Genesis 39:20
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)
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The phrasing "a place where the king’s prisoners were bound" doesn't just describe a location, but elevates the prison itself to a specific category reserved for those deemed treasonous or severely criminal. This highlights not only Joseph's dire situation, but also suggests Potiphar, in his anger, viewed Joseph’s alleged offense with the same gravity as treason against the state.
After being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, Joseph is thrown into prison by his master. This is a dire turn of events, as he is now confined in a place reserved for the king's most serious offenders, marking a stark contrast to the trusted position he previously held. The narrative shifts focus from his time of favor and increasing responsibility in Potiphar's house to his imprisonment, setting the stage for future events within the prison walls.
Joseph's master doesn't just lock him up; he sends him to a specific kind of place. What does this tell us about the situation?
The Hebrew word for prison, 'sohar,' likely means 'round house' or 'house of enclosure.' This suggests a specific type of structure, possibly a tower or a circular building, designed for strict confinement.
Why did Potiphar, who had trusted Joseph so much, suddenly throw him into prison? The reasons might be more complex than simple rage.
Potiphar's actions, while seemingly a direct response to his wife's accusation, were likely influenced by a mix of factors:
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.
Joseph's imprisonment, while a severe injustice, wasn't a mere dead end. It was a divinely orchestrated step, preparing him for greater responsibility by testing his character and equipping him with the wisdom and patience needed to govern Egypt during a devastating famine.
c. 17 years old
Joseph sold into slavery
After being betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, Joseph is brought to Egypt and purchased by Potiphar.
c. 17-27 years old— this verse
Joseph serves Potiphar
Joseph is falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and, despite his faithfulness, is imprisoned.
c. 30 years old
Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams
After years in prison, Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams, revealing an upcoming famine and setting him up for a position of power.
c. 30 years old
Joseph rises to power
Pharaoh appoints Joseph as second-in-command over Egypt to prepare for the famine.
c. 37-39 years old
This Psalm directly references Joseph's suffering in prison, specifically mentioning his feet being bound with irons, vividly illustrating the harsh reality of his confinement as described in Genesis.
Genesis 40:1-4These verses immediately follow the account of Joseph's imprisonment and show him being placed in charge of the other prisoners, highlighting God's continued presence and favor even in the direst circumstances.
Romans 8:28This verse speaks to God's overarching plan, assuring believers that 'all things work together for good.' Joseph's unjust imprisonment, though a terrible trial, ultimately became part of God's redemptive purpose for him and his family.
1 Peter 4:12Peter reminds believers not to be surprised by fiery trials. Joseph's imprisonment is a prime example of suffering unjustly, a reality that Christians can face, and this verse offers a perspective on how to endure it.
Philippians 1:12-13Paul explains that his circumstances, including imprisonment, actually served to advance the gospel. Similarly, Joseph's time in prison, while a setback, provided the context for him to eventually interpret Pharaoh's dreams and rise to power, ultimately saving many lives.
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 phrasing "a place where the king’s prisoners were bound" doesn't just describe a location, but elevates the prison itself to a specific category reserved for those deemed treasonous or severely criminal. This highlights not only Joseph's dire situation, but also suggests Potiphar, in his anger, viewed Joseph’s alleged offense with the same gravity as treason against the state.
After being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, Joseph is thrown into prison by his master. This is a dire turn of events, as he is now confined in a place reserved for the king's most serious offenders, marking a stark contrast to the trusted position he previously held. The narrative shifts focus from his time of favor and increasing responsibility in Potiphar's house to his imprisonment, setting the stage for future events within the prison walls.
After being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, Joseph is thrown into prison by his master. This is a dire turn of events, as he is now confined in a place reserved for the king's most serious offenders, marking a stark contrast to the trusted position he previously held. The narrative shifts focus from his time of favor and increasing responsibility in Potiphar's house to his imprisonment, setting the stage for future events within the prison walls.
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Famine strikes Egypt
The predicted famine devastates the land, and people come to Joseph for food.
c. 39 years old
Brothers visit Egypt
Joseph's brothers travel to Egypt seeking grain, unaware that the powerful official before them is their long-lost brother.
"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 phrasing "a place where the king’s prisoners were bound" doesn't just describe a location, but elevates the prison itself to a specific category reserved for those deemed treasonous or severely c…
