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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 39:1 Meanwhile, Joseph had been taken down to Egypt, where an Egyptian named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/39-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/01_Gen_39_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 39:1 - Joseph and Potiphar's Wife" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Meanwhile, Joseph had been taken down to Egypt, where an Egyptian named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/39-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/39-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/39.htm">Chapter 39</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/38-30.htm" title="Genesis 38:30">◄</a> Genesis 39:1 <a href="/genesis/39-2.htm" title="Genesis 39:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/genesis/39.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/genesis/39.htm">New International Version</a> Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh&#8217s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. <a href="/nlt/genesis/39.htm">New Living Translation</a> When Joseph was taken to Egypt by the Ishmaelite traders, he was purchased by Potiphar, an Egyptian officer. Potiphar was captain of the guard for Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. <a href="/esv/genesis/39.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, had bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there. <a href="/bsb/genesis/39.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Meanwhile, Joseph had been taken down to Egypt, where an Egyptian named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. <a href="/kjv/genesis/39.htm">King James Bible</a> And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/39.htm">New King James Version</a> Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him down there. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/39.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the bodyguard, bought him from the Ishmaelites, who had taken him down there. <a href="/nasb/genesis/39.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the bodyguard, bought him from the Ishmaelites, who had taken him down there. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/39.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the bodyguard, bought him from the Ishmaelites, who had taken him down there. <a href="/lsb/genesis/39.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an Egyptian official of Pharaoh, the captain of the bodyguard, bought him from the Ishmaelites, who had brought him down there. <a href="/amp/genesis/39.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the [royal] guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites, who had taken him down there. <a href="/csb/genesis/39.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Now Joseph had been taken to Egypt. An Egyptian named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and the captain of the guards, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him there. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/39.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now Joseph had been taken to Egypt. An Egyptian named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him there. <a href="/asv/genesis/39.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hand of the Ishmaelites, that had brought him down thither. <a href="/cev/genesis/39.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The Ishmaelites took Joseph to Egypt and sold him to Potiphar, the king's official in charge of the palace guard. <a href="/erv/genesis/39.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hand of the Ishmaelites, which had brought him down thither. <a href="/gwt/genesis/39.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Joseph had been taken to Egypt. Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's Egyptian officials and captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. <a href="/gnt/genesis/39.htm">Good News Translation</a> Now the Ishmaelites had taken Joseph to Egypt and sold him to Potiphar, one of the king's officers, who was the captain of the palace guard. <a href="/isv/genesis/39.htm">International Standard Version</a> Meanwhile, Joseph had been delivered to Egypt and turned over to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's court officials and the Commander-in-Chief of the imperial guards. An Egyptian, he bought Joseph from the Ishmaelites, who had brought him down there. <a href="/msb/genesis/39.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Meanwhile, Joseph had been taken down to Egypt, where an Egyptian named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. <a href="/net/genesis/39.htm">NET Bible</a> Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt. An Egyptian named Potiphar, an official of Pharaoh and the captain of the guard, purchased him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him there. <a href="/nheb/genesis/39.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now Joseph was brought down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh?s, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there. <a href="/wbt/genesis/39.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Joseph was brought down to Egypt: and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmaelites, who had brought him down thither. <a href="/web/genesis/39.htm">World English Bible</a> Joseph was brought down to Egypt. Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the hand of the Ishmaelites that had brought him down there. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/39.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Joseph has been brought down to Egypt, and Potiphar, a eunuch of Pharaoh, head of the executioners, an Egyptian man, buys him out of the hands of the Ishmaelites who have brought him there. <a href="/ylt/genesis/39.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Joseph hath been brought down to Egypt, and Potiphar, a eunuch of Pharaoh, head of the executioners, an Egyptian man, buyeth him out of the hands of the Ishmaelites who have brought him thither. <a href="/slt/genesis/39.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Joseph was brought down to Egypt: and Potiphar will buy him, Pharaoh's eunuch, chief of the cooks, an Egyptian man, from the hand of the Ishmaelites who brought him down there.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/39.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Joseph was brought into Egypt, and Putiphar an eunuch of Pharao, chief captain of the army, an Egyptian, bought him of the Ismaelites, by whom he was brought. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/39.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Meanwhile, Joseph was led into Egypt. And Putiphar, a eunuch of Pharaoh, a leader of the army, an Egyptian man, purchased him from the hand of the Ishmaelites, by whom he was brought. <a href="/nabre/genesis/39.htm">New American Bible</a> When Joseph was taken down to Egypt, an Egyptian, Potiphar, an official of Pharaoh and his chief steward, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him there. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/39.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now Joseph was taken down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/39.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> AND Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, commander of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Arabians who had brought him down there. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/39.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the Midianites took Yoseph down to Egypt, and Putiphar the Eunuch, High Guard of Pharaoh, an Egyptian man, bought him from the hand of the Arabs who brought him down there.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/39.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hand of the Ishmaelites, that had brought him down thither. <a href="/sep/genesis/39.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Petephres the eunuch of Pharao, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ismaelites, who brought him down thither. <a href="/parallel/genesis/39-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=9910" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/39.htm">Joseph and Potiphar's Wife</a> 1<a href="/hebrew/3130.htm" title="3130: wə·yō·w·sêp̄ (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Future of yacaph; let him add; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites.">Meanwhile, Joseph</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: hū·raḏ (V-Hofal-Perf-3ms) -- To come or go down, descend. ">had been taken down</a> <a href="/hebrew/4714.htm" title="4714: miṣ·rā·yə·māh (N-proper-fs:: 3fs) -- A son of Ham, also his desc. and their country in N.W. Africa. Dual of matsowr; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt.">to Egypt,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4713.htm" title="4713: miṣ·rî (N-proper-ms) -- Inhab. of Eg. From Mitsrayim; a Mitsrite, or inhabitant of Mitsrajim.">where an Egyptian</a> <a href="/hebrew/6318.htm" title="6318: pō·w·ṭî·p̄ar (N-proper-ms) -- Joseph's master. Of Egyptian derivation: Potiphar, an Egyptian.">named Potiphar,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5631.htm" title="5631: sə·rîs (N-msc) -- Eunuch. Or caric; from an unused root meaning to castrate; a eunuch; by implication, valet, and thus, a minister of state.">an officer</a> <a href="/hebrew/6547.htm" title="6547: par·‘ōh (N-proper-ms) -- A title of Eg. kings. Of Egyptian derivation; Paroh, a general title of Egyptian kings.">of Pharaoh</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: śar (N-msc) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">and captain</a> <a href="/hebrew/2876.htm" title="2876: haṭ·ṭab·bā·ḥîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Cook, guardsman. From tabach; properly, a butcher; hence, a lifeguardsman; also a cook.">of the guard,</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7069.htm" title="7069: way·yiq·nê·hū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3ms) -- A primitive root; to erect, i.e. Create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase; by implication to own.">bought him</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: mî·yaḏ (Prep-m:: N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/3459.htm" title="3459: hay·yiš·mə·‘ê·lîm (Art:: N-proper-mp) -- Desc. of Ishmael. Patronymically from Yishma'e'l; a Jishmaelite or descendant of Jishmael.">the Ishmaelites</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: hō·w·ri·ḏu·hū (V-Hifil-Perf-3cp:: 3ms) -- To come or go down, descend. ">had taken him</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām·māh (Adv:: 3fs) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">there.