אֱסוּר
𐤀𐤎𐤅𐤓
ʼĕçûwr
H613 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
An object or device used to restrain or bind, such as a thong, band, chain, fetter, or shackle used to confine prisoners or captives; by extension, the state of being bound or imprisoned. In legal and narrative contexts, can refer to literal means of physical restraint as well as the condition of detention or captivity.
Semantic Range
bond, band, fetter, chain, shackle, imprisonment, state of being restrained or confined
Root / Etymology
From the root אסר (ʼ-s-r), meaning 'to bind, tie, detain.' The specific form אֱסוּר (ʼĕsûr) functions as a noun derived from this root, indicating that which is used for binding or the act/state of binding. The Aramaic form corresponds directly to the Hebrew noun אֵסוּר (ʼêsûr), sharing this etymological development.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Biblical Aramaic (notably in Daniel and Ezra), אֱסוּר refers specifically to physical restraints placed upon prisoners, such as manacles or fetters; it also describes a state of imprisonment resulting from such restraints. The term is closely related to the Hebrew אֵסוּר, though the Hebrew is somewhat less common, with both terms distinct from other Hebrew words for prisons (e.g., בֵּית הַסֹּהַר). Ancient translations often render this as 'chain' or 'fetter,' but some later traditions use broader language such as 'imprisonment' or 'bondage.' English translations vary between 'bond,' 'band,' 'fetters,' and 'imprisonment.' Usage is limited to Imperial Aramaic texts within the biblical corpus and does not occur in earlier Hebrew narrative. Unlike the more general root אסר, which can denote binding in ritual, legal, or social contexts, אֱסוּר is more specifically associated with physical restraint as punishment or detention. In post-biblical Aramaic, related forms continue to mean 'prison' or 'detention.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) corresponding to אֵסוּר; {a bond (especially manacles of a prisoner)}; band, imprisonment.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been recorded for this word yet.
Root Family
אָסַר (Moserah) — to bind, restrain, fetter
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4149 | מוֹסֵרָה | in Binding-places |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H613-01 |
וּ/בֶֽ/אֱסוּר֙ | uveesur | AC/R/Ncmsa |
and bound | binding-shackle | and with a band | 2 |
H613-02 |
וְ/לֶ/אֱסוּרִֽין | veleesurin | AC/R/Ncmpa |
or to imprisonment | and to fetters | or to imprisonment | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H613-01 |
Daniel 4:12 | וּ/בֶֽ/אֱסוּר֙ | uveesur | AC/R/Ncmsa |
and bound | binding-shackle | with a band |
H613-01 |
Daniel 4:20 | וּ/בֶ/אֱסוּר֙ | uveesur | AC/R/Ncmsa |
and-with-band | binding-shackle | and with a band |
H613-02 |
Ezra 7:26 | וְ/לֶ/אֱסוּרִֽין | veleesurin | AC/R/Ncmpa |
or to imprisonment | and to fetters | or to imprisonment |