Topical Bible: Prisons: Persons Confined in Often Kept to Hard Labour

◄ Prisons: Persons Confined in Often Kept to Hard Labour ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, prisons were not only places of confinement but also institutions where those detained were often subjected to hard labor. The concept of imprisonment in the Bible reflects both punitive and corrective measures, with an emphasis on physical toil as part of the punishment.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides several instances where imprisonment is mentioned, often in connection with forced labor. In Genesis 39:20, Joseph is cast into prison by Potiphar, his Egyptian master, after being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife. Although the text does not explicitly mention hard labor, the conditions of Egyptian prisons at the time likely included such tasks.

In 1 Kings 22:27, King Ahab orders the prophet Micaiah to be imprisoned and fed "only bread and water of affliction," indicating a harsh and punishing environment. While the text does not specify labor, the deprivation of basic comforts suggests a setting where hard labor could be expected.

New Testament Context

The New Testament also references imprisonment, often in the context of persecution for faith. In Acts 16:23-24, Paul and Silas are beaten and thrown into prison in Philippi. While the text focuses on their miraculous release, the Roman practice of imprisoning individuals often included hard labor as part of their sentence.

In Matthew 25:36, Jesus speaks of visiting those in prison as an act of mercy, highlighting the harsh conditions faced by prisoners. The implication is that those confined were in dire need, possibly due to the grueling nature of their imprisonment.

Cultural and Historical Insights

Prisons in biblical times were not designed for long-term incarceration as seen in modern systems. Instead, they served as holding places for those awaiting trial or punishment, which often included forced labor. This labor could range from construction projects to agricultural work, depending on the needs of the ruling authorities.

The use of hard labor in prisons was not only a means of punishment but also a way to utilize the labor force for economic gain. This practice was common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where prisoners were seen as a resource to be exploited.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the Bible's references to imprisonment and hard labor serve as a reminder of the fallen state of humanity and the need for justice tempered with mercy. The harsh conditions faced by biblical figures in prison underscore the trials and tribulations endured by the faithful, often as a result of their commitment to God's truth.

The biblical narrative also emphasizes the importance of compassion and care for those imprisoned, as seen in Jesus' teachings. This reflects the broader Christian call to love and serve the marginalized, including those who suffer under the weight of hard labor in prisons.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of prisons as places of hard labor highlights the severity of punishment in ancient times while also pointing to the enduring call for justice and mercy within the Christian faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 16:21
But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Robert Nelson, his Friends, and Church Principles.
... in grammar schools, for improving prisons, for giving ... find it,'[23] without respect
of persons or fear of ... appreciated, and within a somewhat confined circle of ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter ii robert nelson his.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... dreams, and visions of the night, which often made him ... man that sat upon the cloud
still kept his eye ... observance of the Lord's-day; all persons were prohibited ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Introduction to Oration ii.
... in worth, that which is confined to the ... be preserved, and the Trinity of Persons
confessed, each ... pass over the persecutions, councils, prisons, bonds, accusers ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... some graces are kept alive; faith is kept alive by ... these, as such, are not the persons
interested in ... daily weaknesses, our fresh guilt, our often decays, our ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm