from כָּלָא; a prison; prison. Compare כִּלְאַיִם, כְּלִיא.
Transliteration:keleʼ
Pronunciation:keh'-leh
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H3608 (כֶּלֶא - keleʼ) primarily denotes a "prison" or "place of confinement." Its semantic core is rooted in the verbal form H3607 (כָּלָא - kalaʼ), which means "to restrain," "to withhold," or "to shut up." Thus, keleʼ intrinsically conveys the idea of being shut in, detained, or held under restraint. It refers to the physical structure or designated area where individuals are kept against their will, whether for punishment, security, or awaiting judgment. The word emphasizes the state of being confined and the physical space that enforces such a state.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H3608 appears approximately 20 times in the Old Testament, predominantly in narrative and prophetic literature, highlighting its literal application.
One prominent context is the story of Joseph, where keleʼ is used to describe the "prison" or "jail" where he was unjustly held in Egypt: "And Joseph's master took him and put him into the keleʼ, the place where the king's prisoners were confined, and he was there in the keleʼ" [[Genesis 39:20]]. This usage underscores the arbitrary nature of Joseph's confinement and sets the stage for God's providential work even within a place of despair ([[Genesis 40:3]], [[Genesis 40:4]], [[Genesis 40:5]]). Interestingly, Joseph later uses a similar term when testing his brothers, suggesting they be put in keleʼ ([[Genesis 42:19]]), though this was a temporary detention.
Another significant cluster of occurrences is found in the book of Jeremiah, where the prophet himself is frequently imprisoned. Jeremiah's keleʼ is often referred to as the "court of the guard" or "court of the prison" ([[Jeremiah 32:2]], [[Jeremiah 33:1]], [[Jeremiah 37:21]], [[Jeremiah 38:6]], [[Jeremiah 38:13]], [[Jeremiah 38:28]], [[Jeremiah 39:14]], [[Jeremiah 40:3]]). His confinement is a direct consequence of his prophetic message, which was deemed seditious by the authorities. This illustrates keleʼ as a tool of political suppression against those who speak truth to power.
Other notable instances include the imprisonment of the prophet Micaiah by King Ahab for prophesying truthfully ([[1 Kings 22:27]], [[2 Chronicles 18:26]]), and the release of King Jehoiachin from keleʼ by Evil-merodach ([[2 Kings 25:27]], [[Jeremiah 52:31]]), marking a moment of grace and restoration.
Isaiah uses keleʼ in a more figurative, yet still concrete, sense when describing the work of the Servant of the Lord: "to bring out prisoners from the keleʼ, those who sit in darkness from the prison house" [[Isaiah 42:7]]. This suggests a broader spiritual or societal bondage, from which the Lord delivers. Similarly, [[Isaiah 53:8]] states, "From keleʼ and from judgment he was taken away," which is often interpreted messianically, referring to the unjust trial and death of the Suffering Servant.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic connection for H3608 is its verbal root, H3607 (כָּלָא - kalaʼ), meaning "to restrain, shut up, withhold." This root provides the foundational concept of confinement inherent in keleʼ.
Other related Hebrew terms that convey similar ideas of imprisonment or restraint include:
* H3610 (כְּלִיא - keliʼ): This noun is very close in meaning and often used synonymously with keleʼ, also referring to a "prison" or "restraint." The Strong's entry for H3608 notes this comparison.
* H611 (אסור - asur) and H631 (אסיר - asir): Both relate to "bonds" or "prisoners," emphasizing the state of being bound.
* H952 (בּוֹר - bor): While primarily meaning "pit" or "cistern," this term often refers to a dungeon or deep pit used for imprisonment, as seen with Jeremiah himself ([[Jeremiah 38:6]]).
* H4552 (מַסְגֵּר - masger): Refers to a "prison" or "dungeon," often associated with those taken captive.
The concept of keleʼ is intrinsically linked to broader biblical themes such as:
* **Justice and Injustice:** Keleʼ serves as a place where justice is meted out (e.g., for criminals) but also where profound injustice occurs (e.g., Joseph, Jeremiah, Micaiah).
* **Oppression and Deliverance:** It symbolizes human oppression, from which God is ultimately capable of delivering His people.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** Even within the confines of keleʼ, God's purposes are at work, often turning human evil into divine good.
### Theological Significance
The keleʼ in the Old Testament carries significant theological weight, reflecting various aspects of God's interaction with humanity and the nature of human experience.
Firstly, keleʼ often represents the consequence of sin or rebellion against God and His appointed authorities. For instance, kings or individuals might be cast into prison as a form of divine judgment mediated through human rulers.
Secondly, and paradoxically, keleʼ frequently becomes a place where the righteous suffer unjustly. The narratives of Joseph, Jeremiah, and Micaiah powerfully illustrate how faithful servants of God can be confined due to the wickedness or misunderstanding of others. In these instances, keleʼ serves as a crucible for faith, a testament to endurance, and a stage for God's redemptive plan to unfold. Joseph's time in keleʼ was instrumental in his elevation to power, ultimately saving his family and many others from famine. Jeremiah's imprisonment did not silence his prophetic voice but often amplified it, demonstrating God's word cannot be bound.
Thirdly, the theme of deliverance from keleʼ is a powerful motif of God's faithfulness and power. The release of Jehoiachin from prison after decades of confinement ([[2 Kings 25:27]]) is a poignant symbol of God's capacity for restoration and mercy, even for those who have erred. The prophetic vision in [[Isaiah 42:7]] extends this concept to a spiritual liberation, where the Messiah brings freedom to those imprisoned by sin, darkness, or spiritual blindness, signifying ultimate salvation.
Finally, keleʼ underscores the reality of human limitation and vulnerability, contrasting it with the boundless power and freedom of God. Even when confined, the prayers and purposes of God's people can transcend physical barriers, demonstrating that God's work is not hindered by human institutions or circumstances.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H3608 (כֶּלֶא - keleʼ) precisely designates a "prison" or "place of confinement," deriving its core meaning from the verb H3607 (כָּלָא - kalaʼ), "to restrain" or "to shut up." Its biblical occurrences consistently depict a literal place of detention, whether for punishment, security, or as a consequence of unjust accusation. Notable examples include Joseph's imprisonment in Egypt and Jeremiah's repeated confinement due to his prophetic ministry. While primarily literal, keleʼ also carries figurative weight in prophetic texts like Isaiah, symbolizing spiritual or societal bondage from which God provides liberation. Theologically, keleʼ serves as a multi-faceted symbol: a place of human judgment and divine consequence, a crucible for the faith of the unjustly afflicted, and ultimately, a setting from which God demonstrates His sovereign power to deliver and restore.
TRV