Genesis Chapter 39

The Explained Book of Genesis Chapter 39 by Anietie Hanson

Study Bible: Genesis Chapter 39 – Joseph’s Faithfulness in Egypt

Introduction

Genesis Chapter 39 resumes the narrative of Joseph, who has been sold into slavery by his brothers and now finds himself in Egypt in the household of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. This chapter examines themes of integrity, temptation, and God’s providence amidst trials. Despite Joseph’s unjust treatment, God’s favor remains upon him, guiding him through adversity and preparing him for his pivotal role in Egypt’s salvation during a famine.

With 23 verses, Genesis Chapter 39 highlights Joseph’s unwavering faith in God and the development of his character through testing. Let’s explore each verse thoroughly, uncovering its symbolism and connections to other Scriptures exclusively using the World English Bible (WEB).

Verse-by-Verse Explanation

Genesis 39:1

"Joseph 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 who had brought him down there."

Explanation: Joseph’s arrival in Egypt marks a significant turning point in the fulfillment of God’s plan for him. Potiphar, a high-ranking officer in Pharaoh’s court, becomes his master, introducing Joseph to Egyptian society and its governance. The mention of the Ishmaelites reminds us of the role of trade and providence in God’s plan. Isaiah 55:8–9 reflects God’s ways: "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways." Joseph’s placement in Potiphar’s house begins his journey of transformation and purpose.

Genesis 39:2–3

"God was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man. He was in the house of his master the Egyptian. His master saw that God was with him, and that God made all that he did prosper in his hand."

Explanation: Despite his status as a slave, Joseph experiences God’s favor, becoming prosperous and successful in his work. Potiphar recognizes God’s presence with Joseph, demonstrating how divine favor transcends circumstances. The phrase “God was with Joseph” is repeated throughout his story, emphasizing the source of his success. Psalm 1:3 describes the righteous: "He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, that produces its fruit in its season." Joseph’s prosperity shows that God can bless even amidst adversity.

Genesis 39:4–5

"Joseph found favor in his sight. He served him, and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. From the time that he made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, God blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake. God’s blessing was on all that he had, in the house and in the field."

Explanation: Joseph’s promotion to overseer of Potiphar’s household demonstrates his trustworthiness and leadership. God’s blessing upon Potiphar’s household through Joseph reflects the Abrahamic covenant: "I will bless those who bless you" (Genesis 12:3). The inclusion of blessings “in the house and in the field” signifies comprehensive prosperity, emphasizing Joseph’s role as an agent of divine favor.

Genesis 39:6

"He 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."

Explanation: Potiphar’s complete trust in Joseph reflects Joseph’s character and diligence. The description of Joseph as “well-built and handsome” foreshadows the temptation he will face from Potiphar’s wife. This detail highlights Joseph’s physical attributes, which play a role in the conflict to come. Proverbs 11:22 warns: "Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout, is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion." Beauty and attraction are powerful but must be accompanied by righteousness.

Genesis 39:7

"After these things, his master’s wife set her eyes on Joseph, and she said, 'Lie with me.'"

Explanation: The temptation posed by Potiphar’s wife introduces a moral test for Joseph. Her bold proposition—“Lie with me”—represents an attempt to seduce him, exploiting his position as a servant. This moment parallels other biblical accounts of temptation, such as Eve’s encounter with the serpent (Genesis 3:6). 1 Corinthians 10:13 reassures: "God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able." Joseph’s faith is about to be tested.

Genesis 39:8–9

"But 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. He isn’t greater in this house than I am; and he has not kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?'"

Explanation: Joseph’s refusal reflects his unwavering integrity and loyalty to Potiphar, who entrusted him with authority over the household. His acknowledgment—“you are his wife”—emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and the boundaries of moral conduct. Joseph’s ultimate reasoning—“sin against God”—demonstrates his devotion to divine principles above all else. Psalm 119:11 aligns with his response: "I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Joseph’s resistance highlights his spiritual strength and awareness of God’s presence.

Genesis 39:10

"As she spoke to Joseph day by day, he didn’t listen to her, to lie by her, or to be with her."

Explanation: Potiphar’s wife’s persistence—“day by day”—shows the ongoing nature of temptation and her relentless pursuit of Joseph. Despite repeated attempts, Joseph remains steadfast in his refusal, avoiding both physical proximity and compromise. James 4:7 encourages this resolve: "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Joseph’s consistent rejection of her advances reveals his commitment to maintaining his integrity and faith.

Genesis 39:11–12

"About this time, he went into the house to do his work, and there were none of the men of the house inside. She caught him by his garment, saying, 'Lie with me!' He left his garment in her hand, and ran outside."

Explanation: The absence of others in the house creates an opportunity for Potiphar’s wife to escalate her advances, physically grabbing Joseph’s garment to compel him. Joseph’s choice to flee—“ran outside”—reflects his wisdom in avoiding situations that might lead to sin. His abandoned garment becomes evidence against him, despite his innocence. 2 Timothy 2:22 offers guidance: "Flee youthful lusts, and follow righteousness." Joseph’s action underscores the importance of removing oneself from temptation.

Genesis 39:13–15

"When she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and had run outside, she called to the men of her house, and spoke to them, saying, 'Behold, he has brought a Hebrew to us to mock us! He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice. When he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment by me, and ran outside.'"

