Genesis — Chapter 39
King James Version (KJV)
Reading Mode: 📖 Read the complete KJV chapter below. After verse 23, continue to 📚 Study This Chapter for explanations and memory checks.
Genesis 39:1 And RJoseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.
Genesis 39:2 And Rthe LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
Genesis 39:3 And his master Rsaw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.
Genesis 39:4 And RJoseph 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.
Genesis 39:5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house Rfor Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.
Genesis 39:6 And Rhe 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.
Genesis 39:7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife Rcast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.
Genesis 39:8 But he Rrefused, 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 39:9 There is Rnone greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
Genesis 39:10 And it came to pass, Ras she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.
Genesis 39:11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was Rnone of the men of the house there within.
Genesis 39:12 And she Rcaught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.
Genesis 39:13 And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth,
Genesis 39:14 That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in Ran Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a Tloud voice:
Genesis 39:15 And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out.
Genesis 39:16 RAnd she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home.
Genesis 39:17 And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me:
Genesis 39:18 And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out.
Genesis 39:19 And it came to pass, when his master Rheard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.
Genesis 39:20 And Joseph’s master took him, and put him Rinto the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.
Genesis 39:21 But Rthe LORD was with Joseph, and Tshewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
Genesis 39:22 And the keeper of the prison Rcommitted to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.
Genesis 39:23 The Rkeeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.
📚 Study This Chapter
📖 What We’re Reading
Genesis 39:1–6 — Joseph in Potiphar’s House
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Potiphar buys Joseph in Egypt. The LORD is with Joseph, and Potiphar places him over his household and possessions.
Key Truth: The LORD’s presence with Joseph is emphasized during his service in Egypt.
Check What You Remember
1. Who bought Joseph in Egypt? (Genesis 39:1)
Find it in Genesis 39:1 (KJV).
2. Who was with Joseph? (Genesis 39:2)
Find it in Genesis 39:2 (KJV).
3. What responsibility did Potiphar give Joseph over his house? (Genesis 39:4)
Find it in Genesis 39:4 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Genesis 39:7–18 — Joseph Refuses Wickedness
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Potiphar’s wife repeatedly seeks Joseph. He refuses to sin against God and flees, leaving his garment behind. She uses the garment while making a false accusation.
Key Truth: Joseph refuses wrongdoing even when that refusal leads to suffering.
Check What You Remember
1. Against whom did Joseph say this wickedness would be a sin? (Genesis 39:9)
Find it in Genesis 39:9 (KJV).
2. What did Joseph leave in the woman’s hand? (Genesis 39:12)
Find it in Genesis 39:12 (KJV).
3. What did Joseph do to get away? (Genesis 39:12)
Find it in Genesis 39:12 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Genesis 39:19–23 — Joseph in Prison
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Joseph’s master places him in prison. The LORD remains with Joseph, shows him mercy, and gives him favour with the keeper, who entrusts the prisoners to him.
Key Truth: The LORD remains with Joseph through both service and imprisonment.
Check What You Remember
1. Where did Joseph’s master put him? (Genesis 39:20)
Find it in Genesis 39:20 (KJV).
2. Who showed Joseph mercy? (Genesis 39:21)
Find it in Genesis 39:21 (KJV).
3. Whom did the prison keeper commit to Joseph’s hand? (Genesis 39:22)
Find it in Genesis 39:22 (KJV).
Advanced Questions and Answers
Study this chapter’s wording, patterns, contrasts, and meaning in greater depth.
1. What pattern links Joseph’s service in the house and in prison?
2. How does Joseph explain his refusal to his master’s wife?
3. What does verse 10 add to the account of Joseph’s refusal?
4. How is the garment used differently by Joseph and the woman?
5. Why does the keeper not inspect everything entrusted to Joseph?
Notes
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