Genesis 39:1
Genesis 39:1 in Multiple Translations
Meanwhile, Joseph had been taken down to Egypt, where an Egyptian named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.
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.
And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hand of the Ishmaelites, that had brought him down thither.
Now Joseph was taken down to Egypt; and Potiphar the Egyptian, a captain of high position in Pharaoh's house, got him for a price from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.
Joseph had been taken to Egypt by the Ishmaelites, who had sold him to Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh's officers, the commander of the royal guard.
Now Ioseph was brought downe into Egypt: and Potiphar an Eunuche of Pharaohs (and his chiefe stewarde an Egyptian) bought him at the hande of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him thither.
And Joseph hath been brought down to Egypt, and Potiphar, a eunuch of Pharaoh, head of the executioners, an Egyptian man, buyeth him out of the hands of the Ishmaelites who have brought him thither.
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 that had brought him down there.
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 Ishmaelites, who had brought him down thither.
And Joseph was brought into Egypt, and Putiphar an eunuch of Pharao, chief captain of the army, an Egyptian, bought him of the Ismaelites, by whom he was brought.
Meanwhile, the descendants of Ishmael took Joseph down to Egypt. There Potiphar bought Joseph from them. Potiphar was an Egyptian who was one of the king’s officials and the captain of the king’s ◄palace guards/guards who protected the king►.
This is the story about what happened to Joseph, after that time when his brothers sold him to the Midian mob. That Midian mob took Joseph to Egypt country. Then they sold Joseph to a man called Potifar. That man Potifar, he worked for the big boss of Egypt country, called Pharaoh. Potifar was in charge of all the soldiers that guarded Pharaoh’s house.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 39:1
BAB
Word Study
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Genesis 39:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/יוֹסֵ֖ף
הוּרַ֣ד
מִצְרָ֑יְמָ/ה
וַ/יִּקְנֵ֡/הוּ
פּוֹטִיפַר֩
סְרִ֨יס
פַּרְעֹ֜ה
שַׂ֤ר
הַ/טַּבָּחִים֙
אִ֣ישׁ
מִצְרִ֔י
מִ/יַּד֙
הַ/יִּשְׁמְעֵאלִ֔ים
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
הוֹרִדֻ֖/הוּ
שָֽׁמָּ/ה
וְ/יוֹסֵ֖ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
Conj | N-proper
הוּרַ֣ד
yârad
H3381
to go down
V-Hophal-Perf-3ms
מִצְרָ֑יְמָ/ה
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper | Suff
וַ/יִּקְנֵ֡/הוּ
qânâh
H7069
to buy
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
פּוֹטִיפַר֩
Pôwṭîyphar
H6318
Potiphar
N-proper
סְרִ֨יס
çârîyç
H5631
eunuch
N-ms
פַּרְעֹ֜ה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
שַׂ֤ר
sar
H8269
ruler
N-ms
הַ/טַּבָּחִים֙
ṭabbâch
H2876
guard
Art | N-mp
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
מִצְרִ֔י
Mitsrîy
H4713
Egyptian
Ngmsa
מִ/יַּד֙
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
הַ/יִּשְׁמְעֵאלִ֔ים
Yishmâʻêʼlîy
H3459
Ishmaelite
Art | Ngmpa
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הוֹרִדֻ֖/הוּ
yârad
H3381
to go down
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp | Suff
שָֽׁמָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
there
Adv | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 39:1
וְ/יוֹסֵ֖ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
"Joseph"
Conj | N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
הוּרַ֣ד
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
V-Hophal-Perf-3ms
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
מִצְרָ֑יְמָ/ה
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper | Suff
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
וַ/יִּקְנֵ֡/הוּ
qânâh
H7069
"to buy"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to buy or acquire something, and is used to describe God's redemption of His people. It emphasizes ownership and possession, as seen in the stories of God's creation and redemption.
