Genesis 39:20

Genesis 39:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So Joseph’s master took him and had him thrown into the prison where the king’s prisoners were confined. While Joseph was there in the prison,

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

And 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 the prison.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Joseph's master took him and put him in prison, in the place where the king's prisoners were kept in chains, and he was there in the prison-house.

Free Bible Version FBV

He took Joseph and put him in the prison where the king's prisoners were kept, and there he stayed.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Iosephs master tooke him and put him in prison, in the place, where the kings prisoners lay bounde: and there he was in prison.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and Joseph's lord taketh him, and putteth him unto the round-house, a place where the king's prisoners [are] bound; and he is there in the round-house.

World English Bible WEB

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.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And cast Joseph into the prison, where the king’s prisoners were kept, and he was there shut up.

Translation for Translators T4T

Joseph’s master took Joseph and put him in prison, the place where all the king’s prisoners were put, and Joseph stayed there.

Plain English Version PEV

Potifar was Joseph’s boss, so he sent his men to grab Joseph, and they put him in jail. That jail belonged to Pharaoh, the big boss of Egypt country. There were other prisoners in that jail too. And Joseph stayed there in the jail.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 39:20

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 39:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּקַּח֩ אֲדֹנֵ֨י יוֹסֵ֜ף אֹת֗/וֹ וַֽ/יִּתְּנֵ֨/הוּ֙ אֶל בֵּ֣ית הַ/סֹּ֔הַר מְק֕וֹם אֲשֶׁר אסורי אֲסִירֵ֥י הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ אֲסוּרִ֑ים וַֽ/יְהִי שָׁ֖ם בְּ/בֵ֥ית הַ/סֹּֽהַר

וַ/יִּקַּח֩ lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֲדֹנֵ֨י ʼâdôwn H113 lord N-mp

יוֹסֵ֜ף Yôwçêph H3130 Joseph N-proper

אֹת֗/וֹ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

וַֽ/יִּתְּנֵ֨/הוּ֙ nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

בֵּ֣ית bayith H1004 place N-ms

הַ/סֹּ֔הַר çôhar H5470 prison Art | N-ms

מְק֕וֹם mâqôwm H4725 place N-ms

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

אסורי ʼâçar H631 to bind V-Qal-Inf-c

אֲסִירֵ֥י ʼâçîyr H615 prisoner N-mp

הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

אֲסוּרִ֑ים ʼâçar H631 to bind V-Qal-Inf-c

וַֽ/יְהִי hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

שָׁ֖ם shâm H8033 there Adv

בְּ/בֵ֥ית bayith H1004 place Prep | N-ms

הַ/סֹּֽהַר çôhar H5470 prison Art | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 39:20

וַ/יִּקַּח֩ lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

אֲדֹנֵ֨י ʼâdôwn H113 "lord" N-mp

The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.

Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)

Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.

יוֹסֵ֜ף Yôwçêph H3130 "Joseph" 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.

אֹת֗/וֹ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

וַֽ/יִּתְּנֵ֨/הוּ֙ nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

בֵּ֣ית bayith H1004 "place" N-ms

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

הַ/סֹּ֔הַר çôhar H5470 "prison" Art | N-ms

The Hebrew word çôhar refers to a prison or dungeon, a place surrounded by walls, as mentioned in the KJV translation. This term is used to describe a specific type of confinement, often associated with punishment or captivity.

Definition: 1) house of roundness, roundhouse, prison 1a) name of a prison

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: prison. See also: Genesis 39:20; Genesis 39:23; Genesis 40:5.

מְק֕וֹם mâqôwm H4725 "place" N-ms

Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.

Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of

Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.

אֲשֶׁר 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.

אסורי ʼâçar H631 "to bind" V-Qal-Inf-c

This word means to bind or tie something, like when God made a covenant with the Israelites. It can also mean to prepare for battle or to be imprisoned. In different contexts, it involves joining or fastening things together, whether physically or metaphorically.

Definition: 1) to tie, bind, imprison 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tie, bind 1a2) to tie, harness 1a3) to bind (with cords) 1a4) to gird (rare and late) 1a5) to begin the battle, make the attack 1a6) of obligation of oath (figurative) 1b) (Niphal) to be imprisoned, bound 1c) (Pual) to be taken prisoner

Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: bind, fast, gird, harness, hold, keep, make ready, order, prepare, prison(-er), put in bonds, set in array, tie. See also: Genesis 39:20; 1 Samuel 6:7; Psalms 105:22.

