Genesis 39:6

Translation
King James Version
And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.
Ask
KJV (with Strong's)
And he left H5800 all that he had in Joseph's H3130 hand H3027; and he knew H3045 not ought H3972 he had, save H518 the bread H3899 which he did eat H398. And Joseph H3130 was a goodly H8389 person, and well H3303 favoured H4758.
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
So he left all his possessions in Yosef's care; and because he had him, he paid no attention to his affairs, except for the food he ate. Now Yosef was well-built and handsome as well.
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
So Potiphar left all that he owned in Joseph’s care; he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome,
Ask
American Standard Version
And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not aught that was with him, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was comely, and well-favored.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
He left all that he had in Joseph’s hand. He didn’t concern himself with anything, except for the food which he ate. Joseph was well-built and handsome.
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
Therefore he left all that he had in Iosephs hand, and tooke accompt of nothing, that was with him, saue onely of the bread, which he did eate. And Ioseph was a faire person, and well fauoured.
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
and he leaveth all that he hath in the hand of Joseph, and he hath not known anything that he hath, except the bread which he is eating. And Joseph is of a fair form, and of a fair appearance.
Ask
See also
1 Samuel 16:12Genesis 29:17Proverbs 31:11Luke 19:17Genesis 39:8Genesis 43:32Genesis 12:14
See on the biblical-era map
All Genesis Sites (Canaan)
All Genesis Sites (Canaan) View full PDF
All Genesis Sites (Middle East)
All Genesis Sites (Middle East) View full PDF
Genesis 37:12-36, Genesis 39:1-23, Genesis 42:1-26, Genesis 42:27-38, Genesis 43:1-34, Genesis 45:1-28, Genesis 46:1-27, Genesis 46:28-47:12, Genesis 47:27-31, Genesis 49:29-50:14, Genesis 50:15-21, Genesis 50:22-25
Genesis 37:12-36, Genesis 39:1-23, Genesis 42:1-26, Genesis 42:27-38, Genesis 43:1-34, Genesis 45:1-28, Genesis 46:1-27, Genesis 46:28-47:12, Genesis 47:27-31, Genesis 49:29-50:14, Genesis 50:15-21, Genesis 50:22-25 View full PDF

