessarily were. 'The way of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the two-fold aspect of the.htm

Victor Emmanuel, Emancipator
... in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law." Men are unwilling to be saved;
they do not desire to be brought out of their prison-houses; but Jesus ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/victor emmanuel emancipator.htm

Christ Lifted Up
... castle fallen. Mine eye shall see my seed eternally saved, I shall behold
the ransomed coming from their prison-houses. In that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/christ lifted up.htm

Good News
... But were they translated to the palaces of kings and thereby lost thy blessed company,
those palaces would he worse than prison-houses to them. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/good news.htm

Prison-houses (1 Occurrence)
Prison-houses. Prison-house, Prison-houses. Prisoning . Multi-Version
Concordance Prison-houses (1 Occurrence). Isaiah ...
/p/prison-houses.htm - 6k

Prison-house (29 Occurrences)
Prison-house. Prisoners, Prison-house. Prison-houses . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Prisoners, Prison-house. Prison-houses . Reference Bible.
/p/prison-house.htm - 15k

Prisoning (1 Occurrence)

/p/prisoning.htm - 6k

Pillaged (4 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 42:22 But this is a people robbed and pillaged; they are all of them snared
in holes, and they are hid in prison-houses; they are for a prey, and none ...
/p/pillaged.htm - 7k

Snare (69 Occurrences)
... But this is a people robbed and plundered; they are all of them snared in holes,
and they are hid in prison-houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth ...
/s/snare.htm - 31k

Delivereth (49 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 42:22 But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared
in holes, and they are hid in prisonhouses: they are for a prey, and none ...
/d/delivereth.htm - 19k

Spoiled (69 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 42:22 But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared
in holes, and they are hid in prisonhouses: they are for a prey, and none ...
/s/spoiled.htm - 27k

Rescue (92 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 42:22 But this is a people robbed and spoiled, they are all of them snared
in holes, and they are hid in prison-houses; they are for a prey, and none ...
/r/rescue.htm - 33k

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