</a> 2And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/37-28.htm">Genesis 37:28</a> So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt. <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Genesis 37:36</a> Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. <a href="/genesis/45-4.htm">Genesis 45:4-5</a> Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt! / And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you. <a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a> As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. <a href="/acts/7-9.htm">Acts 7:9-10</a> Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him / and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household. <a href="/psalms/105-17.htm">Psalm 105:17-19</a> He sent a man before them—Joseph, sold as a slave. / They bruised his feet with shackles and placed his neck in irons, / until his prediction came true and the word of the LORD proved him right. <a href="/exodus/1-8.htm">Exodus 1:8-11</a> Then a new king, who did not know Joseph, came to power in Egypt. / “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become too numerous and too powerful for us. / Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more; and if a war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.” ... <a href="/1_samuel/2-7.htm">1 Samuel 2:7-8</a> The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. / He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world. <a href="/1_samuel/16-1.htm">1 Samuel 16:1</a> Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.” <a href="/2_kings/5-1.htm">2 Kings 5:1-3</a> Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in his master’s sight and highly regarded, for through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. And he was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. / At this time the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken a young girl from the land of Israel, and she was serving Naaman’s wife. / She said to her mistress, “If only my master would go to the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his leprosy.” <a href="/nehemiah/9-27.htm">Nehemiah 9:27</a> So You delivered them into the hands of enemies who oppressed them, and in their time of distress they cried out to You. From heaven You heard them, and in Your great compassion You gave them deliverers who saved them from the hands of their enemies. <a href="/isaiah/45-1.htm">Isaiah 45:1-4</a> This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut: / “I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron. / I will give you the treasures of darkness and the riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name. ... <a href="/daniel/1-9.htm">Daniel 1:9</a> Now God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official, <a href="/daniel/6-3.htm">Daniel 6:3</a> Soon, by his extraordinary spirit, Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps. So the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. <a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Matthew 5:10-12</a> Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.A.<a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Genesis 37:36</a> And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard.<a href="/genesis/45-4.htm">Genesis 45:4</a> And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.<a href="/psalms/105-17.htm">Psalm 105:17</a> He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:the Ishmeelites.<a href="/genesis/37-25.htm">Genesis 37:25,28</a> And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Bodyguard</a> <a href="/genesis/33-19.htm">Bought</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Captain</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/genesis/25-12.htm">Egyptian</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Eunuch</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Executioners</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/genesis/38-30.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/genesis/37-27.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Head</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">High</a> <a href="/genesis/38-11.htm">House</a> <a href="/genesis/37-28.htm">Ishmaelites</a> <a href="/genesis/37-28.htm">Ish'maelites</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Officer</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Officials</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Pharaoh</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Pharaoh's</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Position</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Potiphar</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Pot'i-Phar</a> <a href="/genesis/38-16.htm">Price</a> <a href="/genesis/29-3.htm">Thither</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/40-3.htm">Bodyguard</a> <a href="/genesis/47-14.htm">Bought</a> <a href="/genesis/40-3.htm">Captain</a> <a href="/genesis/40-1.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/genesis/39-2.htm">Egyptian</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-1.htm">Eunuch</a> <a href="/genesis/40-3.htm">Executioners</a> <a href="/genesis/40-3.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/genesis/39-3.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/genesis/39-3.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/genesis/40-13.htm">Head</a> <a href="/genesis/39-4.htm">High</a> <a href="/genesis/39-2.htm">House</a> <a href="/judges/8-24.htm">Ishmaelites</a> <a href="/judges/8-24.htm">Ish'maelites</a> <a href="/genesis/39-2.