King James Version

What Does Genesis 39:19 Mean?

Genesis 39:19 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner di...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass, when his master heard 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 39:19 · KJV

Context

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:

18

And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out.

19

And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.

20

And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison , a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison .

21

But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison . shewed: Heb. extended kindness unto him

Read Genesis 39 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, ... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיְהִי֩1 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִשְׁמֹ֨עַ2 of 17

“heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֲדֹנָ֜יו3 of 17

“And it came to pass when his master”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

אֶת4 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כַּדְּבָרִ֣ים5 of 17

“After this manner”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אִשְׁתּ֗וֹ6 of 17

“of his wife”

H802

a woman

אֲשֶׁ֨ר7 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

דִּבְּרָ֤ה8 of 17

“which she spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלָיו֙9 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לֵאמֹ֔ר10 of 17

“unto him saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כַּדְּבָרִ֣ים11 of 17

“After this manner”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הָאֵ֔לֶּה12 of 17
H428

these or those

עָ֥שָׂהּ13 of 17

“did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לִ֖י14 of 17
H0
עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ15 of 17

“thy servant”

H5650

a servant

וַיִּ֖חַר16 of 17

“was kindled”

H2734

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

אַפּֽוֹ׃17 of 17

“to me that his wrath”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 39:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 39:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 18:17Proverbs 6:34-35Song of Solomon 8:72 Thessalonians 2:11Genesis 4:5-6Job 29:16

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 39 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Genesis 39 with CommentaryAll Genesis ChaptersComplete Genesis QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes