Genesis 39:1-4

Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife

1 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.
2 The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.
3 When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did,
4 Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

Genesis 39:1-4 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 9

  • 1. S Genesis 30:24
  • 2. S Genesis 37:36
  • 3. S Genesis 37:25; Psalms 105:17
  • 4. S Genesis 21:20,22; Joshua 1:5; Joshua 6:27; Judges 1:19; 1 Samuel 18:14; Acts 7:9
  • 5. S Genesis 21:22; Genesis 26:28
  • 6. ver 23; 1 Samuel 18:14; 2 Kings 18:7; 2 Chronicles 20:20; Psalms 1:3; Psalms 128:2; Isaiah 33:6
  • 7. S Genesis 6:8; S Genesis 18:3
  • 8. Genesis 47:6; 1 Kings 11:28; Proverbs 22:29
  • 9. ver 8,22; Genesis 24:2; Genesis 40:4; Genesis 42:37
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