King James Version

What Does Genesis 39:6 Mean?

Genesis 39:6 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Genesis 39:6 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

8

But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;

Read Genesis 39 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he ... 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 does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. How should this truth about Divine Presence shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיַּֽעֲזֹ֣ב1 of 22

“And he left”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

כָּל2 of 22
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר3 of 22
H834

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

לוֹ֮4 of 22
H0
בְּיַד5 of 22

“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

יוֹסֵ֔ף6 of 22

“And Joseph”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

וְלֹֽא7 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָדַ֤ע8 of 22

“and he knew”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אִתּוֹ֙9 of 22
H854

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

מְא֔וּמָה10 of 22

“not ought”

H3972

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

כִּ֥י11 of 22
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם12 of 22

“he had save”

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

הַלֶּ֖חֶם13 of 22

“the bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

אֲשֶׁר14 of 22
H834

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

ה֣וּא15 of 22
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

אוֹכֵ֑ל16 of 22

“which he did eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וַיְהִ֣י17 of 22
H1961

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

יוֹסֵ֔ף18 of 22

“And Joseph”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

וִיפֵ֥ה19 of 22

“person and well”

H3303

beautiful (literally or figuratively)

תֹ֖אַר20 of 22

“was a goodly”

H8389

outline, i.e., figure or appearance

וִיפֵ֥ה21 of 22

“person and well”

H3303

beautiful (literally or figuratively)

מַרְאֶֽה׃22 of 22

“favoured”

H4758

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

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 39:6 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 39:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 31:11Genesis 29:171 Samuel 16:12Luke 19:17Genesis 43:32Genesis 39:8

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