King James Version

What Does Genesis 39:5 Mean?

Genesis 39:5 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD bl...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.”

Genesis 39:5 · King James Version

Context

3

And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.

4

And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

5

And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.

6

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.

7

And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.

Read Genesis 39 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he h... 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 this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
וַיְהִ֡י1 of 26
H1961

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

מֵאָז֩2 of 26

“And it came to pass from the time”

H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

הִפְקִ֨יד3 of 26

“that he had made him overseer”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

אֹת֜וֹ4 of 26
H853

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

בַּבַּ֖יִת5 of 26

“house”

H1004

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

וְעַל֙6 of 26
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל7 of 26
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 26
H834

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

יֶשׁ9 of 26

“and over all that he had”

H3426

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

ל֔וֹ10 of 26
H0
וַיְבָ֧רֶךְ11 of 26

“blessed”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

יְהוָה֙12 of 26

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶת13 of 26
H853

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

בַּבַּ֖יִת14 of 26

“house”

H1004

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

הַמִּצְרִ֖י15 of 26

“the Egyptian's”

H4713

a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim

בִּגְלַ֣ל16 of 26

“sake”

H1558

a circumstance (as rolled around); only used adverbially, on account of

יוֹסֵ֑ף17 of 26

“for Joseph's”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

וַיְהִ֞י18 of 26
H1961

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

בִּרְכַּ֤ת19 of 26

“and the blessing”

H1293

benediction; by implication prosperity

יְהוָה֙20 of 26

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

בְּכָל21 of 26
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר22 of 26
H834

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

יֶשׁ23 of 26

“and over all that he had”

H3426

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

ל֔וֹ24 of 26
H0
בַּבַּ֖יִת25 of 26

“house”

H1004

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

וּבַשָּׂדֶֽה׃26 of 26

“and in the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

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 39:5 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 39:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 30:272 Samuel 6:11-12Acts 27:24Psalms 72:17Genesis 12:2Ephesians 1:3

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