Map © Biblica Open Bible Maps · CC BY-SA 4.0

In the KJVVerse 1,156 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Genesis 39:6 vividly portrays the profound trust Potiphar, a high-ranking Egyptian official, placed in Joseph, a Hebrew slave, granting him complete administrative authority over his entire household. This extraordinary delegation of power stemmed from Potiphar's observation of the Lord's evident blessing upon Joseph. The verse also notes Joseph's striking physical attractiveness, a detail that serves as a crucial narrative pivot, foreshadowing the subsequent events that would test Joseph's integrity and lead to the next phase of his divinely orchestrated journey.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse marks the zenith of Joseph's initial ascent within Potiphar's household, immediately following his sale into slavery by his jealous brothers and his subsequent purchase by Potiphar, the captain of the guard. The preceding verses, particularly Genesis 39:2-3, establish the foundational reason for Joseph's success: "the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man... And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand." Genesis 39:6, therefore, serves as the culmination of this divine favor and human recognition, demonstrating the practical outcome of God's blessing on Joseph's diligent work. It sets the stage for the dramatic shift in Joseph's circumstances that begins in Genesis 39:7, where his physical attractiveness becomes a catalyst for a severe trial.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Egypt, wealthy households, like Potiphar's, were complex economic units requiring sophisticated management. A trusted steward or overseer was essential for managing property, finances, and a large retinue of servants and slaves. While Joseph was initially a slave, his rapid elevation to such a position of absolute authority was highly unusual but not entirely unprecedented for exceptionally gifted individuals. Potiphar's complete delegation—not even concerning himself with anything "save the bread which he did eat"—underscores the rarity and depth of this trust. It speaks to a cultural context where a master's reputation was tied to the prosperity of his household, making the selection of a capable and trustworthy steward paramount. Furthermore, the mention of physical appearance was common in ancient narratives, often signaling a person's significance or role in unfolding events, sometimes leading to favor, other times to temptation or peril, as seen in the stories of Sarah or Rachel.
  • Key Themes: Genesis 39:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Joseph narrative and the book of Genesis. The most prominent is Divine Providence and Sovereignty, illustrating how God works through seemingly adverse circumstances (Joseph's enslavement) to position His chosen servant for His greater purposes, as seen throughout Joseph's life, from his dreams in Genesis 37:5-11 to his ultimate role in Genesis 45:7-8. Another key theme is Integrity and Stewardship, as Joseph's faithfulness and competence in managing Potiphar's household are directly linked to the trust he receives. This highlights the importance of character and diligence in all responsibilities. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of Appearance vs. Character, as Joseph's physical beauty, while a blessing, also becomes the proximate cause of his next great trial, setting up a contrast between outward attractiveness and inner moral strength, a theme echoed in 1 Samuel 16:7.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Hand (Hebrew, yâd', H3027): A primitive word, referring to the open hand, indicating power, means, direction, and control. In this context, "in Joseph's hand" signifies complete authority, dominion, and administrative control over all of Potiphar's possessions and affairs. It implies that Joseph was not merely a servant but held the delegated power to manage and direct the entire household as if it were his own.
  • Knew (Hebrew, yâdaʻ', H3045): A primitive root meaning "to know," but with a broad range of senses including to ascertain by seeing, to observe, care, recognize, or be acquainted with. Here, "he knew not ought he had" indicates Potiphar's complete lack of concern, oversight, or even detailed knowledge of his possessions, so absolute was his confidence in Joseph. It implies a total relinquishing of responsibility and worry because of Joseph's proven trustworthiness.
  • Goodly / Favoured (Hebrew, tôʼar' / marʼeh', H8389): These two terms together describe Joseph's physical attractiveness. Tôʼar (H8389) refers to "outline, i.e., figure or appearance," emphasizing the overall form and physique. Marʼeh (H4758) refers to "a view... an appearance (the thing seen)... comeliness," emphasizing the visual appeal or countenance. Together, they paint a picture of Joseph as a strikingly handsome individual, a detail that, while seemingly incidental, is crucial for understanding the subsequent narrative developments.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand": This clause highlights the extraordinary level of trust and delegation Potiphar bestowed upon Joseph. "All that he had" encompasses every aspect of Potiphar's estate – his property, finances, servants, and daily operations. To place it "in Joseph's hand" signifies that Joseph was given complete managerial authority and responsibility, becoming the de facto overseer of Potiphar's entire household. This was a direct consequence of Potiphar observing the Lord's blessing on Joseph's work, leading to his rapid elevation from slave to chief administrator.
  • "and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat": This idiomatic expression powerfully emphasizes the absolute nature of Potiphar's confidence. Potiphar was so secure in Joseph's integrity, competence, and diligent stewardship that he no longer needed to concern himself with any of his possessions or affairs. His only remaining involvement was the most basic necessity of life: his own meals. This hyperbole underscores the depth of Joseph's control and the freedom from worry that Potiphar experienced due to Joseph's exceptional management.
  • "And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured": This concluding statement provides a physical description of Joseph, noting his striking attractiveness. The Hebrew phrases (as explained in "Key Word Analysis") convey both a pleasing form and a beautiful appearance. This detail is not merely a casual observation but serves as a critical narrative element. While Joseph's character and God's favor explain his administrative success, his physical appearance directly precipitates the next major turning point in his life – the temptation by Potiphar's wife – thus setting the stage for the subsequent trials and the unfolding of God's larger plan.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several literary devices. Hyperbole is evident in the phrase "he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat," which exaggerates Potiphar's lack of concern to emphasize the completeness of his trust in Joseph. This highlights the extraordinary nature of Joseph's stewardship. Foreshadowing is powerfully present in the description of Joseph's physical attractiveness. This seemingly innocuous detail is strategically placed to prepare the reader for the impending temptation from Potiphar's wife, which is directly catalyzed by Joseph's appearance. It signals that this attribute, while a blessing, will also become a source of significant trial. Furthermore, the narrative implicitly uses Contrast between Joseph's enslaved status and his elevated position, highlighting the transformative power of divine favor and personal integrity.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Genesis 39:6 serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering presence and active providence in the life of His chosen servant, even amidst profound adversity. It demonstrates that divine favor can manifest in tangible ways, leading to human recognition and elevation, not through human manipulation, but through faithful stewardship and God's sovereign hand. Joseph's diligent and trustworthy management of Potiphar's household exemplifies the biblical principle of faithfulness in small things leading to greater responsibility, and how one's character, cultivated in God's presence, can earn the trust of others. This verse also subtly introduces the tension between outward appearance and inner character, foreshadowing how Joseph's physical attractiveness, while a gift, would also become a source of significant moral testing, ultimately demonstrating that true value lies in integrity and faithfulness to God.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Genesis 39:6 offers profound lessons for our lives today, particularly concerning our approach to work, responsibility, and the challenges we face. Joseph's story reminds us that even in difficult or unjust circumstances, God's presence and favor can transform adversity into opportunity. His diligent and faithful stewardship, despite being a slave, led to extraordinary trust and influence. This challenges us to approach our own responsibilities, no matter how mundane or challenging, with integrity, excellence, and a spirit of faithfulness, recognizing that our work is ultimately unto the Lord. Joseph's experience also highlights that true influence and lasting impact are built on character and trustworthiness, not merely on outward appearances or fortunate circumstances. We are called to cultivate an inner life of integrity and faithfulness to God, knowing that He sees beyond the superficial and can use our faithfulness to open doors for His purposes, even when we are in the midst of trials.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does Joseph's attitude toward his work, even as a slave, challenge my own approach to daily tasks and responsibilities?
  • In what areas of my life am I called to exercise greater integrity and faithful stewardship, trusting that God's favor will accompany my efforts?
  • How might I be tempted to rely on outward appearances or superficial qualities, and how can I prioritize developing inner character and faithfulness to God instead?
  • What does Joseph's experience teach me about God's presence and providence, even when circumstances seem unfair or beyond my control?

FAQ

Why did Potiphar trust Joseph so completely?

Answer: Potiphar observed that "the LORD was with Joseph" and that everything Joseph did prospered (Genesis 39:2-3). This divine blessing, coupled with Joseph's evident competence, integrity, and diligence in managing the household, convinced Potiphar that Joseph was exceptionally trustworthy and capable of overseeing his entire estate without supervision.

What does "knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat" mean?

Answer: This idiomatic expression signifies the absolute and comprehensive nature of Potiphar's trust in Joseph. It means that Potiphar was so confident in Joseph's management that he no longer concerned himself with any of his possessions or affairs, except for the basic necessity of his own meals. Joseph had full and undisputed control over everything else, freeing Potiphar from all administrative worries.

Why is Joseph's physical appearance mentioned in this verse?

Answer: The mention of Joseph being "a goodly person, and well favoured" (physically attractive) is not merely descriptive but serves as a crucial narrative foreshadowing. It sets the stage for the subsequent temptation he faces from Potiphar's wife, whose actions are directly precipitated by Joseph's appearance, leading to the next major turning point in his life and demonstrating how a blessing can also become a source of trial.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Joseph's life, as depicted in Genesis 39:6 and the subsequent narrative, powerfully prefigures the person and work of Jesus Christ. Like Joseph, Jesus was innocent yet suffered unjustly, being "sold" by his own people and delivered into the hands of Gentiles (Matthew 26:14-16). Joseph's elevation to a position of immense authority in Potiphar's house, where he was entrusted with "all that he had," foreshadows Christ's own perfect obedience and faithfulness to the Father, leading to His ultimate exaltation and receiving "all authority in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18). Just as Joseph became the provider of sustenance and salvation for his family and the world during a famine (Genesis 41:56-57), so too does Christ, the "Bread of Life" (John 6:35), provide spiritual sustenance and eternal salvation to all who believe. Even in his initial prosperity and favor, Joseph's life pointed to the greater one who would come to redeem humanity through a path of suffering, perfect obedience, and glorious resurrection, ultimately becoming the sovereign Lord over all.

Copy as

Commentary on Genesis 39 verses 1–6

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

Here is, I. Joseph bought (Gen 39:1), and he that bought him, whatever he gave for him, had a good bargain of him; it was better than the merchandise of silver. The Jews have a proverb, "If the world did not know the worth of good men, they would hedge them about with pearls." He was sold to an officer of Pharaoh, with whom he might get acquainted with public persons and public business, and so be fitted for the preferment for which he was designed. Note, 1. What God intends men for he will be sure, some way or other, to qualify them for. 2. Providence is to be acknowledged in the disposal even of poor servants and in their settlements, and therein may perhaps be working towards something great and important.

II. Joseph blessed, wonderfully blessed, even in the house of his servitude.

1.God prospered him, Gen 39:2, Gen 39:3. Perhaps the affairs of Potiphar's family had remarkably gone backward before; but, upon Joseph's coming into it, a discernible turn was given to them, and the face and posture of them altered on a sudden. Though, at first, we may suppose that his hand was put to the meanest services, even in those appeared his ingenuity and industry; a particular blessing of Heaven attended him, which, as he rose in his employment, became more and more discernible. Note, (1.) Those that have wisdom and grace have that which cannot be taken away from them, whatever else they are robbed of. Joseph's brethren had stripped him of his coat of many colours, but they could not strip him of his virtue and prudence. (2.) Those that can separate us from all our friends, yet cannot deprive us of the gracious presence of our God. When Joseph had none of all his relations with him, he had his God with him, even in the house of the Egyptian. Joseph was separated from his brethren, but not from his God; banished from his father's house, but the Lord was with him, and this comforted him. (3.) It is God's presence with us that makes all we do prosperous. Those that would prosper must therefore make God their friend; and those that do prosper must therefore give God the praise.

