King James Version

What Does Genesis 39:20 Mean?

Genesis 39:20 in the King James Version says “And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison , a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was th...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 .”

Genesis 39:20 · KJV

Context

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

22

And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison ; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.

Read Genesis 39 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were b... 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.

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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 specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיִּקַּח֩1 of 17

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֲדֹנֵ֨י2 of 17

“master”

H113

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

יוֹסֵ֜ף3 of 17

“And Joseph's”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

אֹת֗וֹ4 of 17
H853

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

וַֽיִּתְּנֵ֙הוּ֙5 of 17

“him and put him”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶל6 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּבֵ֥ית7 of 17

“and he was there in the prison”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הַסֹּ֔הַר8 of 17
H5470

a dungeon (as surrounded by walls)

מְק֕וֹם9 of 17

“a place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֲשֶׁר10 of 17
H834

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

אֲסִורֵ֥י11 of 17

“prisoners”

H615

bound, i.e., a captive

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ12 of 17

“where the king's”

H4428

a king

אֲסוּרִ֑ים13 of 17

“were bound”

H631

to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle

וַֽיְהִי14 of 17
H1961

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

שָׁ֖ם15 of 17
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

בְּבֵ֥ית16 of 17

“and he was there in the prison”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הַסֹּֽהַר׃17 of 17
H5470

a dungeon (as surrounded by walls)

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 39:20 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 39:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 40:15Daniel 3:21-22Psalms 105:18-191 Peter 2:19Genesis 41:9-14Genesis 40:1-3

Test Your Knowledge

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

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