Genesis 39:5

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And it came to pass from the time [that] he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.

Complete Jewish Bible:

From the time he appointed him manager of his household and all his possessions, ADONAI blessed the Egyptian's household for Yosef's sake; ADONAI's blessing was on all he owned, whether in the house or in the field.

Berean Standard Bible:

From 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.

American Standard Version:

And it came to pass from the time that he made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that Jehovah blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of Jehovah was upon all that he had, in the house and in the field.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And it came to pass from the time{H227} that he had made him overseer{H6485} in his house{H1004}, and over all that he had{H3426}, that the LORD{H3068} blessed{H1288} the Egyptian's{H4713} house{H1004} for Joseph's{H3130} sake{H1558}; and the blessing{H1293} of the LORD{H3068} was upon all that he had{H3426} in the house{H1004}, and in the field{H7704}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Genesis 30:27

  • And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, [tarry: for] I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.

2 Samuel 6:11

  • And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household.

2 Samuel 6:12

  • ¶ And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that [pertaineth] unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.

Acts 27:24

  • Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

Genesis 12:2

  • And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

Psalms 72:17

  • His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and [men] shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.

Psalms 21:6

  • For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.

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Commentary for Genesis 39:5

Genesis 39:5 is part of the story of Joseph, one of the sons of Jacob (Israel), who was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt. This verse reflects several key themes and historical contexts:

**Themes:**

1. **Divine Providence:** The verse emphasizes God's providence and blessing in the life of Joseph, despite his difficult circumstances. It shows that God's favor can extend to those who are righteous, even in foreign lands.

2. **Reward for Integrity:** Joseph's rise to power in Potiphar's house is a direct result of his integrity and faithfulness. This theme underscores the idea that faithfulness and moral character are recognized and rewarded by God, even when unrecognized by humans.

3. **Influence of the Righteous:** The blessing on Potiphar's household because of Joseph illustrates the concept that the righteous can have a positive influence on their surroundings, bringing blessing to those around them.

**Historical Context:**

1. **Slavery in the Ancient Near East:** The story of Joseph reflects the common practice of slavery in the ancient world. Joseph, as a slave, would have been considered the property of his master, Potiphar, an Egyptian officer.

2. **Egyptian Society:** During this time, Egypt was a powerful and prosperous nation, known for its sophisticated society and strong central government. Joseph's successful management of Potiphar's estate would have been notable and could have been seen as a reflection of the broader cultural emphasis on effective administration.

3. **Patriarchal Narratives:** The narrative of Joseph is part of the larger story of the patriarchs, which includes Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These stories were likely passed down orally before being written and are foundational to the Israelite identity and theological understanding of God's promises and faithfulness to His people.

In summary, Genesis 39:5 highlights God's blessing and providence in the life of Joseph, an enslaved foreigner in Egypt. It underscores the themes of divine favor, the reward of integrity, and the far-reaching effects of righteousness, all set against the backdrop of ancient Near Eastern slavery and the social structures of Egyptian society during the time of the patriarchs.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H227
    There are 113 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אָז
    Transliteration: ʼâz
    Pronunciation: awz
    Description: a demonstrative adverb; at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore; beginning, for, from, hitherto, now, of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet.
  2. Strong's Number: H6485
    There are 270 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: פָּקַד
    Transliteration: pâqad
    Pronunciation: paw-kad'
    Description: a primitive root; to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc.; appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want.
  3. Strong's Number: H1004
    There are 1718 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: בַּיִת
    Transliteration: bayith
    Pronunciation: bah'-yith
    Description: probably from בָּנָה abbreviated; a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.); 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).
  4. Strong's Number: H3426
    There are 129 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יֵשׁ
    Transliteration: yêsh
    Pronunciation: yaysh
    Description: perhaps from an unused root meaning to stand out, or exist; entity; used adverbially or as a copula for the substantive verb (הָיָה); there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection); (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest.
  5. Strong's Number: H3068
    There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יְהֹוָה
    Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
    Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
    Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
  6. Strong's Number: H1288
    There are 289 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: בָרַךְ
    Transliteration: bârak
    Pronunciation: baw-rak'
    Description: a primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (God or the king, as treason); [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank.
  7. Strong's Number: H4713
    There are 25 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: מִצְרִי
    Transliteration: Mitsrîy
    Pronunciation: mits-ree'
    Description: from מִצְרַיִם; a Mitsrite, or inhabitant of Mitsrajim; Egyptian, of Egypt.
  8. Strong's Number: H3130
    There are 193 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יוֹסֵף
    Transliteration: Yôwçêph
    Pronunciation: yo-safe'
    Description: future of יָסַף; let him add (or perhaps simply active participle adding); Joseph, the name of seven Israelites; Joseph. Compare יְהוֹסֵף.
  9. Strong's Number: H1558
    There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: גָּלָל
    Transliteration: gâlâl
    Pronunciation: gaw-lawl'
    Description: from גָּלַל; a circumstance (as rolled around); only used adverbially, on account of; because of, for (sake).
  10. Strong's Number: H1293
    There are 64 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: בְּרָכָה
    Transliteration: Bᵉrâkâh
    Pronunciation: ber-aw-kaw'
    Description: from בָרַךְ; benediction; by implication prosperity; blessing, liberal, pool, present.
  11. Strong's Number: H7704
    There are 309 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: שָׂדֶה
    Transliteration: sâdeh
    Pronunciation: saw-deh'
    Description: or שָׂדַי; from an unused root meaning to spread out; a field (as flat); country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild.