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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 39:20 So Joseph's master took him and had him thrown into the prison where the king's prisoners were confined. While Joseph was there in the prison,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/39-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/01_Gen_39_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 39:20 - Joseph Falsely Imprisoned" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So Joseph's master took him and had him thrown into the prison where the king's prisoners were confined. While Joseph was there in the prison," /><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/39-20.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/39-20.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 20</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="/ad20.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/39-19.htm" title="Genesis 39:19">◄</a> Genesis 39:20 <a href="/genesis/39-21.htm" title="Genesis 39:21">►</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> Joseph&#8217s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king&#8217s prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, <a href="/nlt/genesis/39.htm">New Living Translation</a> So he took Joseph and threw him into the prison where the king’s prisoners were held, and there he remained. <a href="/esv/genesis/39.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined, and he was there in prison. <a href="/bsb/genesis/39.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So Joseph’s master took him and had him thrown into the prison where the king’s prisoners were confined. While Joseph was there in the prison, <a href="/kjv/genesis/39.htm">King James Bible</a> And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/39.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were confined. And he was there in the prison. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/39.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined; and he was there in the prison. <a href="/nasb/genesis/39.htm">NASB 1995</a> So Joseph&#8217s master took him and put him into the jail, the place where the king&#8217s prisoners were confined; and he was there in the jail. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/39.htm">NASB 1977 </a> So Joseph’s master took him and put him into the jail, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined; and he was there in the jail. <a href="/lsb/genesis/39.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So Joseph’s master took him and put him into the jail, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined; and he was there in the jail. <a href="/amp/genesis/39.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So Joseph’s master took him and put him in the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were confined; so he was there in the prison. <a href="/csb/genesis/39.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> and had him thrown into prison, where the king’s prisoners were confined. So Joseph was there in prison. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/39.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> and had him thrown into prison, where the king&#8217s prisoners were confined. So Joseph was there in prison. <a href="/asv/genesis/39.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, the place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. <a href="/cev/genesis/39.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> and threw Joseph in the same prison where the king's prisoners were kept. While Joseph was in prison, <a href="/erv/genesis/39.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, the place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. <a href="/gwt/genesis/39.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So Joseph's master arrested him and put him in the same prison where the king's prisoners were kept. While Joseph was in prison, <a href="/gnt/genesis/39.htm">Good News Translation</a> and had Joseph arrested and put in the prison where the king's prisoners were kept, and there he stayed. <a href="/isv/genesis/39.htm">International Standard Version</a> arrested Joseph, and locked him up in the same prison where the king's prisoners were confined. So Joseph remained there in prison. <a href="/msb/genesis/39.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So Joseph?s master took him and had him thrown into the prison where the king?s prisoners were confined. While Joseph was there in the prison, <a href="/net/genesis/39.htm">NET Bible</a> Joseph's master took him and threw him into the prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined. So he was there in the prison. <a href="/nheb/genesis/39.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then Joseph?s master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king?s prisoners were bound, and he was there in prison. <a href="/wbt/genesis/39.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. <a href="/web/genesis/39.htm">World English Bible</a> Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were bound, and he was there in custody. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/39.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and Joseph’s lord takes him, and puts him to the round-house, a place where the king’s prisoners [are] bound; and he is there in the round-house. <a href="/ylt/genesis/39.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and Joseph's lord taketh him, and putteth him unto the round-house, a place where the king's prisoners are bound; and he is there in the round-house. <a href="/slt/genesis/39.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Joseph's lord will take him and put him into the house of the fortress, the place where the king's prisoners were bound; and he shall be there in the house of the fortress.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/39.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And cast Joseph into the prison, where the king's prisoners were kept, and he was there shut up. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/39.