Genesis 39:4

And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all [that] he had he put into his hand.

And Joseph {H3130} found {H4672} grace {H2580} in his sight {H5869}, and he served {H8334} him: and he made him overseer {H6485} over his house {H1004}, and all that he had {H3426} he put {H5414} into his hand {H3027}.

Yosef pleased him as he served him, and his master appointed him manager of his household; he entrusted all his possessions to Yosef.

Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned.

And Joseph found favor in his sight, and he ministered unto him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

Commentary

Genesis 39:4 describes a pivotal moment in Joseph's early life in Egypt, highlighting his rapid ascent in Potiphar's household despite his circumstances as a slave. This verse reveals God's active hand in Joseph's life, granting him favor and enabling him to excel.

Context

Following his brothers' betrayal and sale into slavery, Joseph, the beloved son of Jacob, found himself in Egypt, purchased by Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. The preceding verse, Genesis 39:2, establishes the foundational reason for Joseph's success: "The LORD was with Joseph." This divine presence is the backdrop against which Joseph's human actions and Potiphar's recognition unfold. Joseph was not merely a diligent slave; he was divinely favored.

Key Themes

  • Divine Favor and Human Diligence: The phrase "Joseph found grace in his sight" indicates that Potiphar recognized something special in Joseph. This favor was undeniably linked to the Lord's presence with Joseph, enabling him to prosper in all his endeavors. Joseph's diligence and integrity in his service further solidified this favor, leading to his rapid promotion from a servant to an overseer.
  • Stewardship and Trust: Potiphar entrusted Joseph with immense responsibility, making him "overseer over his house" and putting "all that he had... into his hand." This demonstrates an extraordinary level of trust, especially considering Joseph was a foreign slave. It speaks to Joseph's character and the visible blessings of God upon his work, which made him exceptionally reliable and capable. This foreshadows Joseph's later role as a ruler over all Egypt.
  • God's Unfolding Providence: Even amidst the injustice of slavery, God was actively working out His sovereign plan for Joseph and, through him, for the nation of Israel. This verse is an early sign that God intended Joseph for a greater purpose, using his servitude in Potiphar's house as a training ground for future leadership. This theme of God turning evil intentions for good is powerfully articulated later in Genesis 50:20.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew phrase translated "found grace" is matza chen (ืžึธืฆึธื ื—ึตืŸ), meaning "to find favor" or "to find grace." It signifies gaining approval, goodwill, or acceptance from someone. In this context, it highlights that Joseph's favorable standing with Potiphar was not merely coincidental but a direct result of his character and, more importantly, the Lord's blessing upon him, making him appealing and trustworthy in Potiphar's eyes.

Practical Application

Genesis 39:4 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Faithfulness in Adversity: Joseph's example teaches us to remain faithful and diligent even in challenging or unjust circumstances. Our character and work ethic, empowered by God's presence, can speak volumes.
  • God's Presence Brings Favor: When the Lord is with us, He can grant us favor in the eyes of others, opening doors and creating opportunities we might not expect.
  • Stewardship Matters: Being trustworthy and diligent in the responsibilities we are given, no matter how small, prepares us for greater roles. As Jesus taught, "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much."
  • Trust in Divine Providence: This verse reassures us that God is at work, even behind the scenes of our lives, orchestrating events for His ultimate good and our benefit, even when circumstances seem bleak.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 39:21 (5 votes)

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

  • Genesis 39:22 (5 votes)

    And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that [were] in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer [of it].

  • Genesis 39:8 (4 votes)

    But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what [is] with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;

  • Genesis 24:2 (4 votes)

    And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:

  • Proverbs 27:18 (4 votes)

    ยถ Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.

  • Acts 20:28 (4 votes)

    Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

  • Genesis 19:19 (4 votes)

    Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die: