Genesis 39:4
Genesis 39:4 in Multiple Translations
Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned.
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.
And Joseph found favor in his sight, and he ministered unto him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
And having a high opinion of Joseph as his servant, he made him the overseer of his house and gave him control over all he had.
Potiphar appreciated Joseph and his service, and put him in charge of his household and made him responsible for everything he owned.
So Ioseph founde fauour in his sight, and serued him: and he made him ruler of his house, and put all that he had in his hand.
and Joseph findeth grace in his eyes and serveth him, and he appointeth him over his house, and all that he hath he hath given into his hand.
Joseph found favor in his sight. He ministered to him, and Potiphar made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
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.
And Joseph found favour in the sight of his master, and ministered to him: and being set over all by him, he governed the house committed to him, and all things that were delivered to him:
Joseph’s master was pleased with him, so he appointed him to be his personal servant. Then he appointed him to be the one who would take care of everything in his household and all of his possessions.
So Potifar liked Joseph a lot, and he got Joseph to be his special worker. He put Joseph in charge of all the other workers in his house, and he got Joseph to look after everything that he owned.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 39:4
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Genesis 39:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 39:4
Study Notes — Genesis 39:4
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 39:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 39:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 39:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 39:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 39:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 39:4
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 39:4
- Sermons on Genesis 39:4
Context — Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife
4Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned.
5From the time that he put Joseph in charge of his household and all he owned, the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s household on account of him. The LORD’s blessing was on everything he owned, both in his house and in his field. 6So Potiphar left all that he owned in Joseph’s care; he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 39:21–22 | the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. And the warden put all the prisoners under Joseph’s care, so that he was responsible for all that was done in the prison. |
| 2 | Proverbs 27:18 | Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored. |
| 3 | Genesis 19:19 | Your servant has indeed found favor in your sight, and you have shown me great kindness by sparing my life. But I cannot run to the mountains; the disaster will overtake me, and I will die. |
| 4 | Genesis 39:8 | But he refused. “Look,” he said to his master’s wife, “with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in his house, and he has entrusted everything he owns to my care. |
| 5 | Acts 20:28 | Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood. |
| 6 | Genesis 24:2 | So Abraham instructed the chief servant of his household, who managed all he owned, “Place your hand under my thigh, |
| 7 | Proverbs 16:7 | When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him. |
| 8 | Genesis 18:3 | “My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. |
| 9 | Genesis 33:10 | But Jacob insisted, “No, please! If I have found favor in your sight, then receive this gift from my hand. For indeed, I have seen your face, and it is like seeing the face of God, since you have received me favorably. |
| 10 | Proverbs 17:2 | A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son and share his inheritance as one of the brothers. |
Genesis 39:4 Summary
Genesis 39:4 tells us that Joseph found favor with his master, Potiphar, and became his personal attendant. This means that Potiphar trusted and liked Joseph, and put him in charge of his whole household. This happened because God was with Joseph, as we see in Genesis 39:2-3, and Potiphar recognized God's blessing on Joseph's life. We can learn from Joseph's example that when we trust and obey God, He can bless us and give us influence and responsibility, just like He did with Joseph (as also seen in Luke 2:52).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for Joseph to find favor in Potiphar's sight?
Finding favor in someone's sight means gaining their approval, trust, and affection, as seen in Genesis 39:4. This is similar to how Noah found favor in God's sight in Genesis 6:8.
Why did Potiphar put Joseph in charge of his household?
Potiphar put Joseph in charge because he saw that the LORD was with him, as stated in Genesis 39:3, and he trusted Joseph to manage his household and possessions wisely.
What can we learn from Joseph's promotion in Potiphar's household?
We can learn that when we are faithful and diligent in our work, God can bless us and promote us, just as He did with Joseph, as seen in Genesis 39:4-5 and supported by Proverbs 22:29.
How does this verse relate to Joseph's overall story in the Bible?
This verse is a key part of Joseph's story, showing how God was with him and blessing him, even in difficult circumstances, and preparing him for his future role in Egypt, as seen in Genesis 37-50 and summarized in Genesis 50:20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate faithfulness and diligence in my own work or daily responsibilities, like Joseph did?
- How can I trust God to guide and promote me, even in challenging situations, as Joseph did?
- What are some areas of my life where I can ask God to bless and increase my influence, like He did for Joseph in Potiphar's household?
- In what ways can I show appreciation and gratitude for the people and resources God has placed in my life, like Potiphar did with Joseph?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 39:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 39:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 39:4
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 39:4
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 39:4
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 39:4
Sermons on Genesis 39:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Just Before the Battle by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joshua and his encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. Joshua made four important discoveries that night. Firstly, he realized tha |
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(Genesis) Genesis 40:20-23 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph from the Bible to convey the message that God cares and is working in our lives, even in difficult circumstances. The spe |
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(Genesis) Genesis 39:21-23 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joseph from the Bible. He highlights how despite the challenging circumstances Joseph faced, the Lord was with him and showed h |
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Magnificent Mercy by Chuck Swindoll | Charles Swindoll preaches on the profound impact of experiencing relief, highlighting how God, as the author of relief, grants us peace, satisfaction, and ease through His mercy. S |
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The Lord Had Made Them Joyful, and Turned by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes that God has the power to turn the hearts of men, as demonstrated in the lives of biblical figures like Joseph, Moses, and Daniel. He encourages believers to |
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Genesis 39:2 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes that 'The Lord was with Joseph' throughout his life, showcasing how God's presence guided him from his youth, through slavery, temptation, imprisonment, and |
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Regulating Various Activities by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses various aspects of life and society based on the teachings of Proverbs. He emphasizes the importance of diligence and taking care of on |





