Genesis 39:21

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 39:21

God's presence with his servants. Joseph in slavery, yet the Lord was with him (cf. Revelation 1:9 ). Twice stated in this chapter. Outward prosperity is no test of God's presence (cf. Romans 5:3 ; 2 Corinthians 12:9 ). Often in times of trial God's presence is most clearly felt. When all dark below, the eye is drawn upwards. The world's good seen to be unprofitable ( James 4:4 ). There is a sense in which God is always with all. He guides men's actions and course of life, whether... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Genesis 39:1-23

- Joseph in Potiphar’s HouseAccording to our reckoning, Perez and Zerah were born when Judah was in his twenty-eighth year, and therefore, Joseph in his twenty-fourth. Here, then, we go back seven years to resume the story of Joseph.Genesis 39:1-6Joseph fares well with his first master. “Potiphar.” This is a racapitulation of the narrative in Genesis 37:0: “The Lord;” the God of covenant is with Joseph. “In the house.” Joseph was a domestic servant. “And his master saw.” The prosperity that... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Genesis 39:20-21

Genesis 39:20-21 . Where the king’s prisoners were bound Potiphar, it is likely, chose that prison because it was the worst; for there “the irons entered into the soul,” <19A518>Psalms 105:18, but God designed it to pave the way to his enlargement. Our Lord Jesus, like Joseph, was bound, and numbered with transgressors. But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy. No gates nor bars can shut out his gracious presence from his people. God gave him favour in sight of the... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Genesis 39:1-23

Joseph’s rise to power (39:1-41:57)In contrast to Judah, Joseph was blameless in his behaviour in Egypt. Soon he was placed in charge of Potiphar’s household (39:1-6). When he rejected the immoral invitations of Potiphar’s wife, she turned against him bitterly and had him thrown into prison (7-20). Again his behaviour was blameless, and soon he was given a position of responsibility over the other prisoners (21-23).Among the prisoners who later joined Joseph were two of Pharaoh’s palace... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Genesis 39:21

mercy = kindness. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Genesis 39:19-21

"And it came to pass when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled. And Joseph's master took him, and put him into prison, the place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in prison. But Jehovah was with Joseph, and showed kindness unto him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.""His master's wrath was kindled ..." The tradition handed down through... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Genesis 39:21

21-23. The Lord . . . gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison, c.—It is highly probable, from the situation of this prison ( :-), that the keeper might have been previously acquainted with Joseph and have had access to know his innocence of the crime laid to his charge, as well as with all the high integrity of his character. That may partly account for his showing so much kindness and confidence to his prisoner. But there was a higher influence at work for "the Lord was with... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 39:7-23

Joseph was evidently in his mid-twenties at this time. He was in a "no win" position with Potiphar’s wife. As a slave he had to obey her, but as a trustworthy and moral servant of Potiphar he had to refuse her. The typical male clothing in patriarchal times consisted of mid-calf-length shorts and a tunic that resembled a long T-shirt (cf. Genesis 3:21; Genesis 37:3). [Note: Wenham, Genesis 16-50, p. 376.] Joseph regarded obedience to God as his primary responsibility (Genesis 39:9) and... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 39:1-23

Joseph in the House of Potiphar5. Overseer] rather, ’house-steward.’6. Potiphar left everything under Joseph’s control except his own food. There may be here an allusion to the strict caste laws of Egypt: cp. Genesis 43:32; Genesis 46:34.7. Joseph was yet but a youth, when temptations are strongest, and he was far removed from all the restraining influences of home. But He who was ’the fear of Isaac’ (Genesis 31:42) was ’the fear of Joseph ’also, and his resolute resistance to temptation... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Genesis 39:1-23

Genesis 39:9 'How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?' So said Joseph, alone with Potiphar's wife? The unhappy woman had been enticing Joseph, then about twenty-seven years old, to gross and grievous sin. Sin had mastered her; she was the insane slave of its power. Now, she in turn craved, by a sort of dreadful 'law of sin,' to drag down another soul with her in the pit. Joseph was not a glorified spirit. He was a young mortal man, subject to 'like passions' with ours. The... read more

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