Genesis 39:20-23

20 And Joseph's master took him and 1put him into the 2prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined, and he was there in prison.
21 But 3the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love 4and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
22 And the keeper of the prison 5put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever was done there, he was the one who did it.
23 The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph's charge, because 6the LORD was with him. And whatever he did, the LORD made it succeed.

Genesis 39:20-23 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 6

  • 1. Psalms 105:18
  • 2. Genesis 40:3, 5; [Genesis 40:15; Genesis 41:14]
  • 3. ver. 2; Acts 7:9, 10
  • 4. Exodus 3:21; Exodus 11:3; Exodus 12:36
  • 5. Genesis 40:4
  • 6. ver. 2, 3
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.