אֲסִירֵ֥י ʼâçîyr H615 "prisoner" N-mp

This word refers to a prisoner or captive, someone who is bound or restrained. It is used in the Bible to describe people who are held in captivity or slavery.

Definition: prisoner, captive, bondman

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: (those which are) bound, prisoner. See also: Genesis 39:20; Psalms 69:34; Psalms 68:7.

הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

אֲסוּרִ֑ים ʼâçar H631 "to bind" V-Qal-Inf-c

וַֽ/יְהִי hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

שָׁ֖ם shâm H8033 "there" Adv

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.

בְּ/בֵ֥ית bayith H1004 "place" Prep | N-ms

Definition: nm place, origin, between

הַ/סֹּֽהַר çôhar H5470 "prison" Art | N-ms

Definition: 1) house of roundness, roundhouse, prison 1a) name of a prison

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: prison. See also: Genesis 39:20; Genesis 39:23; Genesis 40:5.

Study Notes — Genesis 39:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 39:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 39:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 39:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 39:20
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 39:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 39:20
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 39:20
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 39:20
Sermons on Genesis 39:20

Context — Joseph Falsely Imprisoned

18but when I screamed for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house.” 19When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, “This is what your slave did to me,” he burned with anger.

20So Joseph’s master took him and had him thrown into the prison where the king’s prisoners were confined. While Joseph was there in the prison,

21the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. 22And the warden put all the prisoners under Joseph’s care, so that he was responsible for all that was done in the prison.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 40:15	For I was kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing for which they should have put me in this dungeon.”
2	2 Timothy 2:9	for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained!
3	Psalms 105:18–19	They bruised his feet with shackles and placed his neck in irons, until his prediction came true and the word of the LORD proved him right.
4	Isaiah 53:8	By oppression and judgment He was taken away, and who can recount His descendants? For He was cut off from the land of the living; He was stricken for the transgression of My people.
5	Daniel 3:21–22	So they were tied up, wearing robes, trousers, turbans, and other clothes, and they were thrown into the blazing fiery furnace. The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the fiery flames killed the men who carried up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
6	Genesis 41:9–14	Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I recall my failures. Pharaoh was once angry with his servants, and he put me and the chief baker in the custody of the captain of the guard. One night both the chief baker and I had dreams, and each dream had its own meaning. Now a young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams and he interpreted them for us individually. And it happened to us just as he had interpreted: I was restored to my position, and the other man was hanged.” So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who was quickly brought out of the dungeon. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he went in before Pharaoh.
7	Genesis 40:1–3	Some time later, the king’s cupbearer and baker offended their master, the king of Egypt. Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, and imprisoned them in the house of the captain of the guard, the same prison where Joseph was confined.
8	Psalms 76:10	Even the wrath of man shall praise You; with the survivors of wrath You will clothe Yourself.
9	1 Peter 2:19	For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended.

Genesis 39:20 Summary

[Joseph was thrown into prison because of a lie, but even in a difficult place, God was with him, as seen in Genesis 39:20-21. This reminds us that no matter where we are or what we're going through, God is always with us, just like He promised in Matthew 28:20. Joseph's story teaches us to trust God, even when things seem unfair, because He can use anything for our good, as stated in Romans 8:28. By trusting God, we can experience His presence and favor, just like Joseph did in Genesis 39:21.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Joseph thrown into prison?

Joseph was thrown into prison because his master believed the false accusations of his wife, as seen in Genesis 39:19-20, which led to his master's anger and decision to imprison him, similar to the way Potiphar's wife reacted in Genesis 39:13-18.

What kind of prison was Joseph thrown into?

The Bible says Joseph was thrown into the prison where the king's prisoners were confined, indicating it was a place where important or high-profile prisoners were kept, as mentioned in Genesis 39:20.

How did Joseph's situation change after being thrown into prison?

Even in prison, Joseph experienced the presence and favor of God, as stated in Genesis 39:21, similar to the way God was with him in Genesis 37:3-4 and how He will be with believers in times of trouble, as seen in Psalm 23:4.

What can we learn from Joseph's experience in prison?

Joseph's experience teaches us that even in difficult and unfair circumstances, God can still be with us and use us for His purposes, as seen in Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28, where God works all things for the good of those who love Him.

