Genesis Chapter 39 — Joseph’s Integrity in Egypt
Joseph rises to power in Potiphar's house but is falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and imprisoned, though God remains with him throughout.
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Notable Verses
Genesis 39:2
“The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man. He was in the house of his master the Egyptian.”
This verse establishes the central theme of the chapter: Joseph's success is a direct result of God's presence.
Genesis 39:9
“No 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?”
This reveals that Joseph's primary motivation for his integrity is his relationship with and accountability to God.
Genesis 39:21
“But the LORD was with Joseph, and showed kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”
It confirms that God's favor is not dependent on Joseph's external circumstances, whether in a palace or a prison.
Chapter Summary
Genesis 39 details Joseph’s life in Egypt after being sold by his brothers. He is purchased by Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's guard. Because the LORD is with Joseph, he prospers and eventually becomes the overseer of Potiphar's entire household. This blessing extends to everything Potiphar owns. However, Potiphar's wife attempts to seduce Joseph. He repeatedly refuses her, stating he cannot betray his master's trust or sin against God. When she eventually traps him alone and grabs his garment, Joseph flees, leaving the cloak behind. She uses the garment to falsely accuse him of attempted assault. Potiphar, enraged, has Joseph cast into the king's prison. Even in confinement, the text notes that the LORD remains with Joseph, showing him kindness and giving him favor with the prison keeper. Joseph is soon placed in charge of all the other prisoners, as God continues to make him successful in all his responsibilities despite his bonds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Potiphar was an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh and the captain of the guard. He purchased Joseph from the Ishmaelites and eventually promoted him to be the overseer of his entire household.
Joseph was imprisoned because Potiphar's wife falsely accused him of attempted assault. She used Joseph's garment, which he left behind while fleeing her advances, as false evidence against him.
Joseph refused her repeatedly, citing his loyalty to Potiphar and his desire not to sin against God. When she physically grabbed him, he fled the house to maintain his integrity.
While in prison, the LORD remained with Joseph and gave him favor with the keeper of the prison. The keeper eventually put Joseph in charge of all the other prisoners and all activities within the facility.
Study Note
The repetitive phrase 'the LORD was with Joseph' serves as a literary refrain, emphasizing divine presence regardless of Joseph's social status as a slave or prisoner.
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