Genesis 39:21

KJV

But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the LORD {H3068} was with Joseph {H3130}, and shewed {H5186} him mercy {H2617}, and gave {H5414} him favour {H2580} in the sight {H5869} of the keeper {H8269} of the prison {H1004}{H5470}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But ADONAI was with Yosef, showing him grace and giving him favor in the sight of the prison warden.

Berean Standard Bible

the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.

American Standard Version

But Jehovah was with Joseph, and showed kindness unto him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 39:21 powerfully encapsulates God's unwavering presence and active involvement in Joseph's life, even amidst the profound injustice of his wrongful imprisonment. Despite being cast into a dire situation, Joseph experienced divine mercy and favor, which not only alleviated his immediate suffering but also positioned him uniquely within the prison, demonstrating God's sovereign hand at work in preparing him for His greater redemptive purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within the ongoing narrative of Joseph's life, immediately following his unjust imprisonment. Having been sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, as recounted in [Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Joseph sold into slavery"), Joseph had risen to a position of significant trust and authority in Potiphar's household. However, his integrity was tested by Potiphar's wife, leading to a false accusation of attempted rape in [Genesis 39:7-20](/genesis/39-7-20 "Potiphar's wife falsely accuses Joseph"). Instead of the typical death penalty for such a grave offense, Joseph was merely cast into the king's prison. This seemingly unfortunate turn of events is masterfully juxtaposed with the declaration of God's continued faithfulness in [Genesis 39:21](/genesis/39-21 "The LORD was with Joseph in prison"), echoing the earlier refrain that [the LORD was with Joseph](/genesis/39-2 "The LORD was with Joseph") in Potiphar's house and that [Potiphar saw that the LORD was with him](/genesis/39-3 "Potiphar saw that the LORD was with Joseph"). This repetition underscores that divine favor was not contingent on Joseph's external circumstances or location, but on God's steadfast character and covenantal commitment. The verse sets the stage for Joseph's administrative rise within the prison, as detailed in [Genesis 39:22-23](/genesis/39-22-23 "Joseph put in charge of the prison"), further demonstrating God's providential care.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Joseph's imprisonment occurred within the context of ancient Egyptian society. While specific details about Egyptian prisons in the patriarchal period are scarce, it is generally understood that such facilities were harsh and often life-threatening. Prisoners faced severe conditions, including lack of sanitation, poor nutrition, and brutal treatment. The fact that Joseph was placed in the "king's prison" (likely a state prison or a section of the royal palace complex for high-profile offenders) suggests a degree of official oversight, but it was still a place of confinement and potential despair. The "keeper of the prison" (Hebrew: *sar*, a chief official) held significant authority over the inmates. Potiphar's decision to imprison Joseph rather than execute him (which would have been a common punishment for the alleged crime) might reflect a lingering doubt about his wife's accusation or a desire to avoid public scandal, but ultimately, it served God's higher purpose. This cultural backdrop highlights the extraordinary nature of Joseph receiving "mercy" and "favor" in such a place, indicating divine intervention beyond normal human expectations.

* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 39:21](/genesis/39-21 "The LORD was with Joseph in prison") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's absolute control over all circumstances, even the most adverse, to accomplish His redemptive plan. The repeated phrase, "[the LORD was with Joseph](/genesis/39-2 "The LORD was with Joseph")" (also seen in [Genesis 39:2-3](/genesis/39-2-3 "The LORD was with Joseph") and [Genesis 39:23](/genesis/39-23 "The LORD made all Joseph did to prosper")), highlights the theme of **God's Enduring Presence Amidst Suffering**, assuring believers that God does not abandon His people in their trials. The verse also showcases **Covenant Faithfulness (Chesed)**, as God's mercy towards Joseph is an expression of His steadfast love and loyalty to His promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Furthermore, Joseph's experience of **Grace (Chen)** in the sight of the prison keeper illustrates God's unmerited favor, which enables His servants to thrive even in hostile environments. Ultimately, Joseph's time in prison serves as a period of **Preparation for Service**, where his character is refined, and his leadership skills are honed, positioning him for his future role in saving his family and the nation of Egypt, as prophesied in [Genesis 41:41](/genesis/41-41 "Joseph made ruler over all Egypt").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 39:21](/genesis/39-21 "The LORD was with Joseph in prison") succinctly captures the essence of God's sovereign hand in Joseph's life, even in the most challenging circumstances. The verse highlights three crucial aspects of God's interaction with Joseph during his imprisonment: His presence, His mercy, and His favor.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred covenant name of God, H3068, often rendered as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." It signifies the self-existent, eternal God who is faithful to His covenant promises. The use of "LORD" here emphasizes that it is the personal, covenant-keeping God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who is actively involved in Joseph's life, not a generic deity. His presence is not passive but active and intentional.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** H2617, a rich theological term denoting steadfast love, covenant loyalty, and unfailing kindness. It is a deep, faithful commitment that God extends to His people, often in the context of a covenant relationship. God's "showing mercy" to Joseph was an active demonstration of His enduring covenant with him, rooted in His character and overarching plan, rather than Joseph's merit or the severity of his situation. It speaks to God's compassionate action to alleviate Joseph's suffering and advance His purposes.
* **Favour (Hebrew, _chên'_):** H2580, implying grace or unmerited kindness. This "favor" was not something Joseph earned through his actions in prison; it was a divine gift, enabling him to gain the trust and respect of the prison keeper. God sovereignly worked through this human authority figure to alleviate Joseph's hardship, granting him administrative responsibilities within the prison. This highlights God's unmerited grace at work, turning a dire situation into an opportunity for growth and preparation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the LORD was with Joseph":** This opening phrase serves as a powerful theological counterpoint to Joseph's dire circumstances. Despite his unjust imprisonment, the sovereign, covenant-keeping God remained intimately present with him. This presence was not merely a passive observation but an active, empowering companionship, providing strength, resilience, and integrity in the face of adversity. It underscores the consistent theme throughout Joseph's narrative that God's faithfulness transcends human circumstances and locations.
* **"and shewed him mercy":** Following God's presence, the text specifies the active demonstration of His mercy. This "mercy" (Hebrew: *chesed*) signifies God's steadfast love and covenant loyalty. It implies that God actively intervened to protect Joseph, preserve his life, and alleviate the full harshness of his imprisonment. This was not a passive withholding of punishment, but a positive, compassionate act rooted in God's character and His overarching plan for Joseph.
* **"and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison":** This clause details a tangible manifestation of God's mercy and presence. God supernaturally inclined the heart of the prison keeper (Hebrew: *sar*, a chief official, H8269) to look favorably upon Joseph. This "favor" (Hebrew: *chen*, unmerited grace) was a divine gift, enabling Joseph to gain trust and respect from a position of vulnerability. This divine orchestration led to Joseph being entrusted with significant responsibilities within the prison, effectively transforming his confinement into a training ground for future leadership.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Leitmotif** is prominent through the repetition of the phrase "the LORD was with Joseph," which has appeared earlier in [Genesis 39:2-3](/genesis/39-2-3 "The LORD was with Joseph") and will reappear in [Genesis 39:23](/genesis/39-23 "The LORD made all Joseph did to prosper"). This recurring motif emphasizes God's consistent, unwavering presence and active involvement in Joseph's life, regardless of his external circumstances. There is also a powerful **Juxtaposition** between Joseph's unjust suffering and imprisonment on one hand, and God's active presence, mercy, and favor on the other. This contrast highlights the paradoxical nature of divine providence, where God works through adverse situations. Furthermore, the narrative demonstrates **Divine Providence**, as God orchestrates events, even the actions of human agents like the prison keeper, to fulfill His ultimate purposes. The unexpected "favor" Joseph receives can also be seen as a form of **Irony**, where a place of punishment becomes a place of preparation and advancement, setting the stage for Joseph's eventual elevation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Genesis 39:21](/genesis/39-21 "The LORD was with Joseph in prison") serves as a profound theological anchor, asserting that God's active presence and benevolent intervention are not contingent upon human circumstances or merit. Even in the depths of injustice and suffering, God remains intimately involved, demonstrating His unwavering covenant faithfulness (hesed) and bestowing unmerited grace (chen). This verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over all events, orchestrating even the most dire situations to serve His redemptive purposes. Joseph's experience foreshadows the truth that trials can be periods of divine preparation, where character is refined, and individuals are positioned for future roles in God's grand plan, reinforcing the biblical principle that suffering is often a crucible for growth and a pathway to greater usefulness in God's kingdom.

* [Psalm 105:17-19](/psalms/105-17-19 "God sent a man before them, Joseph")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God works all things for good")
* [Genesis 41:41](/genesis/41-41 "Joseph made ruler over all Egypt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 39:21](/genesis/39-21 "The LORD was with Joseph in prison") offers profound encouragement and a powerful model for believers navigating difficult or unjust situations in their own lives. It serves as a vital reminder that God's presence is not contingent on our external circumstances, our physical location, or even the perceived fairness of our situation. Even in the deepest valleys of despair, in confined spaces, or under the weight of false accusations, God can grant us supernatural favor and mercy, opening doors and providing comfort and opportunities that are humanly impossible. This verse calls us to cultivate an unwavering trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that He can work through any situation—even one as bleak as imprisonment—to achieve His purposes and ultimately bring about good for those who love Him, as affirmed in [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God works all things for good"). Like Joseph, we are called to maintain faith, integrity, and diligence, believing that God is always at work behind the scenes, preparing us for what is next and using our trials for His glory and our ultimate benefit. Our suffering is never wasted in God's economy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what current "prisons" or difficult circumstances do you need to remember that "the LORD is with you"?**
* **How does Joseph's experience of God's mercy and favor in prison challenge your understanding of how God works in adversity?**
* **What practical steps can you take to maintain integrity and trust in God's providence, even when circumstances seem unjust or hopeless?**
* **How might God be using your current trials to prepare you for future service or a greater purpose?**

### FAQ

**How did God show mercy and favor to Joseph in prison?**

Answer: God showed Joseph mercy by preserving his life and not allowing him to be executed for the false accusation, which was a common punishment for such a crime in ancient Egypt. He granted Joseph favor (Hebrew: *chen*) by supernaturally inclining the heart of the "keeper of the prison" (a high-ranking official) to trust him and give him significant responsibilities. As a result, Joseph was effectively made the administrator of the prison, overseeing all the other prisoners and their affairs, as detailed in [Genesis 39:22](/genesis/39-22 "The keeper of the prison committed all to Joseph's hand"). This greatly alleviated his harsh conditions and provided him with valuable administrative experience, all due to God's divine intervention, not Joseph's own efforts.

**Was Joseph's imprisonment a punishment from God?**

Answer: No, Joseph's imprisonment was not a punishment from God for any sin. Rather, it was a crucial part of God's sovereign plan to refine his character, teach him leadership and administrative skills, and strategically position him for his future role in saving his family and many others from famine. God used this period of adversity as a training ground, preparing Joseph for the immense responsibilities he would later bear as second-in-command of Egypt, as we see in [Genesis 41:41](/genesis/41-41 "Joseph made ruler over all Egypt"). It was a test and a preparation, not a punitive measure.

**Does God always grant visible favor or immediate relief in difficult situations for believers?**

Answer: While God is always present with His children in difficult situations, He does not always grant the same kind of visible favor or immediate relief that Joseph experienced. God's mercy and grace may manifest differently in various circumstances. Sometimes it is through inner peace, supernatural strength to endure, clarity of mind, or the provision of unexpected help from others. The core promise is His unwavering presence and His commitment to work all things for the good of those who love Him, as stated in [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God works all things for good"), even if the outcome is not always a miraculous escape from hardship but rather a deeper spiritual growth or a testimony of endurance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's journey, marked by unjust suffering, betrayal, and imprisonment, yet culminating in his elevation to save his people, powerfully foreshadows the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Like Joseph, Jesus was innocent, betrayed by His own (Judas, the Jewish leaders), and unjustly condemned to death (see [Matthew 27:24](/matthew/27-24 "Pilate washes his hands") and [John 19:11](/john/19-11 "Jesus' authority from above")). He endured suffering and death, descending into the "prison" of the grave. Yet, God was "with" Him, even in death, raising Him from the dead (as prophesied in [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "You will not abandon my soul to Sheol")) and exalting Him to the highest place, making Him Lord over all creation (as described in [Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Christ's humiliation and exaltation")). Just as Joseph's suffering led to the salvation of his family and a nation, Christ's suffering and resurrection secured eternal salvation for all who believe (see [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Christ entered once for all into the holy places")). Furthermore, the promise that "the LORD was with Joseph" finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's promise to His disciples, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "The Great Commission")), and in the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, ensuring God's constant, empowering presence with believers through all trials and triumphs.

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

Exodus 3:21

And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty:

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Acts 7:9

And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,

Acts 7:10

And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

1 Peter 3:17

For [it is] better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

Daniel 1:9

Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.

Exodus 12:36

And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them [such things as they required]. And they spoiled the Egyptians.