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he delivered Joseph into prison, where the prisoners of the king were kept, and he was enclosed in that place. <a href="/nabre/genesis/39.htm">New American Bible</a> Joseph’s master seized him and put him into the jail where the king’s prisoners were confined. And there he sat, in jail. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/39.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined; he remained there in prison.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/39.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were confined; and he remained there in the prison. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/39.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And his lord took him and threw him into prison where the prisoners of the King were bound, and he was there in the prison.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/39.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, the place where the king's prisoners were bound; and he was there in the prison. <a href="/sep/genesis/39.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And his master took Joseph, and cast him into the prison, into the place where the king's prisoners are kept, there in the prison. <a href="/parallel/genesis/39-20.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=10070" 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 Falsely Imprisoned</a> …19When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, “This is what your slave did to me,” he burned with anger. 20<a href="/hebrew/3130.htm" title="3130: yō·w·sêp̄ (N-proper-ms) -- Future of yacaph; let him add; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites.">So Joseph’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/113.htm" title="113: ’ă·ḏō·nê (N-mpc) -- Lord. Or adon; from an unused root; sovereign, i.e. Controller.">master</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: way·yiq·qaḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">took</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯōw (DirObjM:: 3ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">him</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: way·yit·tə·nê·hū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">and had him thrown</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">into</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bêṯ (N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">the prison</a> <a href="/hebrew/5470.htm" title="5470: has·sō·har (Art:: N-ms) -- Perhaps roundness. From the same as cahar; a dungeon."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4725.htm" title="4725: mə·qō·wm (N-msc) -- Or maqom; also mqowmah; or mqomah; from quwm; properly, a standing, i.e. A spot; but used widely of a locality; also of a condition.">where</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/631.htm" title="631: ’ă·sū·rîm (V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-mp) -- To tie, bind, imprison. A primitive root; to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle.">prisoners</a> <a href="/hebrew/631.htm" title="631: ʾă·sū·rē (N-mpc) -- To tie, bind, imprison. A primitive root; to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle.">were confined.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">While Joseph was</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">there</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bə·ḇêṯ (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">in the prison,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5470.htm" title="5470: has·sō·har (Art:: N-ms) -- Perhaps roundness. From the same as cahar; a dungeon."></a> 21the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.…<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="/acts/7-9.htm">Acts 7:9</a> Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him <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="/1_peter/2-19.htm">1 Peter 2:19-20</a> For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended. / How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. <a href="/1_samuel/18-11.htm">1 Samuel 18:11-12</a> and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice. / So Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul. <a href="/2_timothy/3-11.htm">2 Timothy 3:11</a> my persecutions, and the sufferings that came upon me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. <a href="/hebrews/11-36.htm">Hebrews 11:36-39</a> Still others endured mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. / They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated. / The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves and holes in the ground. ... <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. <a href="/1_peter/4-12.htm">1 Peter 4:12-16</a> Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. / But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory. / If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ... <a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a> And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. <a href="/philippians/1-12.htm">Philippians 1:12-14</a> Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have actually served to advance the gospel. / As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. / And most of the brothers, confident in the Lord by my chains, now dare more greatly to speak the word without fear. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">2 Corinthians 11:23-27</a> Are they servants of Christ? (I am speaking as if I were out of my mind.) I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death. / Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. / Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea. ... <a href="/daniel/6-16.htm">Daniel 6:16-23</a> So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!” / A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that nothing concerning Daniel could be changed. / Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting. No entertainment was brought before him, and sleep fled from him. ... <a href="/jeremiah/38-6.htm">Jeremiah 38:6-13</a> So they took Jeremiah and dropped him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king’s son, which was in the courtyard of the guard. They lowered Jeremiah with ropes into the cistern, which had no water but only mud, and Jeremiah sank down into the mud. / Now Ebed-melech the Cushite, a court official in the royal palace, heard that Jeremiah had been put into the cistern. While the king was sitting at the Gate of Benjamin, / Ebed-melech went out from the king’s palace and said to the king, ... <a href="/acts/16-23.htm">Acts 16:23-26</a> And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely. / On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. / About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. ... <a href="/2_kings/25-27.htm">2 Kings 25:27-30</a> On the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month of the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Judah’s King Jehoiachin, in the year Evil-merodach became king of Babylon, he released King Jehoiachin of Judah from prison. / And he spoke kindly to Jehoiachin and set his throne above the thrones of the other kings who were with him in Babylon. / So Jehoiachin changed out of his prison clothes, and he dined regularly at the king’s table for the rest of his life. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.into the prison.<a href="/genesis/40-15.htm">Genesis 40:15</a> For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.<a href="/genesis/41-14.htm">Genesis 41:14</a> Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.<a href="/psalms/105-18.htm">Psalm 105:18,19</a> Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: … the king's.<a href="/genesis/40-1.htm">Genesis 40:1-3,15</a> And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt… <a href="/genesis/41-9.htm">Genesis 41:9-14</a> Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day: … <a href="/psalms/76-10.htm">Psalm 76:10</a> Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/38-28.htm">Bound</a> <a href="/revelation/20-2.htm">Chains</a> <a href="/galatians/3-23.htm">Confined</a> <a href="/galatians/3-23.htm">Custody</a> <a href="/acts/16-27.htm">Jail</a> <a href="/genesis/39-11.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/39-6.htm">Joseph's</a> <a href="/genesis/39-16.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/genesis/14-17.htm">King's</a> <a href="/genesis/39-19.htm">Master</a> <a href="/revelation/20-7.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/genesis/31-26.htm">Prisoners</a> <a href="/acts/16-26.htm">Prison-House</a> <a href="/genesis/38-19.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/genesis/40-5.htm">Round-House</a> <a href="/genesis/40-3.htm">Tower-House</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/40-3.htm">Bound</a> <a href="/genesis/42-24.htm">Chains</a> <a href="/genesis/40-3.htm">Confined</a> <a href="/genesis/40-3.htm">Custody</a> <a href="/genesis/39-22.htm">Jail</a> <a href="/genesis/39-21.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/39-22.htm">Joseph's</a> <a href="/genesis/40-4.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/numbers/20-17.htm">King's</a> <a href="/genesis/40-1.htm">Master</a> <a href="/genesis/39-21.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/genesis/39-22.htm">Prisoners</a> <a href="/genesis/42-19.htm">Prison-House</a> <a href="/genesis/39-21.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/genesis/39-21.htm">Round-House</a> <a href="/genesis/39-21.htm">Tower-House</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>So Joseph’s master took him Joseph's master, Potiphar, was an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. This indicates a high-ranking position in Egyptian society, suggesting that Potiphar had significant authority and influence. The decision to take Joseph reflects the gravity of the accusation against him, as Potiphar's wife had falsely accused Joseph of attempting to assault her. This action demonstrates the cultural and legal practices of ancient Egypt, where a servant's word held little weight against that of a master's household.and had him thrown into the prison The prison mentioned here is likely a part of the complex where Potiphar worked, possibly a military or royal prison. This was not a common jail but a place where political prisoners or those accused of serious crimes against the state were held. The act of throwing Joseph into prison without a trial highlights the lack of legal rights for slaves and foreigners in ancient Egypt. It also sets the stage for God's providential plan, as Joseph's imprisonment becomes a pivotal moment in his life and the history of Israel.where the king’s prisoners were confined. This detail indicates that the prison was specifically for those who had offended Pharaoh or were involved in matters of state. It suggests a higher level of security and importance, as these prisoners were directly connected to the king. This setting foreshadows Joseph's future interactions with Pharaoh's officials, the cupbearer and the baker, which will eventually lead to his rise to power. The mention of the king's prisoners also underscores the severity of the charges against Joseph, as he was placed among those who had committed significant offenses.While Joseph was there in the prison, Joseph's time in prison is a period of testing and preparation. Despite the injustice he faced, Joseph remained faithful to God, which is a recurring theme in his life. This period of suffering and waiting is reminiscent of other biblical figures who endured hardship before being elevated by God, such as David and Daniel. Joseph's experience in prison also serves as a type of Christ, who was unjustly accused and suffered before being exalted. The narrative emphasizes God's sovereignty and the idea that He can use even the most difficult circumstances for His purposes.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a> A Hebrew man, favored son of Jacob, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and ended up in Egypt. He was a servant in Potiphar's house before being unjustly imprisoned. 2. <a href="/topical/p/potiphar.htm">Potiphar</a> An Egyptian officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, who purchased Joseph as a slave. He trusted Joseph with his household until his wife falsely accused Joseph of misconduct. 