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/judges/9-28.htm">Officer</a> <a href="/genesis/40-2.htm">Officials</a> <a href="/genesis/40-2.htm">Pharaoh</a> <a href="/genesis/40-1.htm">Pharaoh's</a> <a href="/genesis/40-13.htm">Position</a> <a href="/genesis/39-4.htm">Potiphar</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Pot'i-Phar</a> <a href="/genesis/49-32.htm">Price</a> <a href="/genesis/42-2.htm">Thither</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 39</div>1. <a href="/genesis/39-1.htm">Joseph is bought by Potiphar, and preferred in the family.</a> 7. <a href="/genesis/39-7.htm">He resists temptation by Potiphar's Wife.</a> 13. <a href="/genesis/39-13.htm">He is falsely accused by her.</a> 20. <a href="/genesis/39-20.htm">He is cast into prison.</a> 21. <a href="/genesis/39-21.htm">God is with him there, and he is advanced by the keeper of prison.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/39.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/39.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Meanwhile, Joseph had been taken down to Egypt Joseph's journey to Egypt marks a significant turning point in his life and in the narrative of Genesis. This phrase indicates a transition from his life in Canaan to a new chapter in Egypt. The term "down" reflects the geographical descent from the highlands of Canaan to the lower elevation of Egypt. This movement also symbolizes a descent into trials and tribulations, which God uses to fulfill His greater plan. Joseph's journey to Egypt foreshadows the later descent of the Israelites into Egypt, leading to their eventual enslavement and the Exodus.where an Egyptian named Potiphar Potiphar is introduced as a key figure in Joseph's life in Egypt. His name, likely of Egyptian origin, suggests a person of significant status and influence. Potiphar's role in the narrative sets the stage for Joseph's rise and fall within his household, which ultimately leads to Joseph's imprisonment and subsequent rise to power. Potiphar's position in Egyptian society provides insight into the hierarchical and bureaucratic nature of ancient Egypt.an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard Potiphar's titles indicate his high-ranking position in Pharaoh's court. As an officer and captain of the guard, Potiphar would have been responsible for the security of the Pharaoh and possibly involved in military or police functions. This highlights the level of trust and authority he held, making his household a place of significant influence. Joseph's placement in Potiphar's house is a strategic move in God's plan, positioning him close to the centers of power in Egypt.bought him from the Ishmaelites The mention of the Ishmaelites connects Joseph's story to the broader narrative of Abraham's descendants. The Ishmaelites, descendants of Ishmael, Abraham's son by Hagar, were known as traders and caravan leaders. This transaction underscores the practice of slavery in the ancient Near East and the economic activities that connected different regions. Joseph's sale into slavery is a pivotal moment that sets the stage for his eventual rise to power in Egypt.who had taken him there The Ishmaelites' role in transporting Joseph to Egypt highlights the movement and trade routes of the ancient world. This phrase emphasizes the providential nature of Joseph's journey, as God uses the actions of others to bring about His purposes. Joseph's arrival in Egypt is not merely a result of human actions but part of a divine plan that will lead to the preservation of his family and the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a> The favored son of Jacob, sold into slavery by his brothers. His journey to Egypt marks a significant turning point in his life and the unfolding of God's plan. 2. <a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a> A powerful and influential nation in the ancient world, representing a place of both trial and opportunity for Joseph. 3. <a href="/topical/p/potiphar.htm">Potiphar</a> An Egyptian officer of Pharaoh, specifically the captain of the guard. His role is significant as he becomes Joseph's master and plays a part in Joseph's rise and fall within Egypt. 4. <a href="/topical/p/pharaoh.htm">Pharaoh</a> The ruler of Egypt, under whom Potiphar serves. Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Pharaoh's influence looms over the events in Joseph's life. 5. <a href="/topical/i/ishmaelites.htm">Ishmaelites</a> Traders who bought Joseph from his brothers and sold him into slavery in Egypt. They are descendants of Ishmael, Abraham's son, highlighting the interconnectedness of biblical families.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_adversity.htm">God's Sovereignty in Adversity</a> Joseph's sale into slavery was a part of God's larger plan. Even in difficult circumstances, God is at work for His purposes. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_unfamiliar_places.htm">Faithfulness in Unfamiliar Places</a> Joseph's journey to Egypt teaches us to remain faithful and trust God, even when we find ourselves in unfamiliar or challenging environments. