Tyndale Open Study NotesGenesis 39

Joseph was honest and faithful in his work for Potiphar. This is very different from Judah, who failed morally (chapter 38). God was with Joseph (39:2–3, 21, 23). He helped Joseph succeed and become a blessing to others (see study notes on 12:1–9; 28:16–22), even while Joseph was a slave and later in prison.

Joseph began as a slave, alienated from his brothers and separated from his father; he ended as Pharaoh’s viceroy. Through the trips to Egypt, the covenant family went from the brink of apostasy, divided by jealousy and deception, to being reconciled and united by Judah’s intercession and Joseph’s forgiveness.

Apart from 38:7–10, this is the first time the story mentions God since Jacob built his altar in Bethel (35:1–15). This is also the first time his covenant name, "the LORD," occurs since Jacob left Laban (31:49).

God began to bless Egypt through Joseph (see 22:18).

A major theme in wisdom literature (wise teaching about how to live well; see study note on 37:2–50:26) is a warning to young people: sexual sin and other wrong behavior will lead to harm and ruin (compare Proverbs 5–7). Joseph resisted temptation because he had godly wisdom. He was guided by the fear of the Lord (a deep respect and reverence for God that leads to obedience; Proverbs 1:7; 9:10).

brought to us: Although Potiphar’s wife was speaking to slaves, she spoke to them as fellow Egyptians. She did this to make them support her and act as witnesses against the Hebrew man (a person from the people of Israel; see 43:32). This Hebrew man, Joseph, had gained Potiphar’s trust.

This was the second time Joseph became imprisoned while faithfully doing the right thing. They deceptively used his clothing as false evidence (compare 37:23–24, 31–33).

Joseph thrived in prison because God was with him. Each time Joseph prospered, he was put in charge of something.