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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Hebrew word for "prison" here carries the unusual meaning of "round house" or "house of enclosure." This suggests the prison wasn't just a holding cell but a specific type of structure, possibly circular, hinting at a potentially harsher or more confining confinement than a simple jail. This detail adds a layer of stark reality to Joseph's suffering, emphasizing his isolation within Potiphar's estate.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following a false accusation by Potiphar's wife, Joseph is thrown into prison by his master. This verse marks his descent from a position of trust and responsibility in Potiphar's household to the harsh reality of confinement with the king's criminals. He is now in a place designed for severe punishment, a stark contrast to his previous comfortable life, where his future remains uncertain.
One moment, Joseph is managing a wealthy household; the next, he's in chains. How could this happen?
Joseph's life took a dramatic and sudden turn. After being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, his master, though likely not fully believing the accusation, had to act for the sake of appearances and his wife's reputation. He put Joseph in prison, the 'house of enclosure' (beith sohar), a place reserved for the king's most serious offenders. This wasn't just a minor setback; it was a descent into a harsh reality, possibly a dungeon, where he faced hardship and physical restraint, as later described in Psalm 105:18. The text emphasizes that this drastic action was taken by Joseph's master, acting out of a mix of anger, social pressure, and perhaps a desire to avoid further scandal. It highlights how quickly circumstances can change, even when one has been faithful and diligent.
What does the name of the prison tell us about Joseph's new reality?
The Hebrew term for prison used here, 'beith sohar,' literally means 'house of enclosure' or 'round house.' This imagery suggests a place of confinement, perhaps a tower or a round structure, emphasizing isolation and restriction. Commentators note that this was no ordinary jail but the place for 'the king’s prisoners'—those accused of high crimes. This implies that Joseph was considered a serious offender, even if his master didn't fully believe the charges. It underscores the severity of his situation and the fact that he was now associated with the highest level of criminal confinement. The text explicitly states he 'was there,' emphasizing his prolonged presence in this harsh environment.
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Even in the darkest prison, God was at work. How do we see His hand in Joseph's suffering?
While the narrative focuses on the injustice Joseph faced—being imprisoned due to false accusations—it's crucial to see God's overarching plan. The commentators highlight that Potiphar's action, however unjust, was 'overruled by the providence of God.' Although Joseph was in a terrible place, and the text doesn't downplay the hardship, the subsequent verses reveal that 'the LORD was with Joseph.' This presence meant that even in confinement, God showed him mercy and granted him favor with the prison keeper. This demonstrates a core biblical truth: God's purposes can advance even through human sin and injustice. Joseph's time in prison, though marked by suffering, was not a sign of God's absence but a divinely orchestrated season of preparation for greater things. It was within this 'house of enclosure' that God continued to shape Joseph's character and set the stage for his future rise.
Understand the original words
beyth cohar · Hebrew Noun phrase
A place of restraint and confinement for those accused or convicted of crimes. It is frequently used in the Bible as a symbol of bondage, judgment, or testing before a shift in one's life circumstances.
c. 17 years old
Joseph sold into slavery
Joseph, son of Jacob, is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers to Ishmaelite traders, who then take him to Egypt.
c. 17-24 years old
Joseph serves Potiphar
Joseph is purchased by Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. Through God's blessing, Joseph prospers and becomes overseer of Potiphar's household.
c. 24 years old— this verse
False accusation and imprisonment
Potiphar's wife falsely accuses Joseph of attempted rape, leading Potiphar to imprison Joseph in a state prison.
c. 24-30 years old
Joseph in prison
Joseph spends an extended period in prison, where he eventually gains favor with the keeper and manages the other prisoners. This period is noted for significant hardship, possibly including chains.
c. 30 years old
Interpreting dreams of butler and baker
Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's chief butler and baker, predicting the butler's restoration and the baker's execution.
c. 30 years old
Pharaoh's dreams and Joseph's rise
The butler, freed as Joseph predicted, remembers Joseph and recommends him to Pharaoh to interpret his disturbing dreams, leading to Joseph's release and appointment as second-in-command over Egypt.
This passage directly recounts Joseph's time in prison, specifically mentioning his suffering in chains and the divine deliverance that came.
Genesis 40:1-8This immediately follows Joseph's imprisonment and shows God still working through him, even in the dire circumstances of prison, by giving him favor to interpret dreams.
Romans 8:28This verse speaks to the overarching theme that God works all things for good for those who are called by Him, a principle Joseph's entire ordeal, including his unjust imprisonment, exemplifies.
Philippians 4:11-13Paul's words about learning to be content in any situation, whether in abundance or in want, echo Joseph's steadfastness and inner peace despite his drastic change in circumstances from overseer to prisoner.
cambridgeGenesis 39:20: "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."
20 . into the prison ] Lit. “into the house of roundness,” or “the round house.” Possibly the Heb. expression, “the house of sohar ,” may be an attempt to transliterate an Egyptian word, with a similar sound, by means of a familiar Heb. word sohar . LXX ὀχύρωμα , Lat. carcer . It only occurs here, and Genesis 39:23 , and Genesis 40:3 ; Genesi…
gillGenesis 39:20: "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."
And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison,.... Which was in or adjoining to his house, Genesis 40:3 ; of himself he had power to do this, as the captain of the guard; and as he was the chief of the executioners, as some take his office to be, it is much he did not in his passion deliver him up into their hands to put him to de…
The Hebrew word for "prison" here carries the unusual meaning of "round house" or "house of enclosure." This suggests the prison wasn't just a holding cell but a specific type of structure, possibly circular, hinting at a potentially harsher or more confining confinement than a simple jail. This detail adds a layer of stark reality to Joseph's suffering, emphasizing his isolation within Potiphar's estate.
Following a false accusation by Potiphar's wife, Joseph is thrown into prison by his master. This verse marks his descent from a position of trust and responsibility in Potiphar's household to the harsh reality of confinement with the king's criminals. He is now in a place designed for severe punishment, a stark contrast to his previous comfortable life, where his future remains uncertain.
Following a false accusation by Potiphar's wife, Joseph is thrown into prison by his master. This verse marks his descent from a position of trust and responsibility in Potiphar's household to the harsh reality of confinement with the king's criminals. He is now in a place designed for severe punishment, a stark contrast to his previous comfortable life, where his future remains uncertain.
"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." — The Hebrew word for "prison" here carries the unusual meaning of "round house" or "house of enclosure." This suggests the prison wasn't just a holding cell but a specific type of structure, possibly…
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Last reviewed October 2026