Genesis 39:22 kjv

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.

Genesis 39:22 nkjv

And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing.

Genesis 39:22 niv

So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there.

Genesis 39:22 esv

And the keeper of the prison put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever was done there, he was the one who did it.

Genesis 39:22 nlt

Before long, the warden put Joseph in charge of all the other prisoners and over everything that happened in the prison.

Genesis 39 verses

Genesis 39 22 Meaning

Genesis 39:22 illustrates how God's favor continued to elevate Joseph even in his undeserved imprisonment. The chief jailer, recognizing Joseph's exceptional character and God-given abilities, entrusted him with significant authority over all other prisoners and the management of all prison activities. Joseph was not merely given oversight, but was effectively made responsible for the initiation, coordination, and execution of everything that occurred within the prison walls, acting as the ultimate doer of tasks through delegated authority.

Genesis 39 22 Context

Genesis chapter 39 details Joseph's experiences after being sold into slavery in Egypt. Despite his initial position as a slave in Potiphar's household, the Lord was with him, and he prospered, quickly rising to become Potiphar's chief administrator. However, he was falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and unjustly imprisoned. Even in this dire circumstance, God's presence with Joseph continued, as reflected in the favor he found with the chief jailer. The prison was not necessarily a dark dungeon, but often a part of a government official's house or property, making administrative duties plausible. Joseph's prior administrative skills honed in Potiphar's house were now repurposed and proven anew under divine guidance in the prison setting.

Genesis 39 22 Word analysis

• And the keeper of the prison: The Hebrew term for "keeper of the prison" is שַׂר בֵּית הַסֹּהַר (śar beit hassohar), meaning "chief of the house of the round prison." "Śar" indicates an officer, commander, or chief, denoting significant authority and status. This implies a highly responsible position, similar to a warden.
• committed...into the hand of: The Hebrew is וַיִּתֵּן...בְּיַד (vayyittēn...bəyad), literally "and he gave...in the hand of." This phrase conveys more than just giving a task; it signifies delegating full authority and responsibility, handing over the entire domain of oversight and decision-making for the prison's operations. It represents a profound act of trust and deputation.
• Joseph: The name "Joseph" (יוֹסֵף, Yosef) means "He [God] will add" or "He will increase." This name is consistently affirmed throughout Joseph's life, as God continually adds to his responsibilities, wisdom, and blessings, even in the midst of adversity.
• all the prisoners that were in the prison: This highlights the broad scope of Joseph's delegated authority. His responsibility extended to every single incarcerated individual under the chief jailer's care. It suggests a managerial role over people, not just tasks.
• and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it: This crucial phrase (וְאֵת כָּל־אֲשֶׁר עֹשִׂים שָׁם הוּא הָיָה עֹשֶׂה - ve'et kol asher osim sham hu hayah oseh) emphasizes Joseph's ultimate responsibility and direct involvement. It signifies that all activities undertaken by the prisoners were either initiated, directed, or approved by Joseph, making him the effective supervisor and coordinator of all labor and functions within the prison. He wasn't just observing; he was actively managing and accountable for the output and actions of the entire prison population.

• "committed Joseph into the hand of": This phrase shows complete entrustment. It implies a high degree of confidence in Joseph's capabilities, reliability, and character. The chief jailer essentially relinquished his direct involvement in daily prison operations concerning the prisoners, handing them over entirely to Joseph's discretion. This mirrors Joseph's earlier position in Potiphar's house, showing a pattern of divine favor causing him to be a trustworthy and effective steward.
• "he was the doer of it": This particular wording, with its repeated emphasis on "doer," underlines that Joseph wasn't just an overseer but the central figure through whom all work was coordinated and achieved. It speaks to his organizational skills, leadership, and proactive approach, demonstrating his exceptional administrative capacity that continued to shine despite his imprisonment. It is a testament to the fact that God was empowering his work.

Genesis 39 22 Bonus section

• This verse highlights a consistent theme in Joseph's narrative: wherever he goes, God's presence leads to his being placed in positions of authority and stewardship. First in Potiphar's house, then in prison, and finally over all of Egypt.
• The unusual trust placed in Joseph by the chief jailer implies that the jailer saw more than just human ability; it suggests an acknowledgment of the unique spiritual wisdom and reliability emanating from Joseph, a direct result of God's presence with him.
• Joseph, a prisoner himself, becomes the master of other prisoners, presenting a powerful paradox where God's providence flips conventional hierarchies. This mirrors later biblical themes of those considered low or outcast being exalted by God (e.g., Jesus Christ's humiliation leading to glorification).
• The situation in the prison, managing diverse and perhaps difficult individuals, would have been a practical training ground for Joseph's eventual role in governing all of Egypt, where he would manage complex societal affairs and distribute resources during a famine.

Genesis 39 22 Commentary

Genesis 39:22 stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering presence and purpose of God in the life of Joseph. Despite being unjustly incarcerated, Joseph continued to exemplify exceptional character and capability, driven by divine favor. This verse confirms that even in the most unlikely and deprived settings, God can raise up His chosen servants. Joseph's promotion to de facto manager of the prison reveals his faithfulness in affliction and God's consistent blessing. This demonstrated not only Joseph's integrity and administrative skills but also the hand of God empowering him, making him invaluable even to his captors. This prepares Joseph for future leadership, showing that God's plan unfolds progressively through trials, forging character and competence. The verse powerfully reminds believers that God is at work even in adverse circumstances, equipping them for higher callings.