Reflection Questions

How do you respond when faced with false accusations or unfair treatment, and what can you learn from Joseph's example in Genesis 39:20?
In what ways can you trust God to be with you in difficult circumstances, just like He was with Joseph in prison, as seen in Genesis 39:21?
How can you use your current situation, whether good or bad, to bring glory to God and serve others, as Joseph did in Genesis 39:22-23?
What does Joseph's story teach you about the importance of integrity and faithfulness, even when it's hard, as seen in Genesis 39:20-23?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 39:20

And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison,.... Which was in or adjoining to his house, Genesis 40:3; of himself he had power to do this, as the captain of the guard; and as he was the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 39:20

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 39:20

Quest. Why did he not kill him, the crime being capital, and he having so undoubted a power in his hand to do it? Answ. It is probable he was a little moderated by Joseph’ s apology, which doubtless he made for himself, though it be not here recorded. 2. This is to be ascribed to the good providence of God, which restrains the waves of the sea, and the passions of men, and sets them their bounds which they shall not pass, which watched over Joseph in a peculiar manner. The king’ s prisoners; traitors, or great offenders against the king, whose prison doubtless was none of the easiest and therefore it is called a dungeon, 41:14; and he endured great hardship in it. See .

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 39:20

Genesis 39:20 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. Ver. 20. And Joseph’ s master took him.] It was a providence that he had not presently slain him upon that false accusation. The devil is first a liar, and then a murderer; but he is limited by God. Joseph is imprisoned in the round tower, where "they hurt his feet with fetters; the iron entered into his soul." He, meanwhile, either pleads not, or is not heard. Doubtless he denied the fact; but durst not accuse the offender. His innocency might afterwards appear, and thereupon the chief keeper show him favour. But his master should have been better advised. If he lived till Joseph was advanced, he had as good cause to fear his power, as ever Joseph’ s brethren had. Cardinal Wolsey was first schoolmaster of Magdalen School in Oxford; after that, beneficed by Marquess Dorset, whose children he had there taught; where he had not long been, but one Sir James Paulet, upon some displeasure, set him by the heels: which affront was afterwards neither forgotten nor forgiven. For when the schoolmaster became Lord Chancellor of England, he sent for him; and after a sharp reproof, imprisoned him: a good precedent for men in authority which work their own wiles without wit; not to punish out of humour, &c. Discite iustitiam moniti, &c. Despise not any man’ s lowness; we know not his destiny. Negotiations of Card. Wols., p. 2.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 39:20

Verse 20. Put him into the prison] בית סהר beith sohar, literally the round house; in such a form the prison was probably built.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 39:20

20. into the prison] Lit. “into the house of roundness,” or “the round house.” Possibly the Heb. expression, “the house of sohar,” may be an attempt to transliterate an Egyptian word, with a similar sound, by means of a familiar Heb. word sohar. LXX ὀχύρωμα, Lat. carcer. It only occurs here, and Genesis 39:23, and Genesis 40:3; Genesis 40:5. On the whole, if Joseph’s master believed the tale that had been told him, the punishment inflicted was less violent than we should have expected in such an age. the place … were bound] These words are considered by many scholars to be introduced by the Compiler, in order to lead up to the description of the prison scene in the E narrative of ch. 40.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 39:20

20. Put him into the prison — Or, house of the round tower, “the fortified house where the king’s prisoners were guarded.

Sermons on Genesis 39:20

	Sermon	Description
	(Genesis) Genesis 39:11-40:23 by Joe Focht	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the sorrows and challenges of life, particularly for boys who bring sorrow to their mothers. However, the speaker believes that there is ano
	Judah's Plea by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith takes us through the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. He emphasizes the importance of confessing our sins and not allowing unconfessed sin
	Difficulties Are Proof Contexts by Elisabeth Elliot	Elisabeth Elliot emphasizes the intertwined nature of loneliness, sadness, and comfort in the Christian journey, highlighting that experiencing moments of despair allows us to full
	Numbered With the Transgressors by Henry Law	Henry Law preaches on the story of Joseph being wrongfully imprisoned, drawing parallels to Jesus being arrested and crucified despite His innocence. He emphasizes how Jesus, thoug
	Joy in Prison by Charles E. Cowman	Charles E. Cowman preaches on the story of Joseph, highlighting how even in difficult circumstances like being in prison, God's presence can bring blessings and prosperity. Joseph'
	Free Through Suffering by Charles E. Cowman	Charles E. Cowman preaches on the profound testimony in Psalms 4:1, highlighting how God's moral government works through distress to bring about enlargement in our lives. Using Jo
	1 Peter 2:18 by John Gill	John Gill emphasizes the Apostle Peter's instruction to servants to be submissive to their masters, regardless of whether they are good or harsh. He addresses the misconception amo