Genesis 39:23 kjv

The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.

Genesis 39:23 nkjv

The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph's authority, because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper.

Genesis 39:23 niv

The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.

Genesis 39:23 esv

The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph's charge, because the LORD was with him. And whatever he did, the LORD made it succeed.

Genesis 39:23 nlt

The warden had no more worries, because Joseph took care of everything. The LORD was with him and caused everything he did to succeed.

Genesis 39 verses

Genesis 39 23 Meaning

Genesis 39:23 conveys that the chief jailer, a figure of significant authority in the prison, had such complete trust in Joseph that he felt no need to oversee any task or prisoner under Joseph's management. This extraordinary delegation of responsibility was not due to Joseph's mere skill, but was explicitly attributed to the constant, active presence of the Lord with Joseph. Furthermore, the verse states that everything Joseph undertook, the Lord caused it to succeed, emphasizing divine enablement and blessing even within dire circumstances. This highlights God's faithfulness to His servant and His sovereign control over seemingly unfavorable situations.

Genesis 39 23 Context

Genesis chapter 39 follows Joseph's initial sale into slavery by his brothers. Upon being brought to Egypt, he is purchased by Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. Verses 2 and 3 establish that the Lord was with Joseph in Potiphar's house, causing all he did to prosper, leading Potiphar to entrust his entire household to Joseph's care. However, Joseph's fidelity to God and Potiphar's trust is tested by Potiphar's wife, who falsely accuses him after he rejects her advances. Consequently, Joseph is thrown into prison. Genesis 39:20-22 details that even in prison, the Lord was with Joseph and showed him kindness, granting him favor in the sight of the chief jailer, who again placed Joseph in charge of all the prisoners and everything that was done there. Verse 23 specifically describes the extent of this trust and directly attributes Joseph's consistent success and elevated position in prison to the unwavering presence and prosperity given by the Lord. This verse acts as a conclusive statement regarding Joseph's state even in severe adversity, setting the stage for his eventual rise to power. Historically and culturally, this shows a foreigner rising through a rigid social system due to divine favor, a rare occurrence and a testament to God's hand.

Genesis 39 23 Word analysis

• The keeper of the prison (שַׂר בֵּית הַסֹּהַר - Sar Beit HaSohar):

  • keeper of the prison: Not just a guard, but the "chief" or "officer" of the prison house. This indicates a high level of authority. The title suggests significant responsibility, making his trust in Joseph even more remarkable.
  • significance: His implicit trust in Joseph, a slave and a prisoner, defies normal prison protocol, highlighting the profound impact of God's presence on Joseph's reputation.

• did not look into anything (לֹא הִשְׁגִּיחַ - lo hishgiach):

  • did not look into: Meaning "did not supervise," "did not check on," "paid no attention to." It conveys absolute trust and a complete absence of suspicion. The chief jailer felt no need to investigate Joseph's management.
  • significance: This total hands-off approach underscores the depth of the jailer's confidence, an indirect acknowledgement of Joseph's exceptional reliability and success due to divine enabling.

• that was under Joseph’s charge (אֲשֶׁר בְּיָדוֹ - asher b'yado):

  • under Joseph's charge: Literally "that was in his hand." It denotes his direct responsibility and control over all aspects of prison management, including the prisoners and the daily operations.
  • significance: This phrase shows the immense authority delegated to Joseph, even though he was himself a prisoner. He managed everything that was "in his power" or "under his supervision."

• because (כִּי - ki):

  • because: A causal conjunction, explicitly stating the reason for the jailer's actions. It directly links Joseph's favorable circumstances to God's intervention.
  • significance: This small word is pivotal, directing the reader's attention from Joseph's earthly competence to the divine source of his success and favor. It clarifies that Joseph's position was not simply good luck.

