### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼâçîyr**, represented by `{{H615}}`, means **bound, i.e. a captive** or **prisoner**. It is derived from the word `{{H631}}` ("to bind") and appears **12 times** across **12 unique verses**. This term is used to describe individuals in both literal, physical confinement and those in a state of metaphorical bondage or affliction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narrative, `{{H615}}` describes the literal confinement of **Joseph**, who was put into the **prison** where the king's **prisoners** were bound [[Genesis 39:20]]. He was later put in charge of all the **prisoners** in the prison [[Genesis 39:22]]. The term also depicts states of deep suffering, such as those who **sit** in darkness and are **bound** in affliction and iron [[Psalms 107:10]]. On the other hand, the status of a prisoner is frequently linked to divine deliverance. God hears the groaning of the **prisoner** [[Psalms 102:20]] and does not despise his **prisoners** [[Psalms 69:33]]. In a powerful image of future restoration, God's people are called **prisoners** of hope [[Zechariah 9:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the experience of captivity and release:
* `{{H631}}` **ʼâçar** (to bind): As the root of `{{H615}}`, this word signifies the act of binding or imprisoning. It is used to describe how the king's prisoners were **bound** in the same prison as Joseph [[Genesis 39:20]].
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): This common word is also used to denote a place of confinement like a **prison** or dungeon. In Joseph's story, he is held in the "house of the prison" [[Genesis 39:20]]. It is also used in [[Isaiah 14:17]] to refer to the "house of his prisoners."
* `{{H6605}}` **pâthach** (to open, let go free): This term represents the act of liberation and stands in contrast to being bound. God acts to **loose** those appointed to death [[Psalms 102:20]], while a wicked ruler is condemned because he **opened** not the house of his prisoners [[Isaiah 14:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H615}}` is centered on God's relationship with the afflicted and oppressed.
* **Divine Compassion:** The state of the **prisoner** consistently highlights God's compassion. The LORD hears the poor and does not despise His **prisoners** [[Psalms 69:33]]. The sighing of the **prisoner** comes before God, who preserves those appointed to die by the greatness of His power [[Psalms 79:11]].
* **Physical and Spiritual Bondage:** The word illustrates both literal confinement, as with Joseph [[Genesis 39:22]], and spiritual bondage. Job speaks of a place where **prisoners** rest together and no longer hear the voice of the oppressor [[Job 3:18]], while the Psalms describe those bound in affliction [[Psalms 107:10]].
* **Covenantal Redemption:** The liberation of prisoners is directly linked to God's covenant. God promises to send forth His **prisoners** from the pit "by the blood of thy covenant" [[Zechariah 9:11]]. This transforms the captive's condition into one of expectation, creating "**prisoners** of hope" [[Zechariah 9:12]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼâçîyr** `{{H615}}` evolves from a literal description of a captive to a profound spiritual symbol. It portrays the depths of human suffering, from a physical **prison** [[Genesis 39:20]] to a state of being bound in darkness [[Psalms 107:10]]. Ultimately, the word serves to illuminate God's character as a deliverer who hears the cries of the captive, acts with covenant faithfulness [[Zechariah 9:11]], and offers hope to those in bondage.
TRV