### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **çôhar**, represented by `{{H5470}}`, specifically means a **dungeon** or **prison**. Derived from a root suggesting a surrounding enclosure, it appears **8 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. Its use is highly concentrated, illustrating a place of confinement and imprisonment within a single, pivotal narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
All occurrences of `{{H5470}}` are found in the book of Genesis, exclusively describing the imprisonment of Joseph. After being falsely accused, Joseph is put into the **prison** `{{H5470}}`, a place where the king's prisoners were kept bound [[Genesis 39:20]]. Despite his circumstances, the LORD was with Joseph, giving him favor in the sight of the keeper of the **prison** [[Genesis 39:21]]. Consequently, the keeper placed all the prisoners into Joseph's care [[Genesis 39:22]]. This same **prison** `{{H5470}}` later held the king's butler and baker, who were bound there with Joseph ([[Genesis 40:3]], [[Genesis 40:5]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the concept of imprisonment associated with `{{H5470}}`:
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): This word is used in conjunction with `{{H5470}}` in every instance, forming the phrase "house of the prison." It highlights that the prison was a specific facility or structure [[Genesis 39:20]].
* `{{H615}}` **'âçîyr** (prisoner): This term refers to the individuals held captive within the `{{H5470}}`. Joseph was put in charge of all the **prisoners** in the prison [[Genesis 39:22]].
* `{{H631}}` **'âçar** (to bind): This verb describes the state of those in the prison. The narrative specifies that the location was where the king's prisoners were **bound** [[Genesis 39:20]] and where Joseph himself was **bound** [[Genesis 40:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5470}}` is tied directly to the narrative of Joseph's life, illustrating key principles of God's sovereignty.
* **Divine Presence in Hardship:** The story emphasizes that God's favor is not limited by physical confinement. Scripture notes that "the LORD was with Joseph" in the **prison**, granting him mercy and making him prosper even there ([[Genesis 39:21]], [[Genesis 39:23]]).
* **A Setting for Providence:** The **prison** `{{H5470}}` becomes the unlikely stage for God's plan to unfold. It is in this place that Joseph interprets the dreams of the butler and baker, an event that would ultimately lead to his release and elevation to power in Egypt [[Genesis 40:5]].
* **From Humiliation to Authority:** While being in the **prison** signifies a low point, it is also where Joseph's leadership is tested and proven. The keeper of the **prison** committed everything into Joseph's hand, foreshadowing his future rule [[Genesis 39:22]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5470}}` denotes a **dungeon** or **prison**, but its biblical usage gives it a much deeper meaning. Confined entirely to the story of Joseph, it is more than just a place of punishment. It serves as a powerful symbol of a trial through which God's presence is powerfully demonstrated, His providential plan is advanced, and a faithful servant is prepared for a greater purpose. The story of what happens in the `{{H5470}}` shows that no circumstance is beyond the reach of God's sovereign hand.
TRV