2.His master preferred him, by degrees made him steward of his household, Gen 39:4. Note, (1.) Industry and honesty are the surest and safest way both of rising and thriving: Seest thou a man prudent, and faithful, and diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings at length, and not always before mean men. (2.) It is the wisdom of those that are in any sort of authority to countenance and employ those with whom it appears that the presence of God is, Psa 101:6. Potiphar knew what he did when he put all into the hands of Joseph; for he knew it would prosper better there than in his own hand. (3.) He that is faithful in a few things stand fair for being made ruler over many things, Mat 25:21. Christ goes by this rule with his servants. (4.) It is a great ease to a master to have those employed under him that are trusty. Potiphar was so well satisfied with Joseph's conduct that he knew not aught he had, save the bread which he did eat, Gen 39:6. The servant had all the care and trouble of the estate; the master had only the enjoyment of it: an example not to be imitated by any master, unless he could be sure that he had one in all respects like Joseph for a servant.

3.God favoured his master for his sake (Gen 39:5): He blessed the Egyptian's house, though he was an Egyptian, a stranger to the true God, for Joseph's sake; and he himself, like Laban, soon learned it by experience, Gen 30:27. Note, (1.) Good men are the blessings of the places where they live; even good servants may be so, though mean, and lightly esteemed. (2.) The prosperity of the wicked is, one way or other, for the sake of the godly. Here was a wicked family blessed for the sake of one good servant in it.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–6. Public domain.
Copy as
Chromatius of AquileiaAD 406
SERMON 24.2
This holy Joseph, about whom your charity has heard in this reading, was beautiful in his body but even more beautiful in his soul, because he was chaste in his body and had a chaste soul. The beauty of his body shone in him, but that of his character even more so. Therefore, even though for many people the beauty of the body is usually an obstacle to salvation, it could do no harm to our saint, because the beauty of his character ruled that of his body. So the soul must subdue the flesh, and not the flesh the soul, because the soul is the master of the flesh, and the flesh is the servant of the soul. Woe to the soul that is dominated by flesh and is changed from master to servant by neglecting the faith in the Lord and by submitting to the slavery of sin. But the soul of the patriarch Joseph securely preserved its power, and the flesh could not dominate it at all.
John ChrysostomAD 407
HOMILIES ON GENESIS 62.16
That wicked beast the devil, however, seeing the good man’s standing and the fact that he emerged even more conspicuous from those very things thought to be adversities, gnashed his teeth and fell into a rage. He could not bear to see the good man becoming so much more commendable as each day passed. He dug a deep pit for him and prepared what he thought was a mighty precipice that would bring him to his ruin and a terrible storm capable of causing him shipwreck. But the devil discovered before long that he was wasting his time and only heaping coals on his own head. “Joseph cut a fine figure and was good-looking,” the text says. Why does it describe to us his physical charm? For us to learn that he was striking not only for charm of soul but also for his person. After all, Joseph was in the bloom of youth, “cut a fine figure and was good-looking.” Sacred Scripture tells us this about him in advance so as to teach us that the Egyptian woman was under the spell of the young man’s beauty in inviting him to that illicit association.
Caesarius of ArlesAD 542
SERMON 93.2
However, let us now come to holy Joseph, so that we may be fed with the example of his chastity and purity as with a sort of heavenly food. This holy Joseph, then, of whom your charity heard in the present lesson, was handsome in body but more splendid in mind, because he was chaste in body and virtuous in mind. Bodily beauty shone in him, but even more so shone the beauty of his soul. Now although physical beauty is apt to be a hindrance to salvation for many men, it could not harm this holy man because the beauty of his soul governed the splendor of his body. Thus the soul should rule the body, not the body the soul, for the soul is the mistress of the body while the body is the handmaid of the soul. Therefore unhappy is the soul that is dominated by the body and makes a mistress out of a servant. Truly the soul that is subject to vices of the flesh becomes the servant of the body, because it loses the faith of its Lord and endures the slavery of sin. The soul of the patriarch Joseph, however, faithfully kept its power, for the flesh could in no way dominate it. Indeed, when asked by his mistress, an unchaste woman, to lie with her, he refused consent because even in his position as a slave he had not lost the dominion of his soul. As a result of this, he was attacked by false accusations and thrown into prison, but the holy man considered that prison a palace, or rather he himself was a palace within the prison. For where there is faith, chastity, and purity, there is the palace of Christ, the temple of God, the dwelling of the Holy Spirit. Therefore if any man flatters himself because of the splendor of his body, or if any woman boasts about the beauty of hers, they should follow the example of Joseph and that of Susanna. Let them be chaste in body and pure in mind. Then they will be beautiful not only to people but also to God.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as

Continue studying Genesis 39:6 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.