Definition: 1) to get, acquire, create, buy, possess 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to get, acquire, obtain 1a1a) of God originating, creating, redeeming His people 1a1a1) possessor 1a1b) of Eve acquiring 1a1c) of acquiring knowledge, wisdom 1a2) to buy 1b) (Niphal) to be bought 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to possess Aramaic equivalent: qe.na (קְנָא "to buy" H7066)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: attain, buy(-er), teach to keep cattle, get, provoke to jealousy, possess(-or), purchase, recover, redeem, [idiom] surely, [idiom] verily. See also: Genesis 4:1; 2 Chronicles 34:11; Psalms 74:2.
פּוֹטִיפַר֩
Pôwṭîyphar
H6318
"Potiphar"
N-proper
Potiphar was an Egyptian officer who served as chief of the executioners and owned Joseph as a slave. His name means 'belonging to the sun' and he is mentioned in Genesis 37:36.
Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.37.36 § Potiphar = "belonging to the sun" an officer of Pharaoh, chief of the executioners, and the master to whom Joseph was sold as a slave
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Potiphar. See also: Genesis 37:36; Genesis 39:1.
סְרִ֨יס
çârîyç
H5631
"eunuch"
N-ms
A eunuch was a high-ranking official in a royal court, often in charge of the female apartments. This word is used in the Bible to describe important ministers of state. In the book of Acts, the Ethiopian eunuch was a prominent official who met Philip and became a Christian.
Definition: official, eunuch
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: chamberlain, eunuch, officer. Compare H7249 (רַב־סָרִיס). See also: Genesis 37:36; Esther 2:21; Isaiah 39:7.
פַּרְעֹ֜ה
Parʻôh
H6547
"Pharaoh"
N-proper
In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.
Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.
שַׂ֤ר
sar
H8269
"ruler"
N-ms
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
הַ/טַּבָּחִים֙
ṭabbâch
H2876
"guard"
Art | N-mp
This Hebrew word originally meant a butcher, but came to describe a lifeguardsman or executioner, and even a cook who slaughtered animals for food. It is used to describe various roles in the Bible, including a bodyguard or cook. The word has an Aramaic equivalent.
Definition: 1) executioner, cook, bodyguard, guardsman 1a) cook (who also killed the animal for food) 1b) guardsmen, bodyguard Aramaic equivalent: tab.bach (טַבָּח "guardsman" H2877)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: cook, guard. See also: Genesis 37:36; Jeremiah 39:10; Jeremiah 39:9.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מִצְרִ֔י
Mitsrîy
H4713
"Egyptian"
Ngmsa
In the Bible, this word refers to an Egyptian, someone from the country of Egypt. It appears in the Old Testament, describing people from this northeastern African nation. Egyptians are mentioned in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: Group of mits.ra.yim (מִצְרַ֫יִם "Egypt" H4714G) § Egyptian, of Egypt "double straits" Egyptian-an inhabitant or citizen of Egypt an Egyptian
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: Egyptian, of Egypt. See also: Genesis 12:12; Exodus 8:17; Ezra 9:1.
מִ/יַּד֙
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
הַ/יִּשְׁמְעֵאלִ֔ים
Yishmâʻêʼlîy
H3459
"Ishmaelite"
Art | Ngmpa
An Ishmaelite is a descendant of Ishmael, Abraham's son with Hagar. Ishmaelites are first mentioned in Genesis 16 and are associated with the Arabian peoples.
