Genesis 39 2

Genesis 39:2 kjv

And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

Genesis 39:2 nkjv

The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

Genesis 39:2 niv

The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.

Genesis 39:2 esv

The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master.

Genesis 39:2 nlt

The LORD was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master.

Genesis 39 verses

Genesis 39 2 meaning

Genesis 39:2 signifies that even in the harsh reality of being sold into slavery, Joseph experienced the active and powerful presence of the Lord, which resulted in him being remarkably successful in all his endeavors while serving in Potiphar's house. It highlights God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereignty over human circumstances.

Genesis 39 2 Context

Genesis chapter 39 immediately follows Joseph's betrayal and sale into slavery by his brothers in chapter 37. Joseph, now separated from his family and the covenant land, finds himself in Egypt, a powerful, polytheistic nation. Specifically, he is sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. Verse 2 establishes the profound theological reason for Joseph's remarkable rise and effectiveness in Potiphar's household despite his slave status, contrasting human intent (his brothers' malice, the slave traders' gain) with divine providence. It sets the stage for the narrative of God working through challenging circumstances to accomplish His sovereign purposes, demonstrating His power over all human authorities and events.

Genesis 39 2 Word analysis

• The LORD (יהוה - Yahweh): This refers to God's personal, covenant name. It signifies His active presence, faithfulness, and the exercise of His divine will. Its use emphasizes that it is the one true God of Israel, not any Egyptian deity or chance, who is with Joseph. This is a subtle polemic against the polytheistic environment of Egypt, asserting Yahweh's supremacy.

• was with (הָיָה אֶת־ - hayah 'et): This phrase denotes not mere proximity, but active, dynamic favor, protection, and empowering presence. It indicates God's purposeful involvement in Joseph's life, enabling him and causing his circumstances to turn out well. It suggests an intimate and supportive relationship.

• Joseph (יוֹסֵף - Yosef): The specific individual, son of Jacob, through whom God's redemptive plan for Israel's future will continue, even as a slave. His personal name means "He adds" or "May he add," prophetically hinting at his later role in saving and preserving his family.

• and he was (וַיְהִי - wayhî): A simple conjunction and verb, introducing the direct consequence of "The LORD was with Joseph." It marks a narrative progression tied directly to divine action.

• a successful man (אִישׁ מַצְלִיחַ - ish matsliach): The Hebrew root (צלח - tsalakh) implies prospering, succeeding, thriving, and having good results in all undertakings. This "success" is not based on Joseph's own innate abilities or slave training, but divinely empowered effectiveness. It goes beyond mere competence to an unusual degree of flourishing, directly attributed to God's presence.

• and he was in the house of his master (וַיְהִי בְּבֵית אֲדֹנָיו - wayhî beveyth adonayv): This phrase firmly roots Joseph's success within the difficult reality of his slave status. "Master" (adon) indicates the human authority and ownership over Joseph, highlighting the contrast with Yahweh as the ultimate Lord over Joseph. His success manifests within his assigned role as a bondservant, not in escape from it.

• the Egyptian (הַמִּצְרִי - HaMitsri): Specifies Potiphar's nationality, an officer in a pagan land. This further underscores the miraculous nature of God's blessing, operating in a foreign land and through a non-covenant relationship, showcasing God's sovereignty over all nations and people.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "The LORD was with Joseph": This is the fundamental theological assertion of the verse. It is the bedrock statement, explaining why Joseph could prosper in such dire circumstances. It establishes divine intervention as the primary cause for all that follows.
  • "and he was a successful man": This phrase details the tangible outcome or manifestation of the Lord's presence with Joseph. God's presence led directly to observable success and competence in Joseph's tasks.
  • "and he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian": This clause provides the ironic setting. Joseph's prosperity occurs not in a privileged position, but within the context of severe personal adversity and enslavement in a foreign, pagan environment, emphasizing God's ability to work anywhere and through anyone.

Genesis 39 2 Bonus section

• The repetitive phrase "The LORD was with Joseph" throughout chapter 39 (verses 2, 3, 21, 23) emphasizes the constant and abiding nature of God's presence with His servant, regardless of location (Potiphar's house or prison) or circumstance.
• This verse initiates a pattern where God blesses others (Potiphar, then the chief jailer) because of His presence with Joseph. This foreshadows God's blessing of the Gentiles through Israel later.
• The "success" of Joseph ("matsliach") is specifically connected to his administrative competence and effectiveness, setting the stage for his future role in governing Egypt. It's about performing well in duties and demonstrating excellent judgment.
• The absence of human means of influence (no rich relatives, no political power) highlights that Joseph's rise was exclusively by divine power, making the display of God's sovereignty even more evident.

Genesis 39 2 Commentary

Genesis 39:2 is a foundational statement about divine providence. It declares that Joseph's remarkable prosperity and success were not a result of luck, innate talent, or human connections in Egypt, but solely due to the active and faithful presence of the LORD. Even in the depths of slavery, alienated from his family and heritage, Joseph's life was superintended by God. This verse reveals that God's plan unfolds even through the betrayal and evil intent of others (Gen 50:20). Joseph's story here becomes a powerful illustration that God's empowering presence transcends all human circumstances, bringing success not just as material gain, but as an effective fulfilling of purpose. True success is defined by God being with an individual and enabling them to thrive in His purposes, regardless of their societal status or environment. It offers profound encouragement that God is able to work powerfully even through life's darkest valleys.