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Commentary on Genesis 39 verses 19–23
Here is, 1. Joseph wronged by his master. He believed the accusation, and either Joseph durst not make his defence by telling the truth, as it would reflect too much upon his mistress, or his master would not hear it, or would not believe it, and there is no remedy, he is condemned to perpetual imprisonment, Gen 39:19, Gen 39:20. God restrained his wrath, else he had put him to death; and that wrath which imprisoned him God made to turn to his praise, in order to which Providence so disposed that he should be shut up among the king's prisoners, the state-prisoners. Potiphar, it is likely, chose that prison because it was the worst; for there the iron entered into the soul (Psa 105:18), but God designed to pave the way to his enlargement. He was committed to the king's prison, that he might thence be preferred to the king's person. Note, Many an action of false imprisonment will, in the great day, be found to lie against the enemies and persecutors of God's people. Our Lord Jesus, like Joseph here, was bound, and numbered with the transgressors. 2. Joseph owned and righted by his God, who is, and will be, the just and powerful patron of oppressed innocence. Joseph was at a distance from all his friends and relations, had not them with him to comfort him, or to minister to him, or to mediate for him; but the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, Gen 39:21. Note, (1.) God despises not his prisoners, Psa 69:33. No gates nor bars can shut out his gracious presence from his people; for he has promised that he will never leave them. (2.) Those that have a good conscience in a prison have a good God there. Integrity and uprightness qualify us for the divine favour, wherever we are. Joseph is not long a prisoner before he becomes a little ruler even in the prison, which is to be attributed, under God, [1.] To the keeper's favour. God gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. Note, God can raise up friends for his people even where they little expect to find them, and can make them to be pitied even of those that carry them captive, Psa 106:46. [2.] To Joseph's fitness for business. The keeper saw that God was with him, and that every thing prospered under his hand; and therefore entrusted him with the management of the affairs of the prison, Gen 39:22, Gen 39:23. Note, Wisdom and virtue will shine in the narrowest spheres. A good man will do good wherever he is, and will be a blessing even in bonds and banishment; for the Spirit of the Lord is not bound nor banished, witness St. Paul, Phi 1:12, Phi 1:13.
Therefore I might say Joseph was happier when he was put into prison, because he was giving witness on behalf of chastity. For modesty is a good gift but one of lesser merit when it involves no risk. Where, however, it is maintained at the risk of one’s safety, there it wins a more abundant crown. With his case unheard, his truthfulness unexamined, Joseph is sent into prison as if guilty of a crime. But the Lord did not abandon him even in prison. The innocent should not be troubled when they are attacked on false charges, when justice is overcome and they are shoved into prison. God visits his own even in prison, and so there is more help for them there, where there is more danger.
But the holy man considered that prison to be a palace; and Joseph himself was a palace in his prison, because where faith, chastity and modesty are, there the palace of Christ is, the temple of God, the dwelling of the Holy Spirit.… In the church there are three models of chastity that everybody must imitate: Joseph, Susanna and Mary. May men imitate Joseph, women Susanna and the virgin Mary.
Joseph was imprisoned. Our Joseph, that is, Christ, as Isaiah says, “was numbered with the transgressors.” The innocent man is led among the guilty by the wisdom of God, who “went down with him”—as was written—”into the pit, and did not leave him in bonds.” This Joseph of ours, Christ, claims, “I became as a man without help, free among the dead.” What followed had to happen, that is, the fact that Joseph found in the commander of the prison the grace of which he was full and that all the keys and the entire surveillance were given to him. This occurred in order that to the one before whom heaven prostrated in the figure of the sun, the moon and the stars, and the earth in that of its crops, also the subterranean creatures of the prison might submit. And therefore before our Joseph, that is, Christ, “every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” I also think that the fact that two eunuchs of Pharaoh were imprisoned together with him is not incompatible with the mystery of the passion. In fact, it was completed in this manner by the number of the three crucified, of whom our Joseph, that is, Christ, by unveiling the mysteries, had to punish one with a deserved chastisement and had to save the other with a free grace. These holy actions were accomplished then under the veil of allegory, so that their full revelation might be reserved to us.
