Genesis 39:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joseph's {H3130} master {H113} took {H3947} him, and put him {H5414} into the prison {H1004}{H5470}, a place {H4725} where the king's {H4428} prisoners {H615} were bound {H631}: and he was there in the prison {H1004}{H5470}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yosef's master took him and put him in prison, in the place where the king's prisoners were kept; and there he was in the prison.

Berean Standard Bible

So Joseph’s master took him and had him thrown into the prison where the king’s prisoners were confined. While Joseph was there in the prison,

American Standard Version

And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.

Commentary

### 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](/genesis/39-1-6 "Joseph's prosperity in Potiphar's house")) 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](/genesis/39-2 "The Lord was with Joseph")). 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](/genesis/39-7-19 "Joseph's temptation and false accusation")). 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](/genesis/40 "Joseph interprets dreams in prison").

* **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](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's declaration of God's purpose"). 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](/genesis/39-21-23 "The Lord's favor on Joseph in prison").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **master (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_):** From an unused root meaning "to rule," this term (H113) denotes a sovereign, controller, or owner. Here, it refers to Potiphar, highlighting his absolute authority over Joseph as his slave and household manager. The use of "master" emphasizes the power dynamic and the profound betrayal of trust (from Potiphar's perspective) that led to Joseph's imprisonment.
* **took (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** This primitive root (H3947) means "to take" in a wide variety of applications, including to seize, accept, or receive. In this context, it signifies a decisive and forceful action by Potiphar, indicating that Joseph was not merely sent but actively apprehended and removed from his position, underscoring the sudden and involuntary nature of his transition to prison.
* **prison (Hebrew, _bayith çôhar'_):** This compound term (H1004, H5470) literally translates to "house of the round-up" or "house of detention." *Bayith* (H1004) means "house" or "place," while *çôhar* (H5470) refers to a "dungeon" or "prison" as something surrounded by walls. This combination describes a secure, enclosed facility, emphasizing its nature as a place of severe confinement, not a temporary holding cell, but a state-level correctional institution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joseph's master took him":** This clause immediately identifies Potiphar as the agent of Joseph's fate. The action of "taking" implies a forceful removal, signifying the abrupt end of Joseph's favored status in Potiphar's household and the beginning of his severe punishment. It highlights the direct consequence of the false accusation.
* **"and put him into the prison":** This phrase describes the immediate and decisive action taken by Potiphar. Joseph is not merely dismissed but incarcerated, indicating the gravity of the perceived offense and the harshness of the penalty. The term "prison" here refers to a specific, secure facility, not a general detention area.
* **"a place where the king's prisoners [were] bound":** This descriptive clause provides crucial detail about the nature of Joseph's confinement. It specifies that this was a state prison, reserved for individuals who had committed serious offenses against the crown or high officials. The phrase "[were] bound" further emphasizes the harsh reality of the prison, suggesting that inmates were often physically restrained, highlighting the severe and restrictive conditions Joseph now faced.
* **"and he was there in the prison":** This final, seemingly simple clause succinctly confirms Joseph's new and grim reality. It underscores the permanence of his confinement at this point in the narrative, marking a profound shift from a position of authority and relative freedom to one of extreme vulnerability and complete subjugation. The repetition of "in the prison" reinforces the centrality of this new, oppressive environment to Joseph's immediate future.

#### 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.

* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God works all things for good in Romans 8:28")
* [1 Peter 2:19-21](/1_peter/2-19-21 "Suffering for righteousness' sake")
* [Psalm 23:4](/psalms/23-4 "God's presence in the valley of the shadow of death")

### 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
* **How does Joseph's response to injustice challenge my own reactions when I feel wronged or unfairly treated?**
* **In what ways might God be working through difficult or unjust circumstances in my life for a greater, unseen purpose?**
* **What does Joseph's continued integrity in the face of adversity teach me about maintaining my faith and character when facing trials?**

### 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](/genesis/40 "Joseph interprets dreams in prison").

**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](/genesis/39-20 "Joseph imprisoned"), 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](/genesis/39-21 "God's favor with Joseph in prison") 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](/genesis/39-20 "Joseph imprisoned") 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](/matthew/26-59-60 "False accusations against Jesus")), rejected by His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "He came to His own, and His own received Him not")), and delivered to a cruel death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's obedience unto death")). 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](/romans/6-4 "Buried with Him through baptism into death")), ultimate glorification at the right hand of the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Christ's exaltation")), and the spiritual salvation of all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God so loved the world")). Joseph's story thus prefigures the greater story of the Lamb of God, whose suffering brings life and redemption to the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 40:15

For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.

Genesis 40:1

¶ And it came to pass after these things, [that] the butler of the king of Egypt and [his] baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt.

Genesis 40:3

And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph [was] bound.

Psalms 76:10

Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

Psalms 105:18

Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron:

Psalms 105:19

Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.

Genesis 41:9

¶ Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day: