Genesis 39:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 39:3 offers a profound glimpse into God's active, visible presence in the life of Joseph, even amidst his enslavement. This verse reveals that Joseph's Egyptian master, Potiphar, not only observed Joseph's extraordinary success in all his endeavors but also recognized that the source of this prosperity was the LORD, the God of Israel. It powerfully illustrates that divine favor and covenant faithfulness can be tangibly evident, even to those outside the covenant community, through the remarkable flourishing God grants His diligent servants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 39:3 is nestled within the narrative of Joseph's life in Egypt, immediately following his sale into slavery by his jealous brothers and his subsequent purchase by Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. The preceding verse, [Genesis 39:2](/genesis/39-2 "The LORD was with Joseph"), serves as a foundational statement, declaring, "The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian." Verse 3 then elaborates on the *observable manifestation* of this divine presence and prosperity. It transitions from a general statement of God's favor to the specific recognition of that favor by an outsider, setting the stage for Joseph's rapid rise in Potiphar's household (Genesis 39:4-6) and foreshadowing the continued pattern of divine blessing throughout his trials, including his imprisonment (Genesis 39:21-23). This verse is critical in establishing the theological framework for understanding Joseph's entire Egyptian experience as divinely orchestrated.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Joseph's arrival in Egypt places him in a highly advanced, polytheistic society with a complex social hierarchy and a strong emphasis on household management. As a slave, Joseph would have been at the very bottom of this social structure, with no inherent rights or status. Potiphar, as "an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard," held a significant position of authority and would have been accustomed to managing a large household and numerous servants. In this cultural setting, success was often attributed to the favor of one's gods or to personal skill and destiny. For Potiphar to "see" and acknowledge the hand of "the LORD" (Yahweh, the God of Israel) indicates a profound and undeniable display of divine power that transcended his own polytheistic worldview. This recognition underscores the unique nature of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, whose active involvement in human affairs could be discerned even by those who did not worship Him.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 39:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, showcasing God's active control over circumstances, even when His chosen servant is in a seemingly hopeless situation (enslavement). God's plan for Joseph's life is unfolding despite human treachery. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **God's Presence and Blessing**, emphasizing that true prosperity and success are ultimately rooted in God being "with" an individual and actively enabling their endeavors. This echoes themes of blessing found throughout [Genesis](/genesis/1 "The Book of Genesis"), particularly in God's promises to Abraham. Thirdly, the verse introduces the theme of **Witness to Unbelievers**, demonstrating that God's work can be so evident that even those outside the covenant community recognize His hand. Joseph's life becomes a tangible testimony to the power and reality of Yahweh, a precursor to Israel's future role as a light to the nations (e.g., [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Nations")). Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Faithfulness in Adversity**, showing that Joseph's diligence and integrity, empowered by God, lead to remarkable favor despite his unjust suffering, a principle reiterated in [Psalm 1:3](/psalm/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - The Blessed Man").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 39:3 declares, "And his master saw that the LORD [was] with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand." This verse is a pivotal statement, revealing the observable reality of God's blessing on Joseph's life.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** From H7200, meaning "to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative); advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern." Potiphar's act of "seeing" was not merely a casual glance but a discerning observation. It implies a recognition of something extraordinary, beyond the natural course of events. He perceived a unique, consistent, and undeniable success in Joseph's work, leading him to conclude that a divine power was at play. This word underscores the tangible, observable nature of God's presence.