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.

And his master {H113} saw {H7200} that the LORD {H3068} was with him, and that the LORD {H3068} made all that he did {H6213} to prosper {H6743} in his hand {H3027}.

His master saw how ADONAI was with him, that ADONAI prospered everything he did.

When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did,

And his master saw that Jehovah was with him, and that Jehovah made all that he did to prosper in his hand.

Commentary

Genesis 39:3 (KJV) offers a pivotal insight into Joseph's early experience in Egypt, highlighting the source of his remarkable success despite his enslaved status. This verse states, "And his master saw that the LORD [was] with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand."

Context

This verse follows Joseph's journey into slavery, having been sold by his jealous brothers and brought to Egypt. He is now serving in the house of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. Genesis 39:2 already establishes that "the LORD was with Joseph," and verse 3 elaborates on the visible manifestation of this divine presence. Potiphar, an Egyptian, recognizes an extraordinary divine favor on Joseph, distinguishing him from ordinary servants.

Key Themes

  • Divine Presence and Favor: The central theme is God's constant presence ("the LORD was with him"). This is not merely a spiritual comfort for Joseph but an active, observable reality that influences his circumstances. It signifies God's faithfulness to His covenant, even when His chosen one is in an unexpected and difficult situation.
  • God-Given Prosperity: The verse explicitly states that "the LORD made all that he did to prosper." This isn't attributed to Joseph's inherent skill or intelligence alone, but to divine enablement. Whatever task Joseph undertook, God ensured its success, making him highly effective and valuable to Potiphar. This is a powerful testament to God's blessing on the righteous.
  • Observable Blessing: Significantly, it was Joseph's master, an unbeliever, who "saw" the LORD's hand at work. This highlights that God's blessings can be so evident that even those outside the covenant community recognize His involvement. Joseph's life became a visible testimony to God's power and favor.
  • Faithfulness in Adversity: Despite being unjustly enslaved, Joseph remained faithful, diligent, and righteous. His integrity in adverse circumstances created an environment where God's blessing could flow freely and be recognized.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "LORD" here is `YHWH` (Yahweh), God's personal, covenantal name, emphasizing that it was the God of Israel, Joseph's God, who was actively involved in his life. The word for "prosper" is `tsalach` (Χ¦ΧœΧ—), meaning to rush, advance, succeed, or be profitable. It conveys a sense of effective and successful progress in all undertakings, not just material gain.

Practical Application

Genesis 39:3 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • God's Presence is Constant: This verse reminds us that God's presence is constant and not dependent on our circumstances, good or bad. Even in difficult or unjust situations, God is with His faithful servants.
  • Diligence and Integrity Matter: Joseph's diligence and integrity in Potiphar's house, even as a slave, created the channel through which God's blessing could flow. Our faithfulness in our daily tasks, no matter how mundane, can be honored by God.
  • Our Lives Can Be a Witness: When God blesses our efforts, it can be so evident that even those who don't know Him recognize His hand. Our actions and the fruit of our labor can demonstrate how our actions can bear witness to His reality and goodness to the world around us.
  • True Prosperity is Divine: Ultimately, true success and prosperity come from God's blessing, not solely from human effort or shrewdness. When God is "in our hand," our endeavors are truly blessed.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 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 30:27

    And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, [tarry: for] I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.

  • Matthew 5:16

    Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

  • 1 Samuel 18:14

    And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD [was] with him.

  • 2 Chronicles 26:5

    And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.

  • Genesis 21:22

    ΒΆ And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God [is] with thee in all that thou doest:

  • Genesis 26:28

    And they said, We saw certainly that the LORD was with thee: and we said, Let there be now an oath betwixt us, [even] betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee;
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