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The Hebrew Verb אָסַר: To Bind or Imprison
The Hebrew verb אָסַר (root: א-ס-ר) means “to bind,” “to tie,” or “to imprison.” It is found frequently in both narrative and legal sections of the Hebrew Bible. In literal contexts, it refers to physical binding with cords or imprisonment. In figurative contexts, it can refer to restrictions or prohibitions, including vows and obligations.
This verb is primarily used in the Qal binyan for active voice and in the Niphal for passive or reflexive meanings (“to be bound”).
Qal Binyan Conjugation of אָסַר
Past (Perfect) Tense
Person
Form
1st person singular
אָסַרְתִּי
2nd person masculine singular
אָסַרְתָּ
2nd person feminine singular
אָסַרְתְּ
3rd person masculine singular
אָסַר
3rd person feminine singular
אָסְרָה
1st person plural
אָסַרְנוּ
2nd person masculine plural
אֲסַרְתֶּם
2nd person feminine plural
אֲסַרְתֶּן
3rd person plural
אָסְרוּ
Present (Participle) Tense
Gender/Number
Form
Masculine singular
אוֹסֵר
Feminine singular
אוֹסֶרֶת
Masculine plural
אוֹסְרִים
Feminine plural
אוֹסְרוֹת
Future (Imperfect) Tense
Person
Form
1st person singular
אֶאֱסֹר
2nd person masculine singular
תֶּאֱסֹר
2nd person feminine singular
תֶּאֱסְרִי
3rd person masculine singular
יֶאֱסֹר
3rd person feminine singular
תֶּאֱסֹר
1st person plural
נֶאֱסֹר
2nd person masculine plural
תֶּאֱסְרוּ
2nd person feminine plural
תֶּאֱסֹרְנָה
3rd person plural
יֶאֱסְרוּ
Imperative Mood
Person
Form
2nd person masculine singular
אֱסֹר
2nd person feminine singular
אִסְרִי
2nd person masculine plural
אִסְרוּ
2nd person feminine plural
אֱסֹרְנָה
Usage in Scripture
The verb אָסַר appears in numerous legal, narrative, and poetic contexts:
Genesis 39:20 – וַיִּקַּח אֲדֹנֵי יוֹסֵף אֹתוֹ וַיִּתְּנֵהוּ אֶל־בֵּית הַסֹּהַר מְקוֹם אֲשֶׁר אֲסוּרֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ אֲסוּרִים
“So Yosep’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were bound.”… Learn Hebrew