Genesis 39 20

Genesis 39:20 kjv

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 nkjv

Then Joseph's master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were confined. And he was there in the prison.

Genesis 39:20 niv

Joseph's master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison,

Genesis 39:20 esv

And Joseph's master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined, and he was there in prison.

Genesis 39:20 nlt

So he took Joseph and threw him into the prison where the king's prisoners were held, and there he remained.

Genesis 39 verses

Genesis 39 20 meaning

Genesis 39:20 describes Joseph's immediate imprisonment by his master, Potiphar, following a false accusation. It explicitly states that he was placed in a specific type of prison, one designated for the king's prisoners, and that he remained there. The verse underscores Joseph's unjust suffering and serves as a pivotal point in his journey, moving him into an environment where God's sovereign plan would continue to unfold, despite his circumstances. It signifies a transition from domestic service to state confinement, setting the stage for future interactions that would lead to his exaltation.

Genesis 39 20 Context

Genesis chapter 39 details Joseph's rise to prominence in Potiphar's house due to God's blessing, followed by a dramatic fall stemming from the sexual advances of Potiphar's wife and her subsequent false accusation. Despite Joseph's unwavering commitment to integrity and God, he is unjustly condemned. Verse 20 marks the direct consequence of this false accusation. Potiphar, enraged yet perhaps sensing more than he admitted (given he did not kill Joseph, which was his right for such an alleged crime), confines Joseph to a state prison. This particular prison setting is crucial, as it later brings Joseph into contact with Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, figures instrumental in his eventual release and rise to power in Egypt. Historically, ancient Egyptian prisons could range from simple administrative holding cells to secure state dungeons. The mention of "the king's prisoners" suggests a place for important, potentially political, detainees, rather than common criminals, which aligns with Joseph's unusual trajectory.

Genesis 39 20 Word analysis

• Joseph's master (אֲדֹנֵי יוֹסֵף, adonei Yosef): Refers to Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's guard (Gen 37:36). This highlights his authority and high position, emphasizing the magnitude of the injustice against Joseph by a powerful figure.
• took him (וַיִּקַּח אֹתוֹ, vayyiqqaḥ oto): A swift, decisive action, showing no deliberation or legal process, simply immediate apprehension.
• put him (וַיִּתֵּן אֹתוֹ, vayyitten oto): Also conveys immediacy and Potiphar's absolute power over his household. He unilaterally decided Joseph's fate.
• the prison (בֵּית הַסֹּהַר, beit ha-sohar): Literally "house of the round-up/confinement." This term suggests a fortified place for prisoners, a place of confinement, not just a temporary holding cell. It distinguishes it from other types of incarceration.
• the place where the king's prisoners were confined (מְקוֹם אֲסִירֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ אֲסוּרִים, meqom ʾăsîrê hammeleḵ ʾăsûrîm): This specifies the type and status of the prison. It was a royal prison, designed for those imprisoned by the king himself, or at his command, often for political reasons. The repetition of "confined" (derived from ʾăsar, to bind/fetter) emphasizes the strict nature of this incarceration and the lack of freedom. This is significant as it sets the stage for Joseph's later interaction with Pharaoh's officials (cupbearer and baker), highlighting God's providence in directing his path even in chains.
• and he was there (וַיְהִי שָׁם, vayhî shām): A simple, factual statement indicating his presence and continuation in that state. It speaks to the reality of his confinement, that this was his new, settled condition.
• in the prison (בְּבֵית הַסֹּהַר, bəvêṯ hasōhar): Repetition of the phrase for "the prison." This reinforces Joseph's full immersion into this new, harsh reality. It underscores his new dwelling and circumstances, and also subtly marks a period of his life where he would remain.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Joseph's master took him and put him": This phrase emphasizes the immediate, forceful, and non-discretionary act by Potiphar. There was no trial or questioning from Joseph's perspective; merely a pronouncement and immediate execution of judgment by one in authority, based on a false accusation.
• "into the prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined": This segment precisely defines Joseph's new environment. It's not a general jail, but a secure, state-level detention center. The description is crucial, as it highlights God's particular design: Joseph is placed not among common criminals, but where significant figures are held, ensuring his future encounter with Pharaoh's key staff. This suggests divine orchestration in his confinement.
• "and he was there in the prison": This concise ending highlights Joseph's complete relocation and prolonged presence within this confinement. It seals his new, painful reality but also acts as a quiet statement that marks the beginning of a significant phase in God's unfolding plan for him, one that will test his faith yet ultimately lead to unimaginable exaltation.

Genesis 39 20 Bonus section

• Divine Passive: While Potiphar "took" and "put" Joseph into prison, the larger narrative context of Joseph's life emphasizes a divine "taking" and "putting." This suffering was part of God's greater design, aligning with Joseph's later revelation in Gen 50:20 that "God meant it for good." This is often seen as a period of testing and maturation.
• Prison as Preparation: Far from being a mere setback, Joseph's time in prison is often interpreted as a "university" for his future role. Here, he learns about Egyptian administration from the king's officials, gains wisdom in interpreting dreams, and develops humility and reliance on God. This season of adversity prepared him with skills and character necessary for national leadership.
• Typological Connection to Christ: Joseph's unjust suffering, betrayal, false accusation, and eventual exaltation for the salvation of many (his family and Egypt) often serve as a type for Christ, who also suffered innocently, was unjustly condemned, and was ultimately exalted to bring salvation to many.

Genesis 39 20 Commentary

Genesis 39:20 marks a deep valley in Joseph's life, an undeserved consequence for his integrity. Imprisoned falsely, not for a common crime but in a royal dungeon, he experiences the ultimate loss of freedom and status. Yet, this verse is not just a tale of woe; it is profoundly providential. God's hand, though unseen in the immediate anger of Potiphar, is very much at work. Joseph's placement in the royal prison, rather than being summarily executed or thrown into a common dungeon, is key. It ensures he encounters the cupbearer and baker (Gen 40:3-4), directly setting the stage for his interpreting Pharaoh's dreams and eventually ascending to power. Thus, this moment of extreme tribulation is paradoxically an essential step in his journey to fulfilling God's calling to preserve life. It demonstrates God's sovereignty over human malice and His ability to work through suffering to achieve His redemptive purposes, proving Him present with Joseph even in confinement, refining his character and preparing him for his destined role.