Overview
The Bible addresses captive across 13 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Genesis, 2 Kings and 1 Samuel. Closely related themes include Economics, Civil Service, Prisoners and Minister (2). Figures whose stories touch this theme include Joseph, Asenath, Potipherah and David.
Key Bible verses about captive
Old Testament
Genesis
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:
Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. be ruled: Heb. be armed, or, kiss
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.
And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; fine: or, silk
And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. Bow: or, Tender father: Heb. Abrech
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.
And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt. Zaphnathpaaneah: which in the Coptic signifies, A revealer of secrets, or, The man to whom secrets are revealed priest: or, prince
1 Samuel
And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;
And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way.
2 Kings
And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the year that he began to reign did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison;
And he spake kindly to him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings that were with him in Babylon; kindly: Heb. good things with him
And changed his prison garments: and he did eat bread continually before him all the days of his life.
And his allowance was a continual allowance given him of the king, a daily rate for every day, all the days of his life.
People in the Bible and captive
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying captive for yourself
- Begin with Genesis 41:39, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Genesis, 2 Kings and 1 Samuel each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Joseph, Asenath and Potipherah and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Economics, Civil Service, Prisoners and Minister (2).
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about captive?
The Bible addresses captive across 13 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Genesis, 2 Kings and 1 Samuel. Closely related themes include Economics, Civil Service, Prisoners and Minister (2). Figures whose stories touch this theme include Joseph, Asenath, Potipherah and David.
How many Bible verses are about captive?
The Bible references captive in 13 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention captive?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 41:39: “And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:”
Which people in the Bible are associated with captive?
Joseph, Asenath, Potipherah, David and Jehoiachin.
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