Bible Chapter Summary
Genesis 39 Summary
Joseph Serves Faithfully, Imprisoned Unjustly
Joseph, sold into Egypt, is purchased by Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, and rises to become overseer of his entire household because the LORD prospers everything he does. Potiphar's wife repeatedly attempts to seduce Joseph, but he refuses on moral and theological grounds, declaring it would be a great wickedness and a sin against God. When she falsely accuses him of assault after he flees, leaving his garment in her hand, Potiphar has Joseph cast into the royal prison. Even there, the LORD shows Joseph mercy and favour, and the keeper of the prison entrusts all prisoners and operations to Joseph's charge, because the LORD makes everything he does to prosper.
Key themes
Key verses
Genesis 39:2
“And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.”
Genesis 39:9
“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?”
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.”
Genesis 39:21
“But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”
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