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_divine_providence.htm">The Role of Divine Providence</a> The events leading Joseph to Egypt demonstrate God's providence, orchestrating events for His glory and the good of His people. <a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_all_circumstances.htm">Integrity in All Circumstances</a> Joseph's life in Egypt, starting with his service in Potiphar's house, is a testament to maintaining integrity and righteousness, regardless of one's situation.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_39.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 39</a> <a href="/q/could_a_hebrew_slave_rise_quickly_in_egypt.htm">In Genesis 39:1–6, how historically plausible is it that a Hebrew slave could rise to such prominence in an Egyptian official’s household so quickly?</a> <a href="/q/joseph's_response_to_potiphar's_wife.htm">How did Joseph respond to Potiphar's wife's advances?</a> <a href="/q/are_joseph_and_imhotep_linked.htm">Are Joseph and Imhotep historically connected?</a> <a href="/q/was_daniel_a_eunuch_in_the_bible.htm">Was Daniel considered a eunuch in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/39.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - And Joseph was brought down to Egypt. The narrative now preparing to recite the fortunes of Joseph in Egypt, which eventually led, through his elevation to be Pharaoh's prime minister, first to the salvation of the patriarchal family, 'and finally to their settlement in Goshen, the historian reverts, in accordance with his usual practice, to a point of time antecedent to the incidents contained in the preceding chapter, and makes a new departure in his story from the moment of Joseph's crossing into Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard (vide <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Genesis 37:36</a>), an Egyptian, - literally, a man of Mitzraim. This implies that foreigners were sometimes employed to fill responsible offices about the Court of Pharaoh. The phrase "is not a superfluous addition, as the population of Heliopolis, from remote times, included a considerable admixture of Arabians" (Kalisch) - bought him of the hands of the Ishmaelites (vide Genesis 37:36), which had brought him down thither. <a href="/commentaries/genesis/39-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Meanwhile, Joseph וְיוֹסֵ֖ף (wə·yō·w·sêp̄) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3130.htm">Strong's 3130: </a> Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites had been taken down הוּרַ֣ד (hū·raḏ) Verb - Hofal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> To come or go down, descend to Egypt, מִצְרָ֑יְמָה (miṣ·rā·yə·māh) Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4714.htm">Strong's 4714: </a> Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa where an Egyptian מִצְרִ֔י (miṣ·rî) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4713.htm">Strong's 4713: </a> Egyptian -- inhabitant of Egypt named Potiphar, פּוֹטִיפַר֩ (pō·w·ṭî·p̄ar) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6318.htm">Strong's 6318: </a> Potiphar an officer סְרִ֨יס (sə·rîs) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5631.htm">Strong's 5631: </a> A eunuch, valet, a minister of state of Pharaoh פַּרְעֹ֜ה (par·‘ōh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6547.htm">Strong's 6547: </a> Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings and captain שַׂ֤ר (śar) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8269.htm">Strong's 8269: </a> Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince of the guard, הַטַּבָּחִים֙ (haṭ·ṭab·bā·ḥîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2876.htm">Strong's 2876: </a> A butcher, a lifeguardsman, a cook bought וַיִּקְנֵ֡הוּ (way·yiq·nê·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7069.htm">Strong's 7069: </a> To erect, create, to procure, by purchase, to own him from מִיַּד֙ (mî·yaḏ) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand the Ishmaelites הַיִּשְׁמְעֵאלִ֔ים (hay·yiš·mə·‘ê·lîm) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3459.htm">Strong's 3459: </a> Ishmaelites -- descendant of Ishmael who אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that had taken הוֹרִדֻ֖הוּ (hō·w·ri·ḏu·hū) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> To come or go down, descend him there. שָֽׁמָּה׃ (šām·māh) Adverb | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> There, then, thither <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/39-1.htm">Genesis 39:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/39-1.htm">Genesis 39:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/39-1.htm">Genesis 39:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/39-1.htm">Genesis 39:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/39-1.htm">Genesis 39:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/39-1.htm">Genesis 39:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/39-1.htm">Genesis 39:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/39-1.htm">Genesis 39:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/39-1.htm">Genesis 39:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/39-1.htm">Genesis 39:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/39-1.htm">OT Law: Genesis 39:1 Joseph was brought down to Egypt (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/38-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 38:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 38:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/39-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 39:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 39:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>