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.” - Numbers 30:3 – לֶאְסֹר אִסָּר עַל־נַפְשָׁהּ
“To bind a binding upon her soul” – used in the context of making vows.
Summary
The verb אָסַר is a foundational biblical term that relates to restriction, imprisonment, and commitment. Whether describing physical confinement or the binding force of a vow, it reflects the broader biblical theme of boundaries—both protective and punitive. Learning its forms equips the reader to navigate rich biblical narratives and legal texts.
