Genesis Chapter 39

At a Glance

  • Genesis 39 centers on Joseph’s experience in Egypt after his sale into slavery by his brothers.
  • Despite the false accusation, Joseph maintains his integrity and continues to trust in God’s overarching plan.
  • Historical & Literary Context.
  • Genesis 39 is part of the larger Egypt narrative in which Joseph’s arc moves from slavery to power.
  • This chapter also functions as a training ground for Joseph’s future leadership.

CHAPTER REFERENCE

Chapter Overview

Genesis 39 centers on Joseph’s experience in Egypt after his sale into slavery by his brothers. Now under Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh’s guard, Joseph’s character comes to the foreground: he is favored by God, prospering in his master’s house, and trusted with great responsibility. The narrative emphasizes that the Lord is with Joseph, making everything he does prosper, a refrain that marks Joseph’s integrity and divine enablement. Potiphar notices this divine favor reflected in Joseph’s competence and virtue, leading to Joseph’s ascent to oversee all that Potiphar has. Yet the chapter also intensifies the tension: Potiphar’s wife attempts to seduce Joseph, and when he resists, she accuses him of impropriety, leveraging his moral standing and her position to shift blame. Joseph’s refusal to yield to temptation, grounded in fidelity to God, leads to his arrest and abandonment—further testing of his character.

Despite the false accusation, Joseph maintains his integrity and continues to trust in God’s overarching plan. The result is a reversal of fortune that does not come through human manipulation but through steadfast obedience and the pervading presence of the divine. The chamber’s cold, moral crisis and Joseph’s steadfastness shape his reputation in Egypt and set the course for his future rise. The chapter culminates in a note of imprisonment, but with a sense of promise, as the text has already established that God’s purposes will prevail through Joseph’s life, even when circumstances appear grim.

Historical & Literary Context

Genesis 39 is part of the larger Egypt narrative in which Joseph’s arc moves from slavery to power. The text belongs to the historical-narrative portion of Genesis that emphasizes faithful character under pressure. The genre emphasizes moral testing, divine accompaniment, and the interplay between personal virtue and political power. The narrative’s setting in Potiphar’s house and the prison provides a backdrop for exploring themes of trust, temptation, and resilience. The repeated phrase that “the LORD was with Joseph” anchors the episode in a theology of providence—God’s presence shapes outcomes even amid injustice.

This chapter also functions as a training ground for Joseph’s future leadership. The experiences in Potiphar’s house and the prison become the crucible through which he learns to navigate power, influence, and the ethics of governance. The literary structure reinforces motifs of ascent and testing that recur throughout Joseph’s story, foreshadowing his eventual rise to prominence and his role in saving his family during famine.

Key Themes

- God’s presence in exile and trial: The Lord’s care for Joseph in a foreign land is the chapter’s anchor.

- Integrity under temptation: Joseph’s refusal to commit sin against God and his master demonstrates steadfast ethical commitment.

- The upside-down logic of providence: Favor and misfortune in human life intersect with God’s plan to bring about good.

- Leadership through service: Joseph’s ascendency is grounded in his trustworthy management and moral character.

- False accusation and resilience: Despite being falsely accused, Joseph’s virtue remains intact, illustrating trust in God’s justice.

Modern Application

Genesis 39 speaks powerfully to contemporary life in times of temptation, injustice, or career pressure. It invites believers to anchor their decisions in a clear sense of fidelity to God, regardless of personal gain or risk. Joseph’s courage to resist sexual temptation is a model of moral fortitude for professionals and students navigating ethical gray areas. The chapter also encourages trust in God’s sovereignty when situations seem unfavorable or unfair. Even when wronged, Joseph chooses integrity, which ultimately aligns him with God’s favorable purposes.

The text also highlights leadership as a vocation grounded in service and character, not just position. In workplaces or institutions, this can translate into practicing humility, fairness, and diligence—knowing that God’s favor can elevate the faithful in due time. Finally, the narrative invites readers to see trials as opportunities for formation, where one’s response to adversity becomes the crucible through which God’s plan can unfold for broader good.

Cross-References (3-5 related passages)

- Genesis 37:3-11 (Joseph’s coat and dreams foretelling leadership)

- Genesis 41:37-45 (Joseph’s rise to prominence)

- Psalm 105:17-22 (God’s providence in Joseph’s life)

- Matthew 1:18-21 (fulfillment of divine plans through trials)

Recommended Personas

- Joseph: to interpret trials as preparation for leadership and fidelity.

- Potiphar: to discuss how a person of power both enables and restrains virtue.

- Moses: to connect with the wider Exodus narrative and God’s preparation of a savior figure.

- Jesus: to reflect on temptation, divine justice, and faithful obedience.

Chapter Text

1

And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.

2

And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

3

And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.

4

And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

5

And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.

6

And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.

7

And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.

8

But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;

9

There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

10

And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.

11

And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.

12

And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.

13

And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth,

14

That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice:

15

And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out.

16

And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home.

17

And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me:

18

And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out.

19

And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.

20

And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.

21

But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

22

And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.

23

The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.

Discuss This Chapter with Biblical Personas

Explore Genesis Chapter 39 with Biblical figures who can provide unique perspectives grounded in Scripture.

Ask Apostle PaulAsk MosesAsk King DavidAsk Jesus Christ
← Genesis 38Genesis 40 →