3. <a href="/topical/p/potiphar's_wife.htm">Potiphar's Wife</a> She attempted to seduce Joseph and, upon his refusal, falsely accused him of trying to assault her, leading to Joseph's imprisonment. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_prison.htm">The Prison</a> A place where the king’s prisoners were confined. It becomes a significant setting for Joseph's continued faithfulness and God's providence in his life. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_king's_prisoners.htm">The King’s Prisoners</a> These were individuals who had committed offenses against Pharaoh and were confined in the same prison as Joseph, setting the stage for future events in Joseph's life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_trials.htm">God's Sovereignty in Trials</a> Joseph's imprisonment, though unjust, was part of God's larger plan. Believers can trust that God is sovereign over their circumstances, even when they face injustice or suffering. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_adversity.htm">Faithfulness in Adversity</a> Joseph remained faithful to God and his principles despite false accusations and imprisonment. Christians are called to maintain integrity and faithfulness, regardless of their circumstances. <a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_future_purpose.htm">Preparation for Future Purpose</a> Joseph's time in prison was a period of preparation for his future role in Egypt. God often uses difficult seasons to prepare us for His purposes. <a href="/topical/g/god's_presence_in_isolation.htm">God's Presence in Isolation</a> Even in prison, God was with Joseph. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is present with them, even in their most isolated and challenging times.<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/what_does_the_bible_say_on_jailing.htm">What does the Bible say about incarceration?</a> <a href="/q/are_joseph_and_imhotep_linked.htm">Are Joseph and Imhotep historically connected?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_of_hebrew_slaves_rising_in_egypt.htm">Genesis 44:14–17 paints Joseph as fully in control of the situation; is there any external evidence of a Hebrew slave rising to such high-ranking authority in ancient Egypt so quickly? </a> <a href="/q/why_do_the_faithful_suffer_severely.htm">(Psalm 44:17–19) How is it consistent with other biblical texts that the righteous suffer so severely despite remaining faithful? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/39.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 20. - And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, - literally house of enclosure; sohar, from sahar, to encircle, meaning probably a turreted, arched, or rounded building for the confinement of prisoners - a place where the king's prisoners (i.e. State offenders) were bound: and he was there in the prison. This, which some regard as having been a mild punishment (Delitzsch, Keil), since, according to Diodorus Siculus, the laws of the Egyptians were specially severe in their penalties for offences against women, is represented by a Hebrew psalmist (<a href="/psalms/105-18.htm">Psalm 105:18</a>) as having been accompanied with bodily tortures, at least for a time; for his speedy elevation to a place of trust within the prison almost gives countenance to the idea (Kurtz, Lange, etc.) that Potiphar did not believe his wife's story, and only incarcerated Joseph for the sake of appearances. That Joseph was not immediately punished with death is not improbable (Bohlen), but exceedingly natural, since Joseph was Potiphar's favorite (Havernick). <a href="/commentaries/genesis/39-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>So Joseph’s יוֹסֵ֜ף (yō·w·sêp̄) 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 master אֲדֹנֵ֨י (’ă·ḏō·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_113.htm">Strong's 113: </a> Sovereign, controller took וַיִּקַּח֩ (way·yiq·qaḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take him אֹת֗וֹ (’ō·ṯōw) Direct object marker | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case and had him thrown וַֽיִּתְּנֵ֙הוּ֙ (way·yit·tə·nê·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set into אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the prison בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house where מְק֕וֹם (mə·qō·wm) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4725.htm">Strong's 4725: </a> A standing, a spot, a condition the king’s הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king prisoners אֲסוּרִ֑ים (’ă·sū·rîm) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_631.htm">Strong's 631: </a> To yoke, hitch, to fasten, to join battle were confined. אֲסִירֵ֥י (’ă·sî·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_631.htm">Strong's 631: </a> To yoke, hitch, to fasten, to join battle While [Joseph] was וַֽיְהִי־ (way·hî-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be there שָׁ֖ם (šām) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> There, then, thither in the prison, בְּבֵ֥ית (bə·ḇêṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/39-20.htm">Genesis 39:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/39-20.htm">Genesis 39:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/39-20.htm">Genesis 39:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/39-20.htm">Genesis 39:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/39-20.htm">Genesis 39:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/39-20.htm">Genesis 39:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/39-20.htm">Genesis 39:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/39-20.htm">Genesis 39:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/39-20.htm">Genesis 39:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/39-20.htm">Genesis 39:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/39-20.htm">OT Law: Genesis 39:20 Joseph's master took him and put him (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/39-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 39:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 39:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/39-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 39:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 39:21" /></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>