Genesis 39:6

Translations

Modern

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,

Traditional

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.

Literal

And he left all that was unto him in the hand of Joseph and he did not know with him anything except for the bread that he was eating. And Joseph was handsome in form and handsome in appearance.

Latin

…nec quidquam aliud noverat, nisi panem quo vescebatur. Erat autem Joseph pulchra facie, et decorus aspectu.

Interlinear

Hebrew

English

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,

Notes

Genesis 39:6–10

A major theme in wisdom literature (wise teaching about how to live well; see study note on 37:2–50:26) is a warning to young people: sexual sin and other wrong behavior will lead to harm and ruin (compare Proverbs 5–7). Joseph resisted temptation because he had godly wisdom. He was guided by the fear of the Lord (a deep respect and reverence for God that leads to obedience; Proverbs 1:7; 9:10).

Genesis 39:1–23

Joseph was honest and faithful in his work for Potiphar. This is very different from Judah, who failed morally (chapter 38). God was with Joseph (39:2–3, 21, 23). He helped Joseph succeed and become a blessing to others (see study notes on 12:1–9; 28:16–22), even while Joseph was a slave and later in prison.

Genesis 39:1–47:31

Joseph began as a slave, alienated from his brothers and separated from his father; he ended as Pharaoh’s viceroy. Through the trips to Egypt, the covenant family went from the brink of apostasy, divided by jealousy and deception, to being reconciled and united by Judah’s intercession and Joseph’s forgiveness.

Theme notes and profiles

Egypt Joseph Biblical Marriage Suffering in Following God Symbolic Numbers The Righteous Suffer

Related verses

1 Samuel 16:12
So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.”
Genesis 29:17
Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was shapely and beautiful.
Luke 19:17
His master replied, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you shall have authority over ten cities.’
Proverbs 31:11
The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value.
Acts 7:20
At that time Moses was born, and he was beautiful in the sight of God. For three months he was nurtured in his father’s house.
Luke 16:10
Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.
Genesis 43:32
They separately served Joseph, his brothers, and the Egyptians. They ate separately because the Egyptians would not eat with the Hebrews, since that was detestable to them.
Genesis 39:8
But he refused. “Look,” he said to his master’s wife, “with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in his house, and he has entrusted everything he owns to my care.
Genesis 39:4
Joseph 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.
Genesis 39:23
The warden did not concern himself with anything under Joseph’s care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.
Genesis 12:14–15
So when Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful.
1 Samuel 17:42
When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him because he was just a boy, ruddy and handsome.

People

Joseph: Son of Jacob, ruler in Egypt

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Genesis, Book of Jacob Joseph Patriarchs, Period of the Potiphar

Topics

Beauty: Joseph Bread: Often Put for the Whole Substance of Man Civil Service: Appointment In, on Account of Merit Egypt: Israel in Potiphar Blessed for Joseph's Sake Joseph: Son of Jacob: Personal Appearance of Servant: Good: Joseph

Genesis 39:6

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