Definition: Someone descended from Ishmael who was a man of Arabia living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.16.11; son of: Abraham (H0085) and Hagar (H1904); half-brother of: Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); father of: Nebaioth (H5032), Kedar (H6938), Adbeel (H0110), Mibsam (H4017), Mishma (H4927), Dumah (H1746), Massa (H4854), Hadad (H2301), Tema (H8485), Jetur (H3195), Naphish (H5305), Kedemah (H6929) and Mahalath (H4258) Group of yish.ma.el (יִשְׁמָעֵאל "Ishmael" H3458) § Ishmaelite , of Ishmael "God will hear" a descendant of Ishmael
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Ishmaelite. See also: Genesis 37:25; Judges 8:24; Psalms 83:7.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
הוֹרִדֻ֖/הוּ
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp | Suff
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
שָֽׁמָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv | Suff
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
Study Notes — Genesis 39:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 39:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 39:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 39:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 39:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 39:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 39:1
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 39:1
- Barnes' Notes on Genesis 39:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 39:1
- Sermons on Genesis 39:1
Context — Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife
1Meanwhile, Joseph had been taken down to Egypt, where an Egyptian named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.
2And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. 3When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 37:28 | So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt. |
| 2 | Psalms 105:17 | He sent a man before them— Joseph, sold as a slave. |
| 3 | Genesis 37:36 | Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. |
| 4 | Genesis 37:25 | And as they sat down to eat a meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying spices, balm, and myrrh on their way down to Egypt. |
| 5 | Acts 7:9 | Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him |
| 6 | Genesis 45:4 | Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt! |
Genesis 39:1 Summary
This verse tells us that Joseph was taken to Egypt and sold to an important Egyptian man named Potiphar. Even though Joseph was a slave, God was still with him and had a plan to prosper him (as seen in Genesis 39:2-3). This reminds us that God is always with us, no matter what circumstances we face, and that He has a plan to use us for good (Romans 8:28). We can trust God's presence and guidance in our lives, just as Joseph did, and seek to honor Him in all that we do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Joseph taken to Egypt?
Joseph was taken to Egypt by the Ishmaelites, who had bought him from his brothers, as recorded in Genesis 37:28 and Genesis 37:36. This was a pivotal moment in Joseph's life, setting the stage for God's plan to unfold.
Who was Potiphar and what was his role?
Potiphar was an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, as mentioned in Genesis 39:1. He played a significant role in Joseph's life, purchasing him from the Ishmaelites and later promoting him in his household.
What can we learn from Joseph's experience of being sold into slavery?
Joseph's experience teaches us about God's sovereignty and providence, even in difficult circumstances, as seen in Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28. Despite being sold into slavery, God was still with Joseph and had a plan to prosper him.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of Joseph's life?
This verse marks a turning point in Joseph's life, as he begins his journey in Egypt, which will ultimately lead to his rise to prominence and his role in saving his family, as seen in Genesis 45:1-15 and Genesis 47:1-31.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has been with you in difficult circumstances, just as He was with Joseph in Egypt?
- How can you trust God's sovereignty and providence in your life, even when faced with challenging situations?
- What are some ways that you can serve and honor God in your current circumstances, whether that be in a difficult or a prosperous situation?
- How can you apply the principle of God's presence and guidance in your life, as seen in Joseph's experience, to your own life and decisions?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 39:1
And Joseph was brought down to Egypt,.... By the Ishmaelites, Genesis 37:28; as in a following clause: and Potiphar an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian; as his name also shows,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 39:1
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. Potiphar ... captain of the guard.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 39:1
