Genesis 39:6

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was [a] goodly [person], and well favoured.

Complete Jewish Bible:

So he left all his possessions in Yosef's care; and because he had him, he paid no attention to his affairs, except for the food he ate. Now Yosef was well-built and handsome as well.

Berean Standard Bible:

So 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,

American Standard Version:

And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not aught that was with him, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was comely, and well-favored.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And he left{H5800} all that he had in Joseph's{H3130} hand{H3027}; and he knew{H3045} not ought{H3972} he had, save{H518} the bread{H3899} which he did eat{H398}. And Joseph{H3130} was a goodly{H8389} person, and well{H3303} favoured{H4758}.

Cross-References (KJV):

1 Samuel 16:12

  • And he sent, and brought him in. Now he [was] ruddy, [and] withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this [is] he.

Genesis 29:17

  • Leah [was] tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.

Proverbs 31:11

  • The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

Luke 19:17

  • And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

Genesis 39:8

  • But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what [is] with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;

Genesis 43:32

  • And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that [is] an abomination unto the Egyptians.

Genesis 12:14

  • ¶ And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she [was] very fair.

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:


Commentary for Genesis 39:6

1. **Themes of Genesis 39:6**:
- **Trust and Responsibility**: The verse reflects the theme of trust as Joseph's master, Potiphar, places all his possessions under Joseph's authority, indicating a high level of trust and responsibility given to Joseph.
- **Integrity and Stewardship**: Joseph's management of the household, except for his master's food, showcases his integrity and capability as a steward, which are key themes in the narrative.
- **Favor and Providence**: The mention of Joseph being "goodly" and "well favoured" suggests divine favor and providence, hinting at the theme that Joseph's success is not merely by his own merit but also due to God's blessing.

2. **Historical Context**:
- **Joseph's Enslavement**: The verse is set in the context of Joseph's enslavement in Egypt after being sold by his brothers. Despite this harsh reality, Joseph rises to a position of trust in the household of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard.
- **Egyptian Society**: During this time, Egypt was a powerful and prosperous nation with a complex society and a system of slavery. Joseph, as a slave, would have been considered property, yet his skills and the favor of God set him apart.
- **Divine Protection and Promotion**: The narrative of Joseph is part of the larger story of the patriarchs of Israel. It illustrates the theme of divine protection and promotion, as Joseph's journey from favored son to slave to second-in-command in Egypt foreshadows the future deliverance of the Israelites from famine and their establishment in the land of Goshen.

In summary, Genesis 39:6 highlights themes of trust, integrity, divine favor, and the historical context of Joseph's rise to power within the ancient Egyptian social hierarchy, despite his initial status as a slave.

*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: H5800
    There are 206 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: עָזַב
    Transliteration: ʻâzab
    Pronunciation: aw-zab'
    Description: a primitive root; to loosen, i.e. relinquish, permit, etc.; commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely.
  2. 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.
  3. Strong's Number: H3027
    There are 1447 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יָד
    Transliteration: yâd
    Pronunciation: yawd
    Description: a primitive word; in distinction from כַּף, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate and remote (as follows); a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.),; ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves.
  4. Strong's Number: H3045
    There are 873 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יָדַע
    Transliteration: yâdaʻ
    Pronunciation: yaw-dah'
    Description: a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.); acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot.
  5. Strong's Number: H3972
    There are 32 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: מְאוּמָה
    Transliteration: mᵉʼûwmâh
    Pronunciation: meh-oo'-maw
    Description: apparently a form of מאוּם; properly, a speck or point, i.e. (by implication) something; with negative, nothing; fault, [phrase] no(-ught), ought, somewhat, any (no-)thing.
  6. Strong's Number: H518
    There are 283 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אִם
    Transliteration: ʼim
    Pronunciation: eem
    Description: a primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not; (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet.
  7. Strong's Number: H3899
    There are 277 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: לֶחֶם
    Transliteration: lechem
    Pronunciation: lekh'-em
    Description: from לָחַם; See also בֵּית לְעַפְרָה; food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it); (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals.
  8. Strong's Number: H398
    There are 825 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אָכַל
    Transliteration: ʼâkal
    Pronunciation: aw-kal'
    Description: a primitive root; to eat (literally or figuratively); [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite.
  9. Strong's Number: H8389
    There are 15 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: תֹּאַר
    Transliteration: tôʼar
    Pronunciation: to'-ar
    Description: from תָּאַר; outline, i.e. figure or appearance; [phrase] beautiful, [idiom] comely, countenance, [phrase] fair, [idiom] favoured, form, [idiom] goodly, [idiom] resemble, visage.
  10. Strong's Number: H3303
    There are 38 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יָפֶה
    Transliteration: yâpheh
    Pronunciation: yaw-feh'
    Description: from יָפָה; beautiful (literally or figuratively); [phrase] beautiful, beauty, comely, fair(-est, one), [phrase] goodly, pleasant, well.
  11. Strong's Number: H4758
    There are 82 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: מַרְאֶה
    Transliteration: marʼeh
    Pronunciation: mar-eh'
    Description: from רָאָה; a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks), or (mental) a vision; [idiom] apparently, appearance(-reth), [idiom] as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight, visage, vision.