Genesis 39 4

Genesis 39:4 kjv

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.

Genesis 39:4 nkjv

So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority.

Genesis 39:4 niv

Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

Genesis 39:4 esv

So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had.

Genesis 39:4 nlt

This pleased Potiphar, so he soon made Joseph his personal attendant. He put him in charge of his entire household and everything he owned.

Genesis 39 verses

Genesis 39 4 meaning

Genesis 39:4 reveals that Joseph's faithful and diligent service deeply pleased Potiphar, leading Potiphar to grant Joseph significant favor, appointing him to manage his entire household and all his possessions. This verse highlights Joseph's integrity, wisdom, and God's unseen blessing on his life, which enabled him to thrive even in a foreign land and under challenging circumstances as a slave.

Genesis 39 4 Context

Genesis chapter 39 initiates the account of Joseph's time in Egypt after being sold into slavery by his brothers. This specific verse, Genesis 39:4, immediately follows the powerful declaration that "the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man" (v. 2) and that Potiphar observed "that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hand" (v. 3). Joseph's journey from being the favored son to a slave is a significant shift, yet God's sovereign plan and presence are continually emphasized. The immediate context shows Joseph's resilience and diligence despite his unjust circumstances, driven by an inherent trust in God's plan, though he may not have understood it at the moment. Historically, Egypt was a powerful empire, and household management was crucial for elite officials like Potiphar, indicating Joseph was entrusted with substantial authority and responsibility over a large estate, an unlikely promotion for a slave, yet explained by divine favor.

Genesis 39 4 Word analysis

• וַיִּמְצָא (vayyīmṣā'): From the root מָצָא (matsa), meaning "to find." In this construct, it carries the sense of "he found" or "he obtained." It signifies that Joseph received something, not merely that he searched for it. The action indicates the result of his service.
• חֵן (chen): "Favor," "grace," "charm." This is a crucial theological term in the Old Testament. It signifies an unmerited, benevolent disposition towards someone, often leading to tangible benefits. Here, it refers to Potiphar's special regard and affection for Joseph, which resulted from observing God's blessing on Joseph. The Hebrew word implies both external approval and internal good will.
• בְּעֵינָיו (bə‘êynāw): "In his eyes." This is an idiom indicating the perception or judgment of a person. To find favor "in someone's eyes" means to be looked upon with approval, acceptance, and good will. It implies that Potiphar actively saw something in Joseph that merited this preferential treatment.
• וַיְשָׁרֶת (vayshāret): From the root שָׁרַת (sharat), meaning "to minister," "to serve," "to attend to." This implies a position of humble service. However, it also indicates professional or official duty, reflecting Joseph's diligent and capable performance. His service was not just rote, but characterized by an attentive spirit.
• אֹתוֹ (otho): "Him." Referring to Potiphar. This simple pronoun reinforces Joseph's direct personal service to Potiphar before his promotion.
• וַיַּפְקִדֵהוּ (vayyafkidēhū): From the root פָּקַד (pakad), meaning "to appoint," "to entrust," "to visit," "to oversee." In this Hiphil stem, it signifies to place in charge or to commit responsibility. It implies a deliberate and authoritative action by Potiphar to delegate management. This is a significant level of trust.
• עַל (al): "Over," "upon." A preposition indicating authority or superintendence.
• בֵּיתוֹ (bêytō): "His house," or "his household." This does not just mean the physical structure but encompasses all members of the household (family, servants) and their affairs, and typically all of Potiphar's extensive properties and interests. For a high-ranking official like Potiphar, this was a very significant and complex enterprise.
• וְכָל (wəkhōl): "And all." Emphasizes the totality of the responsibility.
• אֲשֶׁר (asher): "That," "which." A relative pronoun connecting to the scope of entrustment.
• לוֹ (lō): "To him," "his." Referring to Potiphar's possessions.
• נָתַן (natan): "He gave," "he put," "he entrusted." The word indicates a transfer of control.

Words-group analysis:

• "found favor in his eyes" (וַיִּמְצָא חֵן בְּעֵינָיו): This phrase underscores the human aspect of divine blessing. While God was "with Joseph" (v. 2-3), the expression of that blessing came through Potiphar's subjective positive appraisal. It suggests that Joseph's demeanor, work ethic, and apparent success made a powerful impression, opening the door for trust. It implicitly stands against the notion that success is purely from human effort, emphasizing God's role in influencing hearts and circumstances. This phrase also occurs with Joseph in prison (Gen 39:21) and Daniel (Dan 1:9), indicating a pattern of God granting His faithful servants favor even in challenging environments.
• "appointed him over his household and all that he had" (וַיַּפְקִדֵהוּ עַל בֵּיתוֹ וְכָל אֲשֶׁר לוֹ): This shows an extraordinary level of trust and authority given to a foreign slave. It signifies a transition from servant to de facto manager. Potiphar's trust was total, encompassing his entire estate, finances, and personnel. This position would have required not only integrity but also significant administrative skills, a testament to Joseph's divinely enhanced abilities. It prepares the reader for Joseph's later role in Egypt as a trusted administrator under Pharaoh. This also subtly points to God's providence, training Joseph in managing a large system, which would be essential for his future leadership role in governing Egypt and preparing for the famine.

Genesis 39 4 Bonus section

• The elevation of a Hebrew slave to such a position of trust in an Egyptian household subtly underscores God's sovereignty over pagan societies. It implies that God can work through any circumstance or system, placing His people in positions of influence even without direct religious acknowledgment from their earthly masters.
• The progression in Joseph's story is one of ascending through humiliation. From favored son to a pit, then to slavery, then to prison, only to rise to second-in-command of Egypt. This verse, showing his elevation in Potiphar's house, is the first step in this providential upward climb, highlighting that God works faithfully in all seasons of a believer's life, including the difficult ones.
• This verse can be seen as an example of the principle that faithful and diligent service, done as unto the Lord (Col 3:23-24), often leads to recognition and promotion, whether in the world or in the Church. It wasn't Joseph campaigning for a raise; it was Potiphar observing and responding to divinely-enabled excellence.

Genesis 39 4 Commentary

Genesis 39:4 marks a crucial pivot in Joseph's life, illustrating how God's unwavering presence translates into tangible favor, even amidst dire circumstances. Though sold as a slave, Joseph's diligent work and integrity were evident, clearly blessed by God. Potiphar, seeing the observable success accompanying Joseph's efforts—likely beyond human expectation for a slave—recognized something special. The "favor" Joseph found was not just a general goodwill, but a deep trust that led to an unparalleled delegation of authority. To put a slave in charge of one's entire household, encompassing property, finances, and all personnel, was a remarkable act in ancient Egypt. It suggests that Potiphar effectively handed over the keys to his empire. This level of responsibility not only underscores Joseph's unique capabilities but also God's deliberate providential plan, preparing Joseph with critical administrative experience for his future, far grander, role as the governor of Egypt. It is a powerful illustration that faithfulness in small matters leads to being entrusted with greater ones, and that God uses difficult situations to forge and train His chosen vessels.