ScriptureDepth

Genesis 39

Read Genesis 39 (WEB)+

1Joseph was brought down to Egypt. Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the hand of the Ishmaelites that had brought him down there. 2Yahweh was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man. He was in the house of his master the Egyptian. 3His master saw that Yahweh was with him, and that Yahweh made all that he did prosper in his hand. 4Joseph found favor in his sight. He ministered to him, and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. 5From the time that he made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, Yahweh blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake. Yahweh’s blessing was on all that he had, in the house and in the field. 6He left all that he had in Joseph’s hand. He didn’t concern himself with anything, except for the food which he ate. Joseph was well-built and handsome. 7After these things, his master’s wife set her eyes on Joseph; and she said, “Lie with me.” 8But he refused, and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, my master doesn’t know what is with me in the house, and he has put all that he has into my hand. 9No one is greater in this house than I am, and he has not kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” 10As she spoke to Joseph day by day, he didn’t listen to her, to lie by her, or to be with her. 11About this time, he went into the house to do his work, and there were none of the men of the house inside. 12She caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me!” He left his garment in her hand, and ran outside. 13When she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and had run outside, 14she called to the men of her house, and spoke to them, saying, “Behold, he has brought a Hebrew in to us to mock us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice. 15When he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment by me, and ran outside.” 16She laid up his garment by her, until his master came home. 17She spoke to him according to these words, saying, “The Hebrew servant, whom you have brought to us, came in to me to mock me, 18and as I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment by me, and ran outside.” 19When his master heard the words of his wife, which she spoke to him, saying, “This is what your servant did to me,” his wrath was kindled. 20Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were bound, and he was there in custody. 21But Yahweh was with Joseph, and showed kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22The keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever they did there, he was responsible for it. 23The keeper of the prison didn’t look after anything that was under his hand, because Yahweh was with him; and that which he did, Yahweh made it prosper.

World English Bible (public domain)

But he refused and said to his master's wife, "Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge."

Genesis 39:8

Summary

Genesis 39 narrates the story of Joseph in Egypt, where he is sold into slavery by his brothers and becomes a servant in the house of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Despite his difficult circumstances, Joseph excels in his role, gaining the favor of Potiphar, who entrusts him with all his household responsibilities. The chapter highlights Joseph's character, integrity, and unwavering faithfulness to God, illustrating how God is with him in his trials. However, Potiphar's wife attempts to seduce Joseph, but he resists her advances, choosing to honor God and his master. Her betrayal leads to Joseph being falsely accused and imprisoned, yet even in jail, God remains with him, granting him favor with the prison keeper. Key themes in this chapter include the importance of integrity and faithfulness in the face of temptation, the presence of God amidst suffering, and the idea of divine providence working for good even in dire circumstances. Throughout Joseph's trials, his steadfastness serves as a testament to his faith, presenting a powerful example for readers about trusting God during life's challenges. The chapter concludes by setting the stage for Joseph’s ultimate rise to power, underscoring God’s sovereignty in the life of those who remain faithful to Him.

Key Themes

IntegrityFaithfulness in TemptationGod's Presence in SufferingDivine Providence

Go deeper

Ask the AI about Genesis 39

Bring your question about the chapter, the key verse, or how this passage fits the rest of Scripture.

Ask the AI about Genesis 39

Daily Scripture study

Get a short devotional by email

One passage, one reflection, and one practical question for the day.

Genesis 39: frequently asked questions

What is Genesis 39 about?+
Genesis 39 narrates the story of Joseph in Egypt, where he is sold into slavery by his brothers and becomes a servant in the house of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Despite his difficult circumstances, Joseph excels in his role, gaining the favor of Potiphar, who entrusts him with all his household responsibilities. The chapter highlights Joseph's character, integrity, and unwavering faithfulness to God, illustrating how God is with him in his trials. However, Potiphar's wife attempts to seduce Joseph, but he resists her advances, choosing to honor God and his master. Her betrayal leads to Joseph being falsely accused and imprisoned, yet even in jail, God remains with him, granting him favor with the prison keeper. Key themes in this chapter include the importance of integrity and faithfulness in the face of temptation, the presence of God amidst suffering, and the idea of divine providence working for good even in dire circumstances. Throughout Joseph's trials, his steadfastness serves as a testament to his faith, presenting a powerful example for readers about trusting God during life's challenges. The chapter concludes by setting the stage for Joseph’s ultimate rise to power, underscoring God’s sovereignty in the life of those who remain faithful to Him.
What is the key verse in Genesis 39?+
Genesis 39:8: "But he refused and said to his master's wife, "Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge.""
What are the main themes of Genesis 39?+
The main themes of Genesis 39 are Integrity, Faithfulness in Temptation, God's Presence in Suffering, Divine Providence.

Study Notes