Explanation: Potiphar’s wife, driven by rejection and humiliation, fabricates an accusation against Joseph, leveraging his Hebrew identity to alienate him further. Her claim—“to mock us”—reflects her manipulation, playing on cultural prejudices. The garment, though innocent, is used to substantiate her falsehood. Exodus 23:1 warns against false accusations: "You shall not spread a false report." This moment reveals the destructive power of lies and injustice.

Genesis 39:16–18

"She laid up his garment by her until his master came home. She spoke to him according to these words, saying, 'The Hebrew servant, whom you have brought to us, came in to me to mock me. And as I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment by me, and ran outside.'"

Explanation: Potiphar’s wife’s repetition of her false accusations to her husband demonstrates her determination to destroy Joseph’s reputation. Her emphasis on Joseph’s Hebrew identity further isolates him, playing into societal biases. The garment, now emblematic of betrayal, becomes the centerpiece of her manipulation. Proverbs 19:9 warns: "A false witness will not go unpunished." This accusation sets the stage for Joseph’s imprisonment but also for God’s continued favor.

Genesis 39:19–20

"When 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. Joseph’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."

Explanation: Potiphar’s anger, whether directed at Joseph or out of frustration with the situation, results in Joseph’s imprisonment. However, the fact that Joseph is placed in the king’s prison rather than executed suggests that Potiphar may have doubted his wife’s accusations. Joseph’s imprisonment, though unjust, reflects God’s providence, positioning him for future influence in Pharaoh’s court. Psalm 105:18–19 recounts Joseph’s trial: "They bruised his feet with shackles. His neck was bound with irons, until the time that his word happened, and God’s word proved him true." Even in injustice, God’s hand is at work.

Genesis 39:21

"But God was with Joseph, and showed kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison."

Explanation: The phrase “God was with Joseph” reaffirms God’s presence and support despite Joseph’s dire circumstances. Through divine favor, Joseph gains the trust of the keeper of the prison, echoing the trust he earned with Potiphar. This favor demonstrates God’s ability to bless His servants in any situation. Proverbs 16:7 underscores this: "When a man’s ways please God, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." Joseph’s character and faithfulness shine in adversity.

Genesis 39:22–23

"The 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. The keeper of the prison didn’t look after anything that was under his hand, because God was with him; and that which he did, God made it prosper."

Explanation: Joseph’s promotion to a position of responsibility within the prison mirrors his earlier role in Potiphar’s household, reflecting his integrity and God’s blessings. The keeper of the prison’s trust in Joseph demonstrates how God’s presence in Joseph’s life influences those around him. The repeated phrase—“God made it prosper”—highlights divine providence, reminding us that success and favor come from God. Psalm 1:3 echoes: "Whatever he does shall prosper." This passage sets the stage for Joseph’s eventual rise to power in Egypt.

Questions and Answers on Genesis Chapter 39

1.      Why was Joseph sold to Potiphar in Genesis 39:1?

o    Potiphar’s purchase of Joseph positioned him in Pharaoh’s court, aligning with God’s plan for Joseph’s future leadership.

2.      What does the phrase “God was with Joseph” signify in Genesis 39:2?

o    It emphasizes divine favor and presence, showing that God’s blessings transcend circumstances.

3.      How did Joseph gain Potiphar’s trust in Genesis 39:4?

o    Through his integrity, diligence, and the evident blessings of God on his work.

4.      Why does the narrative mention Joseph’s appearance in Genesis 39:6?

o    Joseph’s physical attractiveness sets up the conflict with Potiphar’s wife and highlights his moral character in resisting temptation.

5.      What lesson can be drawn from Joseph’s refusal in Genesis 39:9?

o    It demonstrates the importance of honoring God above all else, even when faced with temptation.

6.      How does Joseph’s resistance in Genesis 39:10 reflect his integrity?

o    Despite persistent advances, Joseph consistently avoids compromise, maintaining his faithfulness to God.

7.      Why did Joseph flee in Genesis 39:12?

o    He chose to escape temptation rather than risk sin, following the principle of avoiding even the appearance of wrongdoing.

8.      How does Potiphar’s wife’s accusation in Genesis 39:14 highlight her deceit?

o    She manipulates Joseph’s innocence and uses cultural prejudices against Hebrews to cast him as the villain.

9.      Why wasn’t Joseph executed for the accusation in Genesis 39:20?

o    Potiphar’s decision to imprison Joseph rather than kill him suggests he may have doubted his wife’s claims.

10.  What is the significance of Joseph’s promotion in the prison in Genesis 39:22?

o    It reveals God’s providence and preparation for Joseph’s future leadership in Egypt.

11.  How does Genesis 39 connect to God’s covenant promises?

o    Joseph’s journey, despite adversity, fulfills God’s promise to preserve and prosper the descendants of Abraham.

12.  What does Joseph’s success in Genesis 39 teach about faith?

o    It shows that faithfulness to God, even in hardship, results in divine favor and purpose.

Final Thoughts

Genesis Chapter 39, with 23 verses, showcases Joseph’s faithfulness, integrity, and resilience in the face of severe trials. Despite false accusations and imprisonment, God’s favor remains evident in Joseph’s life, paving the way for his rise to prominence in Egypt. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, God’s presence can bring blessings and transform adversity into opportunity.

Key Themes:

1.      God’s Presence in Adversity: The repeated phrase “God was with Joseph” highlights divine favor and guidance, even in hardship.

2.      Integrity and Faithfulness: Joseph’s resistance to temptation and his trustworthy character exemplify righteousness.

3.      Divine Providence: God’s hand is evident in Joseph’s journey, preparing him for his ultimate role in preserving his family and fulfilling the covenant.