### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **keleʼ**, represented by `{{H3608}}`, means **a prison**. It appears **10 times** across **10 unique verses** in the Bible. The term refers to a place of confinement, often as a consequence of royal decree, military defeat, or prophetic denunciation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H3608}}` is used to describe the literal imprisonment of several key figures. The prophet Jeremiah was put in a **prison** that had been converted from the house of Jonathan the scribe [[Jeremiah 37:15]]. A king of Assyria shut up Hoshea, king of Israel, in **prison** for conspiracy [[2 Kings 17:4]]. The conditions could be harsh, with a command to feed a prisoner with "bread of affliction and with water of affliction" in the **prison** [[1 Kings 22:27]]. The term also marks a turning point, as when Jehoiachin king of Judah was released and had his **prison** garments changed after years of captivity [[2 Kings 25:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the concept of confinement:
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): This common word for a dwelling is frequently combined with `{{H3608}}` to form the phrase "prison **house**," emphasizing a building dedicated to confinement ([[Isaiah 42:7]], [[Isaiah 42:22]]).
* `{{H1546}}` **gâlûwth** (captivity): This term describes the state of being an exile. It is directly linked to imprisonment in the account of Jehoiachin, whose release from prison occurred in the thirty-seventh year of his **captivity** [[2 Kings 25:27]].
* `{{H4525}}` **maçgêr** (prison): A synonym for `{{H3608}}`, this word is used in parallel to describe a place of bondage, as seen in the prophetic promise to bring prisoners out from the **prison** [[Isaiah 42:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3608}}` is seen in its use as a symbol of both judgment and deliverance.
* **Consequence of Sin:** In Isaiah's prophecy, the people of Israel are described as being hidden in **prison** houses because they are a "people robbed and spoiled" [[Isaiah 42:22]]. This physical and spiritual confinement is a direct result of their disobedience.
* **A Place of Affliction:** Imprisonment is depicted as a place of suffering. The command to place a man in **prison** is accompanied by a sentence of bread and water of affliction [[2 Chronicles 18:26]].
* **Promise of Divine Release:** The concept of the **prison** is powerfully inverted in messianic prophecy. A central part of God's work is "to bring out them that sit in darkness out of the prison house" [[Isaiah 42:7]], signifying spiritual liberation from bondage. The release of King Jehoiachin also serves as a historical example of restoration from the **prison** [[2 Kings 25:27]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3608}}` **keleʼ** denotes more than just a physical location. While it refers to a literal **prison** for kings and prophets, it also serves as a potent metaphor for a state of affliction, judgment, and spiritual darkness. Its use in scripture highlights the consequences of sin and conspiracy, but also points toward the profound hope of divine deliverance and restoration from any form of bondage.
TRV