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Genesis 39:21

Genesis 39:21 in Multiple Translations

the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.

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

But Jehovah was with Joseph, and showed kindness unto him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

But the Lord was with Joseph, and was good to him, and made the keeper of the prison his friend.

But the Lord was with Joseph, showing him trustworthy love, and made the chief jailer pleased with him.

But the Lord was with Ioseph, and shewed him mercie, and got him fauour in the sight of the master of the prison.

And Jehovah is with Joseph, and stretcheth out kindness unto him, and putteth his grace in the eyes of the chief of the round-house;

But the LORD was with Joseph, and showed kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

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

But the Lord was with Joseph and having mercy upon him gave him favour in the sight of the chief keeper of the prison:

But Yahweh was kind to Joseph and helped him, and caused the ◄prison warden/man who was in charge of the prison► to be pleased with him.

But God was with Joseph, and God kept on being very good to him. God got the boss of that jail to think in a good way about Joseph. So that jail boss liked Joseph a lot,

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 39:21

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 39:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יְהִ֤י יְהוָה֙ אֶת יוֹסֵ֔ף וַ/יֵּ֥ט אֵלָ֖י/ו חָ֑סֶד וַ/יִּתֵּ֣ן חִנּ֔/וֹ בְּ/עֵינֵ֖י שַׂ֥ר בֵּית הַ/סֹּֽהַר
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/יֵּ֥ט nâṭâh H5186 to stretch Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלָ֖י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
חָ֑סֶד chêçêd H2617 kindness N-ms
וַ/יִּתֵּ֣ן nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
חִנּ֔/וֹ chên H2580 favor N-ms | Suff
בְּ/עֵינֵ֖י ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd
שַׂ֥ר sar H8269 ruler N-ms
בֵּית bayith H1004 place N-ms
הַ/סֹּֽהַר çôhar H5470 prison Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 39:21

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/יֵּ֥ט nâṭâh H5186 "to stretch" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
אֵלָ֖י/ו ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
חָ֑סֶד chêçêd H2617 "kindness" N-ms
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.
וַ/יִּתֵּ֣ן nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
חִנּ֔/וֹ chên H2580 "favor" N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means showing kindness or favor to someone, like God's graciousness to humanity. It appears in the Bible as 'favor' or 'grace'.
Definition: 1) favour, grace, charm 1a) favour, grace, elegance 1b) favour, acceptance
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured. See also: Genesis 6:8; 1 Samuel 20:29; Psalms 45:3.
בְּ/עֵינֵ֖י ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
שַׂ֥ר sar H8269 "ruler" N-ms
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
בֵּית bayith H1004 "place" 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.
הַ/סֹּֽהַר çôhar H5470 "prison" Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word çôhar refers to a prison or dungeon, a place surrounded by walls, as mentioned in the KJV translation. This term is used to describe a specific type of confinement, often associated with punishment or captivity.
Definition: 1) house of roundness, roundhouse, prison 1a) name of a prison
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: prison. See also: Genesis 39:20; Genesis 39:23; Genesis 40:5.

Study Notes — Genesis 39:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Exodus 3:21 And I will grant this people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that when you leave, you will not go away empty-handed.
2 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.
3 1 Peter 3:17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
4 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.
5 Exodus 12:36 And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians.
6 Romans 8:31–32 What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things?
7 Daniel 1:9 Now God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official,
8 1 Peter 4:14–16 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler. But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.
9 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.
10 Exodus 11:3 And the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, Moses himself was highly regarded in Egypt by Pharaoh’s officials and by the people.

Genesis 39:21 Summary

[Genesis 39:21 tells us that even though Joseph was unfairly put in prison, God was still with him and showed him kindness, which is a powerful reminder that God is always present in our lives, no matter what we're going through, just like it says in Romans 8:28 that 'all things work together for good to those who love God'. This verse also shows that when God is with us, He can give us favor in the eyes of others, as happened with the prison warden, which is similar to what we read in Proverbs 3:3-4 about finding favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. It's comforting to know that God's presence and kindness can lead to good outcomes, even in difficult situations, as we see in Joseph's story and as promised in Jeremiah 29:11, where God says He has plans to prosper us, not to harm us]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that 'the LORD was with him' in Genesis 39:21?

This phrase indicates God's presence and favor in Joseph's life, even in difficult circumstances, as seen in other scriptures like Deuteronomy 31:6 and Joshua 1:9, where God promises to be with His people.

How did Joseph receive favor with the prison warden?

The Bible doesn't provide specific details, but it's clear that God's presence and blessing in Joseph's life, as stated in Genesis 39:21, led to him receiving favor, a theme also seen in Proverbs 16:7 where it says 'When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him'.

What can we learn from Joseph's experience in prison?

We can learn about God's sovereignty and care, even in the darkest of times, as Joseph's story unfolds, similar to what the Psalmist writes in Psalm 138:8, 'The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love, O God, endures forever'

Does this verse imply that God only helps those in prison or in similar hardships?

No, Genesis 39:21 is a specific instance of God's care for Joseph, but it reflects a broader principle of God's presence and help for all believers in various situations, as expressed in Hebrews 13:5-6, where God promises never to leave or forsake us

Reflection Questions

  1. How have you experienced God's presence and kindness in your own life, especially during difficult times?
  2. What are some ways you can trust in God's sovereignty, like Joseph did, when facing challenging circumstances?
  3. In what areas of your life do you need to trust that God is with you, as He was with Joseph, and how can you apply this trust in practical ways?
  4. Reflect on a time when you received unexpected favor or kindness from someone; how did it make you feel, and how can you extend similar kindness to others?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 39:21

And the Lord was with Joseph,.... Comforting him with his presence under his afflictions; supporting him with his right hand; sanctifying all his troubles to him, and so causing him to bear them

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 39:21

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 39:21

The gaoler, who under Potiphar was the keeper of that particular person.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 39:21

Genesis 39:21 But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.Ver. 21. But the Lord was with Joseph.] A prison keeps not God from his; witness the apostles and martyrs, whose prisons, by God’ s presence, became palaces; the fiery furnace, a gallery of pleasure; the stocks, a music school. Bradford, after he was put in prison, had better health than before; and found great favour with his keeper, who suffered him to go whither he would, upon his promise to return by such an hour to his prison again. Act. and Mon., fol. 1489, 1457.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 39:21

Verse 21. The Lord was with Joseph] It is but of little consequence where the lot of a servant of God may be cast; like Joseph he is ever employed for his master, and God honours him and prospers his work. 1. HE who acknowledges God in all his ways, has the promise that God shall direct all his steps. Joseph's captivity shall promote God's glory; and to this end God works in him, for him, by him. Even the irreligious can see when the Most High distinguishes his followers. Joseph's master saw that Jehovah was with him; and from this we may learn that the knowledge of the true God was in Egypt, even before the time of Joseph, though his worship was neither established nor even tolerated there. Both Abraham and Isaac had been in Egypt, and they had left a savour of true godliness behind them. 2. Joseph's virtue in resisting the solicitations of his mistress was truly exemplary. Had he reasoned after the manner of men, he might have soon found that the proposed intrigue might be carried on with the utmost secrecy and greatly to his secular advantage. But he chose to risk all rather than injure a kind benefactor, defile his conscience, and sin against God. Such conduct is so exceedingly rare that his example has stood on the records of time as almost without a parallel, admired by all, applauded by most, and in similar circumstances, I am afraid, imitated by few. The fable of the brave and virtuous Bellerophon and Sthenobaea, wife of Proetus, king of the Argives, was probably founded on this history. 3. Joseph fled and got him out. To know when to fight and when to fly are of great importance in the Christian life. Some temptations must be manfully met, resisted, and thus overcome; from others we must fly. He who stands to contend or reason, especially in such a case as that mentioned here, is infallibly ruined. Principiis obsta, "resist the first overtures of sin," is a good maxim. After-remedies come too late. 4. A woman of the spirit of Potiphar's wife is capable of any species of evil. When she could not get her wicked ends answered, she began to accuse. This is precisely Satan's custom: he first tempts men to sin, and then accuses them as having committed it, even where the temptation has been faithfully and perseveringly resisted! By this means he can trouble a tender conscience, and weaken faith by bringing confusion into the mind. Thus the inexperienced especially are often distracted and cast down; hence Satan is properly called the accuser of the brethren, Revelation 12:10. Very useful lessons may be drawn from every part of the relation in this chapter, but detailing the facts and reasoning upon them would be more likely to produce than prevent the evil. An account of this kind cannot be touched with too gentle a hand.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 39:21

21. But the Lord, &c.] See note on Genesis 39:2. The favour of Jehovah towards Joseph is the cause of Joseph’s acceptability with the keeper of the prison. He receives the same degree of confidence in prison, as he had received from the master whom he had served as steward.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 39:21

21. The Lord was with Joseph — “Jehovah is with him in the prison as well as in the house of Potiphar, and he wins the confidence of his new master, the jailer, as completely as he did that of Potiphar.

Sermons on Genesis 39:21

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 39:21-23 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joseph from the Bible. He highlights how despite the challenging circumstances Joseph faced, the Lord was with him and showed h
Chuck Swindoll Magnificent Mercy by Chuck Swindoll Charles Swindoll preaches on the profound impact of experiencing relief, highlighting how God, as the author of relief, grants us peace, satisfaction, and ease through His mercy. S
F.B. Meyer The Lord Had Made Them Joyful, and Turned by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes that God has the power to turn the hearts of men, as demonstrated in the lives of biblical figures like Joseph, Moses, and Daniel. He encourages believers to
Chuck Smith 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
John Hames The Starting Promise by John Hames John Hames preaches on the powerful promise God made to Moses, 'And He said certainly I will be with thee' (Exodus 3:21), emphasizing the significance of divine promises in our liv
Kathryn Kuhlman Gods Presence by Kathryn Kuhlman In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is interested in each individual as if they were the only person in the world. He uses the story of Elisha and his servant to illus
David Wilkerson (Belarus) God Has Risen to Defend His Name by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes God's promises of provision and protection for his people. He highlights that God has promised that his people will never have to beg for br

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