Genesis 39:6 kjv

And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favored.

Genesis 39:6 nkjv

Thus he left all that he had in Joseph's hand, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance.

Genesis 39:6 niv

So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph's care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome,

Genesis 39:6 esv

So he left all that he had in Joseph's charge, and because of him he had no concern about anything but the food he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance.

Genesis 39:6 nlt

So Potiphar gave Joseph complete administrative responsibility over everything he owned. With Joseph there, he didn't worry about a thing ? except what kind of food to eat! Joseph was a very handsome and well-built young man,

Genesis 39 verses

Genesis 39 6 Meaning

This verse details the absolute trust Potiphar placed in Joseph, entrusting him with the management of his entire household, to the point that Potiphar concerned himself with nothing but his meals. It then shifts to describe Joseph's notable physical attractiveness, stating he was "goodly person, and well favoured." This highlights both the depth of Potiphar's confidence in Joseph's character and skill, and Joseph's external appearance, which becomes a pivotal factor in the subsequent events of the narrative.

Genesis 39 6 Context

Genesis chapter 39 continues the narrative of Joseph after he was sold into slavery by his brothers. Joseph is brought to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. The preceding verses (39:2-3) establish that "the LORD was with Joseph" and caused everything he did to prosper, leading Potiphar to recognize divine favor upon Joseph. This recognition forms the foundation for Potiphar's decision to appoint Joseph as overseer over his entire house, leading to the complete trust described in verse 6. This period signifies Joseph's transition from a privileged son to a slave, and then to a position of significant administrative power within Potiphar's household, all under God's providential care. This ascent is crucial before the inevitable temptation that follows due to Joseph's prominent position and attractiveness.

Genesis 39 6 Word analysis

• And he left all that he had:
  • Signifies total delegation of authority and responsibility. Potiphar completely relinquished oversight to Joseph.
  • Significance: Demonstrates Potiphar's profound trust in Joseph, beyond what might be expected of a master toward a slave. It also reflects Joseph's exceptional administrative capabilities, likely divinely enhanced (Gen 39:3).
• in Joseph’s hand:
  • (Hebrew: בְּיַד יוֹסֵף, b'yad Yosef) - Literally "in the hand of Joseph," an idiom for under Joseph's control, care, and management.
  • Significance: Reinforces the comprehensive authority Joseph was granted. He was not merely an accountant but a manager with full discretion.
• and he knew not ought he had:
  • (Hebrew: לֹא יָדַע אִתּוֹ מְאוּמָה, lo yada immo m'umah) - "he knew nothing with him."
  • Significance: This is a hyperbole emphasizing Potiphar's complete lack of concern or supervision regarding his affairs. It illustrates extreme trust, implying Joseph's absolute integrity. Potiphar had such confidence in Joseph that he felt no need to scrutinize any part of his possessions.
• save the bread which he did eat:
  • Significance: This idiomatic expression vividly portrays the extent of Potiphar's detachment from his own affairs. His only personal concern was the very basic need for sustenance. All other matters, including procurement of food (beyond consumption), management, and financial oversight, were entirely Joseph's responsibility. This highlights the trust given Joseph and the complete confidence placed in him.
• And Joseph was:
  • Signals a transition in focus, from Potiphar's trust to a description of Joseph himself.
• a goodly person:
  • (Hebrew: טוֹב תֹּאַר, tov to'ar) - "good of form" or "good of figure/stature." Describes his physical build, form, or physique.
  • Significance: Refers to his overall physique, suggesting a well-proportioned and attractive build.
• and well favoured:
  • (Hebrew: וְטוֹב מַרְאֶה, ve'tov mar'eh) - "and good of appearance" or "good of sight." Refers to his facial features or overall pleasant look.
  • Significance: Together with "goodly person," it creates a complete picture of striking physical beauty, encompassing both body and face. This quality is often mentioned in biblical narratives concerning key figures, sometimes leading to temptation or favor, setting the stage for subsequent events (Gen 39:7).

Genesis 39 6 Bonus section

The phrasing "goodly person, and well favoured" (טוֹב תֹּאַר וְטוֹב מַרְאֶה) is a common biblical idiom for exceptional beauty, used to describe other significant biblical figures like Rachel (Gen 29:17) and Esther (Est 2:7). This recurring motif indicates that outward appearance, though secondary to inner character in God's eyes (1 Sam 16:7), plays a role in human interactions and often precipitates key events in biblical narratives. In Joseph's case, it serves as an important piece of foreshadowing, explaining the subsequent temptation by Potiphar's wife. The text often subtly weaves divine Providence with human elements; Joseph's internal faithfulness is blessed by God, which then brings external success and an opportunity for his beauty to be noted, setting up the next test. This highlights God's sovereignty over every aspect of a person's life, even physical appearance, within His grand design.

Genesis 39 6 Commentary

Genesis 39:6 is a pivotal verse, concise yet packed with information about Joseph's character and circumstance. It simultaneously demonstrates the profound impact of God's favor (already established in v.2-3) on Joseph's life—manifesting as Potiphar's extreme trust and the remarkable elevation of a slave to such a position of authority—while also introducing a factor that will become the catalyst for his next trial: his physical attractiveness. Potiphar's delegation of "all that he had" underscores Joseph's integrity, wisdom, and God-given ability to manage, effectively making him the chief administrator of a high-ranking official's estate. The idiom "knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat" forcefully conveys Potiphar's complete hands-off approach and boundless confidence, a direct consequence of witnessing the Lord's blessing on Joseph. Joseph's "goodly person, and well favoured" description is not mere flattery but a significant narrative detail. While not the source of his initial success, this beauty would later attract the unwanted attention of Potiphar's wife, leading to a severe test of Joseph's unwavering faith and moral purity, further illustrating divine providence at work in his life's challenging journey. This verse highlights that external circumstances and attributes (like beauty) are secondary to one's faithfulness to God.