Genesis 39

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 39 of 50

1 And Joseph was carried down to Egypt. And Potiphar, a eunuch of Pharaoh, the chief of the executioners, an Egyptian man, bought him from the hand of the Ishmaelites who had carried him down there.

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

3 And his master saw that Jehovah was with him, and Joseph was prospering in his hand everything which he did.

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Chapter Summary

1 Joseph advanced in Potiphar's house. 7 He resists his mistress's seduction. 13 He is falsely accused. 20 He is cast in prison. 21 God is with him there.

Key Hebrew Words

צָלַח prosper H6743 · TWOT 1916
בֶּ֫גֶד garment, robe H899 · TWOT 198a
מָאֵן refuse H3985 · TWOT 1138
חָטָא sin against H2398 · TWOT 638
חֶ֫סֶד kindness H2617 · TWOT 698a
חֵן favor H2580 · TWOT 694a

People & Context

Joseph

Sold into Egypt; prospers as overseer of Potiphar's house, refuses his master's wife, and is imprisoned.

Jehovah

Is with Joseph, blesses Potiphar's house for his sake, and extends kindness to him in prison.

Potiphar's Wife

Joseph's mistress who tries to seduce him daily, then falsely accuses him after he flees, leaving his robe.

Potiphar

Egyptian eunuch and chief of Pharaoh's executioners who buys Joseph, promotes him, then imprisons him.

Pharaoh

King of Egypt; Potiphar serves as the chief of his executioners.

Timeline

Joseph's Prosperity in Potiphar's House

Jehovah is with Joseph, making him prosperous in Potiphar's house. Potiphar makes Joseph overseer of his household, trusting him completely. Jehovah blesses Potiphar's house for Joseph's sake. Joseph is handsome.

Genesis 39:2-6
Joseph Resists Potiphar's Wife

Potiphar's wife repeatedly tries to seduce Joseph. Joseph refuses, explaining his loyalty to Potiphar and his fear of sinning against God.

Genesis 39:7-10
Joseph Falsely Accused and Imprisoned

One day, when no one else is in the house, Potiphar's wife grabs Joseph by his robe. He flees, leaving his robe in her hand. She then falsely accuses him to her household and to Potiphar, claiming Joseph tried to lie with her. Potiphar's anger flares, and he puts Joseph in the prison where the king's prisoners are held.

Genesis 39:11-20

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