The Hebrew word pᵉqach-qôwach, represented by H6495, describes the concept of a jail-delivery or the opening of the prison. Derived from a redoubled form of the word to open, it carries the figurative meaning of salvation from sin. It appears 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible, making its single usage highly significant.
The sole appearance of H6495 is in the prophetic announcement of Isaiah 61:1. Here, a speaker declares that the Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon him, having been anointed by the LORD to perform a series of restorative acts. These include preaching good tidings to the meek, binding up the brokenhearted, and proclaiming liberty to captives. Within this context, the mission is to proclaim "the opening of the prison to them that are bound" Isaiah 61:1.
Several related words in its only context illuminate its meaning:
- H1865 dᵉrôwr (liberty): Proclaimed to the captives just before the mention of H6495, this word means "freedom" and is associated with the year of Jubilee, a time of release and restoration Leviticus 25:10.
- H7617 shâbâh (to transport into captivity): The "opening of the prison" is for the captives, those who have been transported into captivity. The verb highlights the state of exile or imprisonment from which liberation is promised Jeremiah 50:33.
- H631 ʼâçar (to yoke or hitch): The action of H6495 is directed toward "them that are bound." This root word means to bind, fasten, or put in bonds, defining the condition of those who are to be set free Psalms 146:7.
- H2280 châbash (to wrap firmly): Used in the same verse for the act of "binding up" the brokenhearted, this term reinforces the theme of compassionate restoration that accompanies the jail-delivery Isaiah 61:1.
The theological significance of H6495 is concentrated in its singular, powerful context.
- Divine Commission: The act of the "opening of the prison" is not a human endeavor but part of a mission initiated and empowered by the Spirit of the Lord GOD (H7307, H136, H3069). It is a key component of the work of the LORD's anointed one Isaiah 61:1.
- Figurative Salvation: As its base definition suggests, the term points beyond a literal jail-delivery to a "salvation for sin." It is paired with healing for the "brokenhearted" (H7665, H3820) and good tidings for the "meek" H6035, indicating a deep spiritual release.
- Comprehensive Liberation: The promise of H6495 is a total release from confinement. It is proclaimed alongside "liberty" H1865 for captives, creating a parallel that emphasizes a complete freedom from every form of bondage, whether physical or spiritual.
In summary, while appearing only once, H6495 encapsulates a profound biblical theme of liberation. It functions as a key promise within a major prophetic passage, signifying a divinely orchestrated release for those who are bound and captive. The term "opening of the prison" serves as a powerful metaphor for the comprehensive salvation and restoration that God proclaims through His anointed servant.
TRV