Why did Potiphar trust Joseph so completely?

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?

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?

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.

39:5 39:5

Genesis 39:6

39:7 39:7

Bible Versions

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.

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}.

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.

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,

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.

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

1 Samuel 16:12

And he sent, and brought him in. Now he [was] ruddy, [and] withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this [is] he.
Genesis 29:17

Leah [was] tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.
Proverbs 31:11

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
Luke 19:17

And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
Genesis 39:8

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 43:32

And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that [is] an abomination unto the Egyptians.
Genesis 12:14

¶ And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she [was] very fair.

Bible Versions

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