סֹהַר
𐤎𐤄𐤓
çôhar
H5470 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A confined cell or enclosure within a structure used for imprisonment, detention, or custody, typically an internal secured space such as a prison cell or jail room. In the Hebrew Bible, סֹהַר most often refers specifically to an inner chamber set apart as a holding place for prisoners, distinct from more general or open holding pens.
Semantic Range
prison cell, inner holding chamber, dungeon, secure enclosure for prisoners
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root סָהַר, which conveys the idea of surrounding, encircling, or enclosing. The actual noun סֹהַר reflects a physical space that is enclosed or surrounded, used primarily for the incarceration or confinement of individuals. The etymological connection is with the notion of being surrounded or enclosed, which is realized in the architectural feature of a cell or prison space.
Historical & Contextual Notes
סֹהַר occurs in Genesis 39–40, specifically in the Joseph narrative, where it refers to the place of Joseph’s confinement in Egypt. Unlike the more generic בֵּית הַסֹּהַר ('house of the prison') or אֵסוּר ('detention, imprisonment'), סֹהַר denotes the specific, interior holding cell within a larger building. While traditional English translations use 'prison,' the term may emphasize the closed, surrounded nature—possibly an underground or walled space—for holding important prisoners under close guard. Later rabbinic and translation traditions interpret סֹהַר in light of developing penal institutions, sometimes reading it as a general prison or even a dungeon. The term’s limited appearance restricts broader semantic assessment, but the context suggests a specialized, secure place of confinement rather than any general place of detention. English translations such as 'prison' or 'dungeon' capture part of the sense, but may obscure the architectural and administrative specificity suggested in the Hebrew usage.
Translation Consistency
Most natural and common English rendering for סֹהַר in the Bible—captures the idea of a secure, confined holding place (prison cell/dungeon). It is the most frequent choice in the P2 data (4 of 8) and will consistently cover both the specific inner‑chamber sense and the more general enclosure meaning better than the less common alternatives.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the same as סַהַר; a dungeon (as surrounded by walls); prison.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been recorded for this word yet.
Root Family
סהר (çahar) — to be round, to encircle
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5470-01 |
הַ/סֹּ֔הַר | hasohar | HTd/Ncmsa |
of the prison | the enclosed cell | the prison | 8 |
Occurrences in Scripture
8 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5470-01 |
Genesis 39:20 | הַ/סֹּ֔הַר | hasohar | HTd/Ncmsa |
of the prison | the enclosed cell | the prison |
H5470-01 |
Genesis 39:20 | הַ/סֹּֽהַר | hasohar-2 | HTd/Ncmsa |
of the prison | the enclosed cell | the prison |
H5470-01 |
Genesis 39:21 | הַ/סֹּֽהַר | hasohar | HTd/Ncmsa |
of the prison | the enclosed cell | the prison |
H5470-01 |
Genesis 39:22 | הַ/סֹּ֨הַר֙ | hasohar | HTd/Ncmsa |
warden | the enclosed cell | the prison |
H5470-01 |
Genesis 39:22 | הַ/סֹּ֑הַר | hasohar-2 | HTd/Ncmsa |
the enclosed cell | the prison | |
H5470-01 |
Genesis 39:23 | הַ/סֹּ֗הַר | hasohar | HTd/Ncmsa |
prison | the enclosed cell | the prison |
H5470-01 |
Genesis 40:3 | הַ/סֹּ֑הַר | hasohar | HTd/Ncmsa |
house | the enclosed cell | the prison |
H5470-01 |
Genesis 40:5 | הַ/סֹּֽהַר | hasohar | HTd/Ncmsa |
of the prison | the enclosed cell | the prison |