Now when Joseph was accused by his mistress, he refused to say that she was guilty, because as a just man he did not know how to accuse anyone; for this reason the unchaste woman acted with impunity. Therefore I might say that she was truly stripped even though she held the skirt of his garment in her hand, for she had lost all the adornments of purity and the covering of chastity. I might say further that he was sufficiently adorned and clothed even though his voice was not heard, for his innocence spoke. In this way, Susanna later spoke better than the prophet even though she was silent at her trial; since she did not seek the help of her own voice she thus merited the defense of the prophet. I might have said Joseph was more blessed when he was cast into prison, for he endured martyrdom in defense of chastity. The gift of purity is a great thing, even when it is preserved without danger, but when it is defended, although at the risk of personal safety, then it is crowned still more fully.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 39:20 marks a dramatic and unjust turn in Joseph's life as he is cast into prison by his master, Potiphar. Following a false accusation by Potiphar's wife, Joseph, who had faithfully managed Potiphar's household, is suddenly stripped of his authority and confined to a state correctional facility. This verse underscores the immediate and severe consequences of his unwavering moral integrity in the face of temptation, highlighting the profound injustice he endured.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Genesis 39:20 serves as the pivotal turning point in the narrative of Joseph's time in Egypt, immediately following the climax of the temptation by Potiphar's wife. The preceding verses (Genesis 39:1-6) detail Joseph's rapid ascent to a position of immense trust and authority within Potiphar's household, where "the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man" (Genesis 39:2). However, the narrative quickly shifts to the persistent sexual advances of Potiphar's wife and Joseph's steadfast refusal, culminating in her false accusation of attempted rape (Genesis 39:7-19). Verse 20 is the direct consequence of this accusation, transitioning Joseph from a position of domestic power to the confines of a state prison, setting the stage for his interaction with the king's officials and ultimately, Pharaoh himself, as detailed in Genesis 40.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Egypt, the master of a household held significant authority, including the power to punish slaves. While an accusation of attempted rape by a slave against the master's wife was a capital offense, Potiphar's decision to imprison Joseph rather than execute him is notable. This leniency might suggest that Potiphar, having observed Joseph's character and integrity, harbored doubts about his wife's accusation, or perhaps he wished to avoid a public scandal. The "prison" mentioned, described as a place for "the king's prisoners," indicates a state-controlled facility, likely a dungeon or a secure administrative jail, rather than a common local lock-up. Such prisons were typically reserved for high-profile offenders, political prisoners, or those awaiting royal judgment, often involving physical restraints. This suggests Joseph's confinement was serious and under the direct oversight of a royal official, underscoring the gravity of the perceived offense.
Key Themes: Genesis 39:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Joseph narrative and the book of Genesis. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of Divine Sovereignty amidst human injustice; even Joseph's unjust imprisonment is ultimately part of God's larger, unseen plan for his life and the salvation of his family, echoing the overarching message of Genesis 50:20. Secondly, it highlights the Suffering of the Righteous, as Joseph, despite his unwavering integrity and faithfulness to God, experiences severe unmerited hardship. This reinforces the biblical truth that obedience does not guarantee an absence of trials. Finally, the verse underscores the theme of Integrity and Perseverance; Joseph's commitment to righteousness, even when it leads to suffering, sets him apart and foreshadows his continued faithfulness even in prison, as seen in Genesis 39:21-23.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Irony is prominent, as Joseph's unwavering moral integrity and refusal to sin against God and his master lead directly to his unjust imprisonment, a stark reversal of what one might expect for righteous conduct. This situation also serves as Foreshadowing, as this period of suffering and confinement in the state prison will ultimately become the unexpected path to Joseph's eventual exaltation and his role in saving his family and Egypt. The Repetition of "in the prison" (or "the prison") twice within the short verse emphasizes the oppressive reality of Joseph's new circumstances and underscores the profound shift in his life, drawing the reader's attention to the severity and permanence of his confinement.