Topical Bible: Prisons: Dungeons Attached To

◄ Prisons: Dungeons Attached To ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, prisons and dungeons were often integral parts of the judicial and penal systems, serving as places of confinement for those awaiting trial or punishment. The concept of imprisonment in the Bible is multifaceted, reflecting both physical and spiritual dimensions.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, prisons were typically rudimentary structures, often dungeons or pits, used to detain individuals temporarily. These facilities were not designed for long-term incarceration as seen in modern times. For instance, Joseph was cast into a pit by his brothers before being sold into slavery (Genesis 37:24). Later, in Egypt, he was imprisoned in a dungeon after being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39:20). The Hebrew term for dungeon, "bor," often denotes a pit or cistern, emphasizing the harsh and degrading conditions of such confinement.

Jeremiah, the prophet, also experienced imprisonment in a dungeon. King Zedekiah had him confined in the courtyard of the guard, and later, he was lowered into a cistern where he sank into the mud (Jeremiah 38:6). This reflects the use of dungeons as a means to silence and punish those who spoke against the prevailing powers.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Roman influence introduced more structured forms of imprisonment. Prisons were often part of larger complexes, including barracks or administrative buildings. The Apostle Paul frequently encountered imprisonment during his missionary journeys. In Philippi, Paul and Silas were thrown into the inner cell of a prison and their feet fastened in stocks (Acts 16:24). Despite the physical constraints, they prayed and sang hymns, demonstrating the spiritual resilience that transcends physical imprisonment.

The book of Acts also recounts Peter's imprisonment by King Herod, who intended to bring him to public trial. An angel of the Lord miraculously freed Peter from his chains, illustrating divine intervention in the face of human justice (Acts 12:5-10).

Symbolic and Spiritual Dimensions

Beyond the physical reality, prisons in the Bible often symbolize spiritual bondage and the need for deliverance. Jesus proclaimed His mission to "proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed" (Luke 4:18), highlighting the spiritual liberation He offers. The imagery of imprisonment is used to describe the human condition under sin, from which Christ provides freedom.

The Apostle Paul, despite his frequent imprisonments, wrote extensively about the freedom found in Christ. In his letter to the Ephesians, he describes himself as "a prisoner for the Lord" (Ephesians 4:1), indicating a willing submission to God's will, contrasting the involuntary nature of physical imprisonment.

Conclusion

Prisons and dungeons in the Bible serve as both literal places of confinement and powerful metaphors for spiritual realities. They reflect the human condition under sin and the transformative power of divine intervention and redemption. Through the narratives of biblical figures who endured imprisonment, believers are reminded of the hope and freedom found in Christ, transcending any earthly chains.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 38:6
Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zechariah 9:11
As for you also, by the blood of your covenant I have sent forth your prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Galleys
... and to which he was very much attached, he broke ... it occurred to him to visit the
dungeons where the ... Huddled together in damp and filthy prisons, crawling with ...
/.../forbes/life of st vincent de paul/chapter 4 the galleys.htm

Answer to the Objection of the Heathen, that it was not Right to ...
... the idol's temples to be in reality graves or prisons. ... will you not escape from those
dungeons, and flee ... land:" [984] this is the grace attached to obedience. ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter x answer to the objection.htm

The French Reformation.
... never known"one of the placards was attached to the ... wore a garb of sanctity, visiting
prisons and hospitals ... light of day were repeated in its secret dungeons. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /12 the french reformation.htm

The French Reformation
... never known"one of the placards was attached to the ... wore a garb of sanctity, visiting
prisons and hospitals ... light of day were repeated in its secret dungeons. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 12 the french reformation.htm

This HomilyWas Delivered on the Occasion of the Prefect Entering ...
... above measure, in deaths oft, in prisons more frequent.....of ... Paul lived in bonds
and in dungeons, but I ... Modern scholars have attached a different sense to the ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xvi this homily was.htm