Genesis 39:2
Genesis 39:2 in Multiple Translations
And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master.
And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
And Jehovah was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
And the Lord was with Joseph, and he did well; and he was living in the house of his master the Egyptian.
The Lord was with Joseph and made him successful. He lived in his Egyptian master's house.
And the Lord was with Ioseph, and he was a man that prospered and was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
And Jehovah is with Joseph, and he is a prosperous man, and he is in the house of his lord the Egyptian,
The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man. He was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man: and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
And the Lord was with him, and he was a prosperous man in all things: and he dwelt in his master’s house,
Because Yahweh helped Joseph, he was able to do his work very well, and lived in the house of his Egyptian master.
God was with Joseph, and God helped him. So everything that Joseph did, it all went well. Joseph worked for Potifar, and he lived in Potifar’s house.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 39:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 39:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֤י
יְהוָה֙
אֶת
יוֹסֵ֔ף
וַ/יְהִ֖י
אִ֣ישׁ
מַצְלִ֑יחַ
וַ/יְהִ֕י
בְּ/בֵ֥ית
אֲדֹנָ֖י/ו
הַ/מִּצְרִֽי
וַ/יְהִ֤י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
יוֹסֵ֔ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
וַ/יְהִ֖י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
מַצְלִ֑יחַ
tsâlach
H6743
to rush
V-Hiphil
וַ/יְהִ֕י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/בֵ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
אֲדֹנָ֖י/ו
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-mp | Suff
הַ/מִּצְרִֽי
Mitsrîy
H4713
Egyptian
Art | Ngmsa
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 39:2
וַ/יְהִ֤י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
יוֹסֵ֔ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
"Joseph"
N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
וַ/יְהִ֖י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מַצְלִ֑יחַ
tsâlach
H6743
"to rush"
V-Hiphil
To prosper or succeed, as seen in the story of Joseph in Genesis, who rose to power in Egypt. This Hebrew word means to push forward and make progress. It is used to describe success and prosperity.
Definition: (Qal) to rush
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: break out, come (mightily), go over, be good, be meet, be profitable, (cause to, effect, make to, send) prosper(-ity, -ous, -ously). See also: Genesis 24:21; 2 Chronicles 26:5; Psalms 1:3.
וַ/יְהִ֕י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְּ/בֵ֥ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אֲדֹנָ֖י/ו
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
הַ/מִּצְרִֽי
Mitsrîy
H4713
"Egyptian"
Art | Ngmsa
In the Bible, this word refers to an Egyptian, someone from the country of Egypt. It appears in the Old Testament, describing people from this northeastern African nation. Egyptians are mentioned in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: Group of mits.ra.yim (מִצְרַ֫יִם "Egypt" H4714G) § Egyptian, of Egypt "double straits" Egyptian-an inhabitant or citizen of Egypt an Egyptian
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: Egyptian, of Egypt. See also: Genesis 12:12; Exodus 8:17; Ezra 9:1.
Study Notes — Genesis 39:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife
1Meanwhile, Joseph had been taken down to Egypt, where an Egyptian named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.
2And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master.
3When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did, 4Joseph 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 18:14 | and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him. |
| 2 | Psalms 91:15 | When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 15:20 | Then I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to save and deliver you, declares the LORD. |
| 4 | Genesis 26:28 | “We can plainly see that the LORD has been with you,” they replied. “We recommend that there should now be an oath between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you |
| 5 | Acts 7:9–10 | Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household. |
| 6 | Isaiah 43:2 | When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze. |
| 7 | Genesis 21:22 | At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do. |
| 8 | Genesis 26:24 | and that night the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for the sake of My servant Abraham.” |
| 9 | Genesis 39:21–22 | the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. And the warden put all the prisoners under Joseph’s care, so that he was responsible for all that was done in the prison. |
| 10 | Isaiah 41:10 | Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness. |
Genesis 39:2 Summary
Genesis 39:2 tells us that the Lord was with Joseph, and because of that, he became a successful man, even in a difficult situation. This verse shows us that when we trust in God's presence and sovereignty, He can bless and prosper us, even in challenging circumstances (as seen in Exodus 33:14-15 and Jeremiah 29:11). Joseph's story encourages us to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, just like he did, and to be faithful and obedient to Him, even when things seem tough. By doing so, we can experience God's blessing and prospering in our own lives, just like Joseph did in Genesis 39:2-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the Lord to be with someone?