• the Lord (יְהוָה - YHWH):

  • the Lord: Refers to Yahweh, the personal covenant name of the God of Israel.
  • significance: Using YHWH emphasizes God's active, personal involvement in Joseph's life and His covenant faithfulness, rather than a generic deity. It ties Joseph's prosperity directly to the sovereign God of Israel.

• was with him (אִתּוֹ - itto):

  • was with him: Signifies a constant, intimate, and active divine presence, implying favor, protection, and empowering. It's a hallmark phrase in the Joseph narrative (Gen 39:2, 3, 21).
  • significance: This is the repeated, foundational truth of Joseph's life. God's presence is the ultimate cause of his inexplicable success despite adversity.

• and whatever he did (וְאֵת כָּל־אֲשֶׁר הוּא עֹשֶׂה - v'et kol-asher hu oseh):

  • whatever he did: Encompasses all of Joseph's actions and endeavors, large or small, within the prison context.
  • significance: Implies a comprehensive divine blessing covering every aspect of Joseph's responsibilities.

• the Lord made it prosper (יְהוָה מַצְלִיחַ - YHWH matzliach):

  • made it prosper: The verb matzliach means "to cause to succeed," "to make prosperous," or "to cause to go forward."
  • significance: This explicitly states that the success was not due to Joseph's ingenuity alone but was directly orchestrated and brought about by the Lord. It signifies God's direct agency in making Joseph effective and successful, regardless of the challenging environment. This reiterates the theme from Potiphar's house.

Genesis 39 23 Bonus section

The repeated phrase "the Lord was with him" (Gen 39:2, 3, 21, 23) forms a literary and theological anchor throughout Joseph's early trials. This consistent affirmation highlights that God's active involvement with His servant is independent of external circumstances or Joseph's freedom. Joseph's integrity (demonstrated in his rejection of Potiphar's wife) and his faithfulness in service created a channel through which God's favor could be manifestly expressed, even to the recognition of unbelievers like Potiphar and the chief jailer. The fact that an Egyptian official recognized a higher power's involvement, even implicitly, suggests God working through human observation and experience. This divine sovereignty extends not just over individuals but over the minds and hearts of rulers and those in authority, inclining them to act in ways that further God's purposes (cf. Prov 21:1). The detailed account of Joseph's rising prominence in increasingly difficult situations serves as a profound typology for how God preserves His chosen people and prepares His instruments for monumental tasks through trials, fostering character, humility, and complete reliance on Him. This narrative reinforces that true prosperity is found in God's presence and blessing, not merely in earthly success or comfort.

Genesis 39 23 Commentary

Genesis 39:23 is the culminating statement on Joseph's divinely sustained prosperity, even in the depths of wrongful imprisonment. It serves as a powerful declaration that God's plan and favor transcend human circumstances and injustices. The verse is intentionally structured to leave no doubt that the remarkable trust placed in Joseph by the chief jailer was a direct consequence of the Lord's active, undeniable presence with him. This reiterates a key theological message from Genesis: God remains faithful to His people even when they suffer, using every situation, good or bad, to advance His sovereign purposes. Joseph's ability to prosper, regardless of whether he was in Potiphar's esteemed house or a grim prison, wasn't about his inherent talent as much as it was about God's enabling hand. This demonstrates that divine blessing is not dependent on external freedom or favorable conditions, but on the constancy of God's presence and power. Joseph's story in this chapter prefigures God's consistent ability to work all things for the good of those who love Him, turning suffering into a stepping stone for future glory and the fulfillment of divine prophecy. It teaches patience, faithfulness in the midst of adversity, and the assurance that God never abandons His chosen ones.

• Examples:
  • Remaining diligent and hopeful in a challenging job where you feel undervalued, knowing God's presence defines your true value.
  • Serving faithfully in a difficult community situation, trusting that God's hand is on your efforts, making them effective even if you don't see immediate results.
  • Persisting in prayer or ministry during periods of spiritual dryness or opposition, confident that God's empowering presence remains with you.