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 39:20 powerfully illustrates the biblical truth that faithfulness to God does not exempt one from suffering, but rather, God can sovereignly use even profound injustice and adversity to advance His redemptive purposes. Joseph's imprisonment, though a result of human sin and false accusation, was not outside the purview of God's divine plan. It was a necessary, albeit painful, step in His orchestration of events leading to Joseph's eventual position of power, through which God would preserve the nascent nation of Israel. This narrative encourages believers to trust in God's unseen hand, even when circumstances appear bleak and unfair, knowing that He is always at work for good.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 39:20 offers profound lessons for believers navigating the complexities of life, particularly when faced with injustice and unmerited suffering. Joseph's story reminds us that even when our circumstances are beyond our control, and life takes unexpected, unfair turns, God remains sovereign and actively involved in our lives. Our personal setbacks, though painful and confusing in the moment, can be integral parts of His grander, unseen purpose, urging us to trust in His plan even when we cannot discern its contours. Joseph's unwavering integrity in the face of false accusation provides a powerful model for enduring suffering with dignity and reliance on God. This narrative encourages us not to lose hope or compromise our faith when wronged, but to remember that God can work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, transforming our trials into opportunities for His glory and our growth.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Potiphar imprison Joseph instead of executing him for such a serious accusation?
Answer: While the accusation of attempted sexual assault was indeed a capital offense in ancient Egypt, Potiphar's decision to imprison Joseph rather than execute him suggests a degree of doubt or a nuanced understanding of the situation. Potiphar, having witnessed Joseph's exceptional character and faithful service, may have sensed the falsity of his wife's claim, or perhaps his anger was tempered by his previous trust in Joseph. Additionally, executing a valuable slave could have been a public spectacle and a loss of an asset. This act of leniency, whether intentional or not on Potiphar's part, was ultimately part of God's sovereign plan to preserve Joseph's life for future events, as seen in Genesis 40.
What kind of prison was "the king's prisoners" held in?
Answer: The Hebrew term beth sohar (house of detention), used in Genesis 39:20, indicates a state prison, a secure facility for those accused of serious crimes against the state or high officials. It was not a common jail for minor offenses but a place where "the king's prisoners" were "bound," implying a high level of security and often the use of physical restraints like chains or stocks. This was a significant and severe form of incarceration, suggesting Joseph was considered a serious offender, at least in the eyes of Potiphar, who was an officer of Pharaoh.
How could God be with Joseph in such a place of suffering?
Answer: God's presence with Joseph in prison is not about physical comfort or immediate deliverance, but about His sustaining power, favor, and guiding hand. Genesis 39:21 explicitly states, "But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison." This demonstrates that God's presence manifests in providing grace, resilience, and influence even in the direst circumstances. God worked through human agents, granting Joseph favor with the prison keeper, which led to his promotion within the prison, preparing him for his ultimate role in Pharaoh's court. This illustrates that God does not abandon His people in their darkest moments but continues to work His purposes through their trials.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's unjust suffering and imprisonment in Genesis 39:20 serve as a powerful type of Christ, foreshadowing the redemptive narrative of the Gospel. Like Joseph, who was innocent yet condemned, betrayed by those closest to him, and subjected to unmerited suffering, Jesus Christ, perfectly righteous and without sin, was falsely accused (Matthew 26:59-60), rejected by His own people (John 1:11), and delivered to a cruel death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). Joseph's descent into the prison, a place of darkness and confinement, parallels Christ's descent into death and the grave. Yet, just as Joseph's imprisonment was not the end but a divinely ordained step towards his exaltation and the salvation of many from famine, so too was Christ's suffering and death the necessary path to His glorious resurrection (Romans 6:4), ultimate glorification at the right hand of the Father (Philippians 2:9-11), and the spiritual salvation of all who believe (John 3:16). Joseph's story thus prefigures the greater story of the Lamb of God, whose suffering brings life and redemption to the world.