Original Word: סֹהַר
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: cohar
Pronunciation: SO-har
Phonetic Spelling: (so'-har)
Definition: Prison, dungeon
Meaning: a dungeon

prison

From the same as cahar; a dungeon (as surrounded by walls) -- prison.

see HEBREW cahar

Word Origin
from the same as sahar
Definition
perhaps roundness
NASB Translation
jail* (5), jailer* (3).

סֹ֫הַר noun [masculine] roundness (?); — only in ׳בֵּית הַמּ Genesis 39:20 (twice in verse); Genesis 39:21,22,23 (all J), Genesis 40:3,5 (R^J), the round house (name of a prison: but ׳ס perhaps an Egyptian word Hebraized, compare Dr in Hastings^{DB ii.768 n.} and Eb^{Äg. M. 318 f.}).

Word Origin: Derived from an unused root meaning to be round.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Greek equivalent in the Strong's Concordance that corresponds to the Hebrew סֹהַר (sohar). However, the concept of a prison or place of confinement in the New Testament is often represented by the Greek word φυλακή (phylakē), Strong's Greek Number 5438, which denotes a guard, watch, or prison.

Usage: The term סֹהַר (sohar) is used in the Hebrew Bible to refer to a place of confinement, specifically a dungeon or prison. It is a noun that appears in contexts describing the imprisonment of individuals.

Context: The Hebrew word סֹהַר (sohar) is used in the Old Testament to denote a dungeon or prison, a place of confinement for those who have been detained or imprisoned. The term is notably used in the narrative of Joseph in the Book of Genesis. Joseph, having been falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, is cast into the "dungeon" (סֹהַר) where he remains until he gains favor with Pharaoh through the interpretation of dreams.

In Genesis 39:20, the Berean Standard Bible (BSB) 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." This passage highlights the use of סֹהַר as a place of detention for those awaiting judgment or serving punishment.

The use of סֹהַר in the biblical text underscores the harsh realities of ancient justice systems, where dungeons were often dark, confined spaces. The narrative of Joseph's time in the dungeon also serves as a backdrop for demonstrating God's providence and the eventual rise of Joseph to a position of power in Egypt.

הַסֹּ֑הַר הַסֹּ֔הַר הַסֹּ֗הַר הַסֹּ֙הַר֙ הַסֹּֽהַר׃ הסהר הסהר׃ has·sō·har hasSohar hassōharInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts