Genesis 39:23

KJV

The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing [that was] under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and [that] which he did, the LORD made [it] to prosper.

KJV (with Strong's)

The keeper {H8269} of the prison {H1004}{H5470} looked {H7200} not to any thing {H3972} that was under his hand {H3027}; because the LORD {H3068} was with him, and that which he did {H6213}, the LORD {H3068} made it to prosper {H6743}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The prison warden paid no attention to anything Yosef did, because ADONAI was with him; and whatever he did, ADONAI prospered.

Berean Standard Bible

The warden did not concern himself with anything under Joseph’s care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.

American Standard Version

The keeper of the prison looked not to anything that was under his hand, because Jehovah was with him; and that which he did, Jehovah made it to prosper.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 39:23 powerfully encapsulates the profound divine favor and enablement that rested upon Joseph, even amidst the severe injustice of his imprisonment. This verse serves as a climactic summary, demonstrating how the prison keeper's complete trust and Joseph's remarkable administrative success were direct manifestations of the LORD's constant presence and active blessing, mirroring the divine prosperity he experienced earlier in Potiphar's household.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 39:23 concludes a significant segment of Joseph's narrative, detailing his unjust imprisonment following the false accusations of Potiphar's wife. This verse functions as a powerful thematic echo to [Genesis 39:2-3](/genesis/39-2-3 "The Lord's presence with Joseph in Potiphar's house"), where the LORD's presence also caused Joseph to prosper and find favor in Potiphar's household. The repeated emphasis on "the LORD was with him" (found in [Genesis 39:2](/genesis/39-2 "The Lord's presence with Joseph in Potiphar's house"), [Genesis 39:21](/genesis/39-21 "The Lord shows mercy to Joseph in prison"), and here in [Genesis 39:23](/genesis/39-23 "The Lord prospers Joseph in prison")) highlights a consistent theological thread throughout Joseph's trials. The immediate verses ([Genesis 39:21-22](/genesis/39-21-22 "Joseph finds favor in the prison")) describe Joseph's initial favor with the prison keeper, setting the stage for the complete trust and delegated authority described in verse 23. This pattern of Joseph rising to a position of authority and trust, despite his circumstances, underscores God's sovereign hand preparing him for his ultimate role in Egypt.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Imprisonment in ancient Egypt, particularly for slaves or foreigners, was often harsh and unforgiving. Prisons were not necessarily formal institutions as we understand them today, but could be parts of official residences or military compounds, serving as holding cells or places of punishment. The "keeper of the prison" (H8269, _sar_) would have been a high-ranking official, likely a chief executioner or a trusted officer of the king, holding immense power over the lives of his prisoners. For such an official to "look not to any thing" under Joseph's hand indicates an extraordinary level of trust and delegation, far beyond typical expectations for a prisoner, especially one accused of a serious crime like attempted rape. This speaks to the remarkable character Joseph displayed, but more profoundly, to the visible, tangible blessing of God that made his work so undeniably effective and trustworthy.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of God's **sovereignty** is paramount in Genesis 39. Despite human treachery (Joseph's brothers selling him, Potiphar's wife falsely accusing him), God's divine plan for Joseph's life continues to unfold. The repeated phrase "the LORD was with him" emphasizes the theme of **divine presence** and **faithfulness**, assuring the reader that God does not abandon His servants in adversity. Joseph's consistent character, marked by **integrity** and **diligence**, even in the face of injustice, also stands out. These qualities, empowered by God's presence, lead to **divine prosperity** and **favor**, demonstrating that God can work through any circumstance to achieve His purposes, transforming a place of punishment into a platform for preparation, as seen in Joseph's eventual rise to [prime minister of Egypt](/genesis/41-40 "Joseph becomes ruler over Egypt").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, Yahweh (H3068), emphasizing His personal, self-existent, and eternal nature. Its repeated use in this chapter (e.g., [Genesis 39:2](/genesis/39-2 "The Lord's presence with Joseph in Potiphar's house"), [Genesis 39:21](/genesis/39-21 "The Lord shows mercy to Joseph in prison")) underscores that Joseph's experiences are not random occurrences but are under the direct, active, and personal superintendence of the God of Israel. It signifies God's covenant faithfulness to Joseph and His people.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** The word "hand" (H3027) here signifies authority, control, and responsibility. When the text states the keeper "looked not to any thing that was under his hand," it means the keeper did not need to supervise or inspect anything that was under Joseph's charge or management. This indicates a complete relinquishment of oversight, a profound level of trust, and an acknowledgment of Joseph's supreme competence and integrity in handling all affairs.
* **Prosper (Hebrew, _tsâlach'_):** This verb (H6743) means "to push forward," "to advance," "to succeed," or "to be profitable." It denotes a divine enablement that ensures success and indicates God's direct hand in orchestrating favorable outcomes. It's not merely that Joseph was good at what he did, but that God actively caused his endeavors to succeed and flourish, even in the most restrictive and unjust environment of a prison.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing [that was] under his hand;":** This clause highlights the extraordinary trust and authority the chief jailer bestowed upon Joseph. It suggests a complete delegation of responsibility, where the jailer had no need to inspect, supervise, or question Joseph's management of the prison affairs. This speaks volumes about Joseph's integrity, administrative competence, and the visible success of his work, which was so evident that it commanded such implicit confidence from his superior.
* **"because the LORD was with him,":** This is the foundational explanation for Joseph's remarkable standing. It attributes the jailer's trust and Joseph's success not to Joseph's inherent abilities alone, but to the tangible, active presence of Yahweh. God's presence was the source of Joseph's wisdom, favor, and the discernible blessing upon his work, making him exceptionally reliable and effective even in such dire circumstances.
* **"and [that] which he did, the LORD made [it] to prosper.":** This final clause reiterates and reinforces the divine causality behind Joseph's success. It clarifies that every task Joseph undertook, every responsibility he managed, was divinely empowered to succeed. His prosperity was not accidental or merely a result of human skill, but a direct consequence of God's intentional intervention and blessing upon his endeavors, demonstrating God's sovereign ability to work through and overcome human injustice to achieve His purposes.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Repetition** of the phrase "the LORD was with him" (or similar sentiments) throughout Genesis 39, reinforcing the central theological truth that God's presence is the ultimate source of Joseph's prosperity and favor, regardless of his circumstances. There is also a strong sense of **Divine Causation**, where Joseph's success is explicitly attributed to God's direct action ("the LORD made it to prosper"), rather than solely to Joseph's own merits. Furthermore, a subtle **Irony** is present: Joseph, an innocent man, is imprisoned, yet in this place of confinement and punishment, he experiences profound prosperity and favor, a stark contrast to what one would expect, highlighting God's ability to work good in the most unlikely of places.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 39:23 profoundly illustrates that God's presence and blessing are not contingent upon human freedom or comfortable circumstances, but are a constant reality for His faithful servants, even in the deepest valleys of suffering and injustice. Joseph's story serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering sovereignty, demonstrating His ability to orchestrate His perfect plan even through the malicious intentions and sinful actions of humanity. Joseph's diligence and integrity, empowered by God's presence, allowed him to flourish and gain trust, showcasing that God blesses and empowers the efforts of those who remain faithful to Him, ensuring their work bears fruit for His purposes.

* [Genesis 39:2](/genesis/39-2 "The Lord's presence with Joseph in Potiphar's house"): "And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian."
* [Genesis 39:21](/genesis/39-21 "The Lord shows mercy to Joseph in prison"): "But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison."
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God works all things for good"): "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to who are the called according to his purpose."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 39:23 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that God's presence is not dependent on our comfort, freedom, or external circumstances. Even in our personal "prisons"—whether they be physical limitations, emotional struggles, professional setbacks, or relational hardships—the Lord can be powerfully with us, guiding, sustaining, and even causing us to prosper in ways that transcend our immediate situation. Joseph's unwavering diligence and integrity in prison, despite his innocence, prepared him for his future, far greater role as [ruler over all Egypt](/genesis/41-40 "Joseph becomes ruler over Egypt"). This illustrates a vital principle: faithfulness in small, difficult, or seemingly insignificant tasks can be God's training ground for greater opportunities and responsibilities. Ultimately, this verse reinforces the truth that God's ultimate plan prevails; despite the injustices Joseph faced, God was working all things together for good, fulfilling His purposes, a truth beautifully articulated by Joseph later in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's declaration of God's good purpose"), where he declares that what his brothers intended for evil, God intended for good. Our trust in God's sovereignty allows us to endure hardship with hope, purpose, and the assurance that His presence is our truest prosperity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's experience in prison challenge your understanding of "prosperity" and "success"?**
* **In what "prisons" or difficult circumstances in your life do you need to actively remember that "the LORD is with you"?**
* **How can cultivating integrity and diligence, even in unseen or unappreciated tasks, prepare you for future opportunities God might have for you?**
* **What does this verse teach you about God's sovereignty over human injustice and suffering?**

### FAQ

**How could Joseph prosper in prison, a place of punishment?**

Answer: Joseph's prosperity, as described in [Genesis 39:23](/genesis/39-23 "The Lord prospers Joseph in prison"), was not defined by his physical freedom or comfort, but by God's active presence and blessing upon his work and character. Even in confinement, God enabled him to excel in administrative tasks, gain the complete trust of the prison keeper, and effectively manage the entire prison. This demonstrates that true prosperity is tied to God's favor and enablement, not merely to external circumstances or the absence of hardship. God's presence transformed a place of punishment into a place of preparation and influence.

**Does "the LORD was with him" imply that God prevents all suffering for believers?**

Answer: No, Joseph's story clearly illustrates that God's presence does not prevent suffering or injustice. Joseph endured slavery, false accusation, and unjust imprisonment. Instead, the recurring phrase "the LORD was with him" ([Genesis 39:2](/genesis/39-2 "The Lord's presence with Joseph in Potiphar's house"), [Genesis 39:21](/genesis/39-21 "The Lord shows mercy to Joseph in prison")) assures believers that God is with them *through* their suffering. His presence provides strength, wisdom, and resilience, and ultimately works all things for good according to His sovereign plan, as powerfully demonstrated in Joseph's journey from prison to becoming [prime minister of Egypt](/genesis/41-40 "Joseph becomes ruler over Egypt").

**What does the jailer's "hands-off" approach reveal about Joseph?**

Answer: The jailer's complete trust, indicated by "looked not to any thing [that was] under his hand," reveals Joseph's exceptional integrity, competence, and reliability. It signifies that Joseph managed the prison affairs with such diligence, honesty, and effectiveness that the keeper had no need to supervise him. This profound level of trust implies that Joseph's work was flawless and that his character was unimpeachable, a direct result of the divine enablement and blessing of the LORD upon his life and work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's journey, particularly his prosperity and rise to authority even while unjustly imprisoned as described in [Genesis 39:23](/genesis/39-23 "The Lord prospers Joseph in prison"), profoundly foreshadows the life, suffering, and ultimate exaltation of Jesus Christ. Like Joseph, Jesus was innocent yet unjustly condemned and subjected to immense suffering, even to the point of death on a cross. Yet, throughout His earthly ministry and even in His passion, God's presence was powerfully with Him, empowering His every action and ensuring the success of His mission, just as the "LORD was with" Joseph. Joseph's rise from the prison to a position of ultimate authority, where he saved his people and countless others from famine, powerfully prefigures Christ's ultimate exaltation to the right hand of the Father, where He reigns as the [Savior of humanity](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God so loved the world"), offering spiritual sustenance and deliverance to all who believe. The divine enablement that made Joseph's work prosper ultimately points to the Father's perfect work through the Son, fulfilling God's redemptive plan despite human sin, opposition, and even death, culminating in Christ's [victory over sin and death](/1_corinthians/15-57 "1 Corinthians 15:57 - Victory through Christ").

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

Isaiah 43:2

When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Psalms 1:3

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Genesis 39:2

And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

Genesis 39:3

And his master saw that the LORD [was] with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.

Daniel 6:22

My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

1 Samuel 2:30

Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed [that] thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

Genesis 49:23

The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot [at him], and hated him: