King James Version

What Does Genesis 39:23 Mean?

Genesis 39:23 in the King James Version says “The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which ... — study this verse from Genesis chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.

Genesis 39:23 · KJV


Context

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.

23

The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with ... 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. What theological truths about Joseph and Potiphar's Wife emerge from this passage?
  2. How should this truth about Divine Presence shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
אֵ֣ין׀1 of 17
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

שַׂ֣ר2 of 17

The keeper

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

בֵּית3 of 17

of the prison

H1004

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

הַסֹּ֗הַר4 of 17
H5470

a dungeon (as surrounded by walls)

רֹאֶ֤ה5 of 17

looked

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶֽת6 of 17
H853

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

כָּל7 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מְא֙וּמָה֙8 of 17

not to any thing

H3972

properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing

בְּיָד֔וֹ9 of 17

that was under his hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר10 of 17
H834

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

יְהוָ֥ה11 of 17

because the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אִתּ֑וֹ12 of 17
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

וַֽאֲשֶׁר13 of 17
H834

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

ה֥וּא14 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

עֹשֶׂ֖ה15 of 17

was with him and that which he did

H6213

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

יְהוָ֥ה16 of 17

because the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מַצְלִֽיחַ׃17 of 17

made it to prosper

H6743

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)


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 39:23 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 39:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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