According to Genesis 39:2, when the Lord is with someone, He blesses and prospers them, as seen in Joseph's life, and this is also evident in other scriptures like Exodus 33:14-15 and Matthew 28:20, where God's presence is a source of guidance and strength.
How can we know if the Lord is with us?
We can know the Lord is with us when we see His blessing and prospering in our lives, just like Joseph experienced, as stated in Genesis 39:2, and also when we feel His guidance and peace, as promised in Isaiah 41:10 and John 14:27.
What is the significance of Joseph's success in the household of his Egyptian master?
Joseph's success in the household of his Egyptian master, as mentioned in Genesis 39:2, shows that God can bless and prosper us even in difficult or unfamiliar circumstances, and this is a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28.
How can we apply the principle of Genesis 39:2 to our own lives?
We can apply the principle of Genesis 39:2 by trusting in God's presence and sovereignty in our lives, and by being faithful and obedient to Him, even in challenging situations, just like Joseph, as seen in Genesis 39:2-4, and also in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Colossians 3:23-24.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can trust in God's presence and sovereignty in my life, just like Joseph did?
- How can I be faithful and obedient to God, even in difficult or unfamiliar circumstances?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's blessing and prospering, and how can I apply the principle of Genesis 39:2 to those areas?
- What does it mean for me to 'serve' in my own 'household' or community, and how can I do that with integrity and faithfulness, as Joseph did in Genesis 39:2-4?
- How can I balance my trust in God's sovereignty with my own responsibility to make wise decisions and take action, as seen in Joseph's life in Genesis 39:2-4 and in other scriptures like Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5-8?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 39:2
And the Lord was with Joseph,.... Blessing him with his gracious presence, with discoveries of his love, and communion with himself, though destitute of the means of grace and ordinances of worship
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 39:2
And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. He was in the house of his master.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 39:2
Genesis 39:2 And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.Ver. 2. And the Lord was with Joseph, and he, &c.] "The Lord" also "is with you, while ye be with him": and so long you may promise yourselves prosperity; that of Gaius, howsoever, - that your souls shall prosper; and for most part also, your outward estates. If it fall out otherwise, it is because God will have godliness admired for itself. If ungodly men prosper, it is that ease may slay them, and "that they may perish for ever." Moritur Zacharias Papa, rebus pro Ecclesiae salute et Apostolicae sedis dignitate, non tam pie quam prospere gestis, saith Sigonius. This was little to his commendation, - that he was not so pious as he was prosperous.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 39:2
2. the Lord was with Joseph] This is the motif of the whole section. Jehovah stands by Joseph whether in trouble or in prosperity, in good report or in evil; cf. Genesis 39:3; Genesis 39:5; Genesis 39:21; Genesis 39:23. Joseph was one of those rare characters in which great personal attractiveness in manner and appearance was combined with high principle and good intellectual powers. in the house] i.e. not sent out to labour in the field.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 39:2
2. The Lord was with Joseph — The holy covenant God of Israel was not absent from his faithful servant. He ever encampeth round about them that fear him. A prosperous man — Making to prosper whatever he undertook.
Sermons on Genesis 39:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 39:1-7 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joseph from the Bible. Joseph, a young man of 17, is sold into slavery in Egypt by the Ishmaelites. However, despite his circum |
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And the Lord Was With Joseph - Part 1 by Steve Mays | In this sermon, the preacher shares the story of Joseph from the Bible as an example of how God can use difficult circumstances to shape and prepare us for His purposes. Joseph, wh |
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Through the Bible - Genesis 39-41 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the life of Joseph in Genesis 39-41, emphasizing that despite the trials and tribulations he faced, including slavery and imprisonment, 'The LORD was with Jos |
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Genesis 39:2 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes that 'The Lord was with Joseph' throughout his life, showcasing how God's presence guided him from his youth, through slavery, temptation, imprisonment, and |
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Faithfulness in Spite of Our Failures by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the theme of God's faithfulness despite our failures, using the life of David as an example. Despite being anointed and chosen by God, David faced trials |
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David Behaved Himself Wisely by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of behaving wisely as exemplified by David in 1 Samuel. The repeated phrase highlights the importance of divine prudence and the necessity of |
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God Is Still Faithful by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that despite David's moment of unfaithfulness when he sought refuge in Gath, God remained faithful to His promises and purpose for David's life. Anointed |