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, meaning "(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, Yahweh. The text explicitly states that Potiphar recognized *the LORD*, Joseph's God, not merely a generic deity or a god from the Egyptian pantheon. This is highly significant, indicating that Yahweh's distinct power and favor were so pronounced that even a pagan master could attribute Joseph's success specifically to Him. It highlights God's personal involvement and faithfulness to His covenant people.
* **prosper (Hebrew, _tsâlach'_):** From H6743, meaning "to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive); break out, come (mightily), go over, be good, be meet, be profitable, (cause to, effect, make to, send) prosper(-ity, -ous, -ously)." This word describes the nature of the success Joseph experienced. It's not just about material gain, but about effective progress, success in undertakings, and flourishing in all that he put his hand to. Whatever task Joseph was given, it moved forward successfully and yielded positive results, indicating divine enablement and blessing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his master saw that the LORD [was] with him,"**: This opening clause establishes the core observation. Potiphar, Joseph's pagan master, was able to perceive the tangible evidence of God's presence with Joseph. This "seeing" implies a discerning recognition of a supernatural element at work. Joseph's consistent success and favor were so remarkable that they could not be explained by mere human skill or luck, leading Potiphar to conclude that Joseph's God, the LORD (Yahweh), was actively involved in his life. This divine presence was the foundational reason for all subsequent prosperity.
* **"and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand."**: This second clause directly attributes Joseph's extraordinary success to the LORD. It explicitly states that God was the active agent behind Joseph's prosperity. The phrase "all that he did" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this divine blessing—every task, every responsibility Joseph undertook, flourished. The idiom "in his hand" signifies Joseph's agency and effort, but the preceding phrase makes it clear that it was the LORD who *caused* or *enabled* these efforts to succeed. Joseph's diligence was the vessel, but God's power was the source of his effective and fruitful labor.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Repetition** is evident in the double mention of "the LORD," which emphatically underscores God's active and singular role as the source of Joseph's prosperity. This repetition ensures that the reader, like Potiphar, attributes Joseph's success directly and solely to Yahweh. The narrative also uses **Observation and Recognition** as a key device, highlighting Potiphar's act of "seeing." This emphasizes the undeniable, visible nature of God's blessing, making it clear that divine favor is not merely an internal spiritual reality but can have tangible, observable effects in the material world, even to an outsider. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in the situation: Joseph, a slave, stripped of his freedom and family, becomes so prosperous through God's hand that his pagan master recognizes the power of the God of Israel. This unexpected flourishing in dire circumstances serves to magnify God's sovereignty and ability to work through any situation to achieve His purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 39:3 is a profound theological statement on God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign control over all circumstances. It teaches that God's presence with His chosen ones is not merely a comforting thought but an active, empowering reality that can manifest in tangible ways, even in the most challenging environments. Joseph's prosperity was not a result of his own cunning or the benevolence of his master, but explicitly attributed to the LORD. This demonstrates that true success and flourishing are ultimately gifts from God, enabling His servants to fulfill their roles within His greater redemptive plan. The fact that a pagan like Potiphar could "see" the LORD's hand at work highlights the missional aspect of God's blessing—it serves as a witness to the world, revealing the unique power and reality of the God of Israel.

* [Psalm 127:1](/psalm/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the LORD Builds the House")
* [Deuteronomy 28:1-6](/deuteronomy/28-1-6 "Deuteronomy 28:1-6 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [1 Samuel 18:14](/1_samuel/18-14 "1 Samuel 18:14 - David's Success")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 39:3 offers enduring lessons for believers navigating the complexities of life. It reminds us that God's presence is not contingent upon our circumstances or status; He is "with" us regardless of whether we are in a palace or a prison, in prosperity or adversity. Joseph's diligent and faithful service, even as a slave, created the channel through which God's blessing could flow. This calls us to cultivate a similar attitude of faithfulness and excellence in our own spheres of influence, no matter how humble or challenging they may seem. Our work, when done with integrity and reliance on God, can become a visible testimony to His power and goodness. When God prospers our efforts, it can be so evident that even those who do not know Him recognize His hand, drawing attention not to us, but to Him. This verse encourages us to seek God's presence and favor above all else, understanding that true and lasting success, in all its forms, originates from His divine enablement, not solely from our own efforts or shrewdness. It empowers us to live with purpose, knowing that our faithfulness, however small, can be used mightily by God to impact the world around us and glorify His name, just as [Jesus taught us to let our light shine](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine").

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to more consciously recognize and rely on the LORD's presence and enablement for true prosperity?**
* **How might your diligence and integrity in your daily tasks, however mundane, serve as a visible witness to God's active hand in your life for those around you?**
* **What does "prosper" mean to you in a biblical sense, beyond material gain, and how does this verse reshape your understanding of success?**

### FAQ
**How could Potiphar, an Egyptian and likely polytheist, "see" the LORD's hand?**

Answer: Potiphar's recognition of "the LORD" (Yahweh) indicates that Joseph's success was not merely ordinary good fortune but consistently extraordinary and unexplainable by natural means. While Potiphar would have worshipped the Egyptian gods, he observed that Joseph's endeavors uniquely and consistently flourished, leading to exceptional results that transcended human ability or luck. This visible, undeniable pattern of blessing was so profound that Potiphar concluded a distinct, powerful divine presence was at work with Joseph, specifically identifying it with Joseph's God. It was a clear demonstration of God's power breaking through the veil of polytheism.

**Does this verse imply that God always makes believers prosperous in a material sense?**

Answer: Not necessarily in a purely material sense, but in a holistic sense of effective progress and flourishing in their endeavors. The Hebrew word `tsâlach` (H6743, "prosper") primarily means to succeed, advance, and be effective in one's undertakings. While this can certainly include material blessings, as it did for Joseph who gained significant authority and wealth in Potiphar's house, it more broadly refers to God enabling an individual to excel in their responsibilities and purposes. The Bible teaches that God's blessing manifests in diverse ways—spiritual fruit, wisdom, favor, effectiveness in ministry, and sometimes material provision—all according to His sovereign will and purpose. Joseph's prosperity was fundamentally about God's plan for him, not merely personal gain, as it positioned him to save his family and many nations during the famine (see [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - God Meant It for Good")).

**Was Joseph's success due to his own hard work or God's intervention?**

Answer: Joseph's success was a synergistic combination of both, but with God's intervention as the ultimate, enabling cause. Joseph clearly demonstrated diligence, faithfulness, and wisdom in his work, maintaining integrity despite his unjust circumstances. However, the verse explicitly states that "the LORD made all that he did to prosper." This indicates that Joseph's efforts were the obedient vessel, but God's divine enablement and blessing were the power that ensured extraordinary and consistent success. Without God's active hand, Joseph's diligence alone would not have yielded such remarkable results, nor would it have been recognized by Potiphar as divinely sourced. This highlights the biblical principle that human effort is blessed and made fruitful by divine power, as seen in [Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Philippians 2:12-13 - Work Out Your Salvation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's life, particularly his unjust suffering, humiliation, and subsequent exaltation to a position of immense power through which he saved his people, serves as a profound **type of Christ**. Just as Joseph was unjustly betrayed by his own brothers and brought low, sold into slavery, yet God was "with him" and caused him to prosper even in adversity, so too Christ, though innocent, was betrayed by His own, suffered humiliation, and was crucified. Yet, God was with Him, raising Him from the dead and exalting Him to the highest place, as [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation") powerfully declares. Joseph's divinely enabled prosperity in Potiphar's house, leading to his elevation and eventual rule over all Egypt, foreshadows Christ's divine favor and ultimate authority over all creation, as described in [Ephesians 1:20-23](/ephesians/1-20-23 "Ephesians 1:20-23 - Christ's Supremacy"). Through Joseph's divinely blessed success, he became a "savior" to his family and many nations, preserving physical life in a time of famine. Similarly, Christ, through His ultimate sacrifice and resurrection, achieved the greatest prosperity—spiritual salvation and eternal life for all who believe, demonstrating God's ultimate plan to bring blessing and redemption through His chosen one, despite suffering and apparent defeat. This ultimate fulfillment is captured in the New Testament's proclamation that [God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness").

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

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

¶ 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;