Genesis 39:1-2

Joseph and Potiphar's Wife

1 Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt, and 1Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, 2had bought him from the 3Ishmaelites who had brought him down there.
2 4The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master.

Genesis 39:1-2 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 39

In this chapter the history returns to Joseph again, who being brought down to Egypt was sold to Potiphar, with whom he found favour, and who set him over his house, the Lord prospering everything in his hands, Ge 39:1-6; and being a young man of a comely aspect, his mistress lusted after him, and tempted him to lie with her from time to time, but he as constantly refused it, as being both ingratitude to his master, and a sin against God, Ge 39:7-10; at a certain time they being alone in the house, she renewed her solicitations, and laid hold on his garment, which he left in her hand and fled, Ge 39:11,12; upon which she called to her servants without, and accused Joseph of an ill design upon her, and reported the same to her husband when he came home, Ge 39:13-19; upon which his master put him into prison, but he found favour also with the keeper of it, who committed the prisoners and all things relative to them into his hands, Ge 39:20-23.

Cross References 4

  • 1. Genesis 37:36
  • 2. Genesis 37:28
  • 3. Genesis 37:25
  • 4. ver. 21; Acts 7:9; [Genesis 21:22; Genesis 26:24, 28; Genesis 28:15; 1 Samuel 16:18; 1 Samuel 18:14, 28]
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.