GENESIS CHAPTER 39 God prospers Joseph in Potiphar’ s service, ,2. Potiphar observes it, and sets him over all his house, . He is a goodly person, and his mistress solicits him to lie with her, . He abhorring the ingratitude against his master, and sin against God, constantly refuses, . They being in the house alone, she seizes his coat, which he leaves with her, and fled, . She accuses him first to the servants, ,15; then to his master, , who casts him into prison, ,20. The Lord is with him there; he finds favour with the keeper; is set over the prisoners, and prospers, . 1729 The Lord was with Joseph, with his gracious presence and blessing, as this phrase is taken here, 21:22 26:24. He was in the house of his master: he doth not endeavour to make an escape to his father, but demeaned himself patiently and faithfully in the station into which God’ s providence had brought him.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 39:1
Genesis 39:1 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. Ver. 1. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’ s.] See here a sweet providence, that Joseph should fall into such hands. Potiphar was provost-marshal, keeper of the king’ s prisoners. And what could Joseph have wished better than this, that, since he must be a prisoner, he should be put into that prison, where he might, by interpreting the butler’ s dream, come to so great preferment? Chrysostom, in his nineteenth Homily on the Ephesians, saith: We must not once doubt of the divine providence, though we presently perceive not the causes and reasons of many passages. And this he sweetly sets forth by apt similitudes drawn from the works of carpenters, painters, bees, ants, spiders, swallows, &c. Surely, as a man, by a chain made up of various links, some of gold, others of silver, some of brass, iron, or tin, may be drawn out of a pit: so the Lord by the concurrence of several subordinate things, which have no manner of dependence, or natural coincidency among themselves, hath oftentimes wrought and brought about the deliverance and exaltation of his children, that it might appear to be the work of his own hand. See M. Reynold on Psalm cx. 5.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 39:1
CHAPTER XXXIX Joseph, being brought to Potiphar's house, prospers in all his undertakings, 1-3. Potiphar makes him his overseer, 4. Is prospered in all his concerns for Joseph's sake, in whom he puts unlimited confidence, 5, 6. The wife of Potiphar solicits him to criminal correspondence, 7. He refuses, and makes a fine apology for his conduct, 8, 9. She continues her solicitations, and he his refusals, 10. She uses violence, and he escapes from her hand, 11-13. She accuses him to the domestics, 14,15, and afterward to Potiphar, 16-18. Potiphar is enraged, and Joseph is cast into prison, 19, 20. The Lord prospers him, and gives him great favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison, 21, who intrusts him with the care of the house and all the prisoners, 22, 23.
NOTES ON CHAP. XXXIX Verse 1. An officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard] Mr. Ainsworth, supposing that his office merely consisted in having charge of the king's prisoners, calls Potiphar provost marshal! See Clarke on Genesis 37:36, See Clarke on Genesis 40:3.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 39:1
1. was brought down] This follows upon Genesis 37:28. Potiphar, &c.] See note on Genesis 37:36. These words the Compiler seems to have added from E to harmonize the two accounts. J merely read “And an Egyptian bought him”; cf. Genesis 39:2, “in the house of his master the Egyptian.” The words “an Egyptian,” “the Egyptian” would have been needless in Genesis 39:1-2, after the full description of Potiphar as “an officer of Pharaoh’s, the captain of the guard.”
Barnes' Notes on Genesis 39:1
- Joseph in Potiphar’s House According to our reckoning, Perez and Zerah were born when Judah was in his twenty-eighth year, and therefore, Joseph in his twenty-fourth.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 39:1
JOSEPH IN SLAVERY AND IN PRISON, Genesis 39:1-23. 1. Down to Egypt — “Down from the Syrian Plains to the Desert, and down the Desert to the Nile Valley.
Sermons on Genesis 39:1
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Just Say No! by Billy Graham | This sermon addresses the common trials and temptations faced by individuals, emphasizing God's faithfulness in providing a way to escape such challenges. It delves into the strugg |
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(Genesis) Genesis 39 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Joseph, despite facing numerous challenges and hardships, is a prime example of how God's provi |
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Lessons From the Life of Joseph by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joseph from the Bible. He emphasizes the lessons that Joseph's brothers had to learn, such as the consequences of their transgr |
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K-528 Tv Show Part 12 Joseph & Revelation by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. He challenges the audience to examine whether they truly ha |
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Revival (Joseph) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the harsh treatment of slaves in the past, where they were chained and made to work as human horses. He emphasizes the importance of bringi |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:13-19 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher draws a comparison between the biblical story of Joseph and the Lord Jesus. He highlights the miraculous births of both Joseph and Jesus, as well as th |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:4-6 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph from the Bible. He explains that Joseph, at the age of 17, was a rather gullible and naive boy who had been sheltered by |