But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even in the deepest pit, God's presence brings favor. The text highlights that the "steadfast love" of the Lord wasn't just a feeling, but an active force that resulted in Joseph being shown kindness and granted favor by the prison keeper. This demonstrates how God's presence can transform even the most dire circumstances into opportunities for grace.
But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and unjustly imprisoned, Joseph finds himself in a dire situation. Despite the hardship and likely despair, the narrative shifts to highlight that God's presence and favor were with him even in the darkest of circumstances. This divine support begins to manifest as the prison keeper shows Joseph unexpected kindness and entrusts him with responsibilities.
Joseph is in prison, falsely accused. Yet, the text doesn't just say he survived; it says God was with him. What does that look like when life feels deeply unfair?
Even when circumstances are dire and justice seems absent, the Lord's presence doesn't change.
God's Steadfast Love
The phrase 'steadfast love' (often translated as mercy or kindness) points to God's deep, unwavering affection and commitment to His people. Even in the darkest moments, this love is not withdrawn. It's a bedrock truth – God's character doesn't shift based on our situations.
Favor as a Divine Gift
Joseph received 'favor' from the keeper of the prison. This wasn't accidental. The text explicitly states God gave him this favor. This shows that God actively works to bless and support His faithful ones, even through unlikely human channels. It’s a reminder that God can orchestrate circumstances and influence hearts to bring about good, even when we feel abandoned.
Joseph went from being an overseer in Potiphar's house to a prisoner. How could his life still be marked by God's blessing in such a drastic downgrade?
The Lord's presence is not just a comfort; it's a source of divine enablement and prosperity, no matter the external circumstances.
God With Us, Not Just For Us
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The key is that 'the LORD was with Joseph.' This presence meant that God's power and favor were actively engaged in Joseph's life, even in prison. This wasn't passive observation; it was active participation.
Prosperity in Service
Just as God blessed Potiphar's house through Joseph (Genesis 39:5), He continued to bless Joseph's environment in prison. The keeper of the prison 'committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners' (Genesis 39:22) and 'whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.' This demonstrates that God's favor makes individuals effective and valuable, leading to responsibility and influence, even within restrictive settings.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the self-existent, covenant-keeping God of Israel. It represents His faithfulness, presence, and redemptive relationship with His people.
chesed · Hebrew Noun
A profound, covenantal loyalty and mercy that persists despite unworthiness. It denotes God’s persistent, active commitment to keep His promises and love His people faithfully.
chen · Hebrew Noun
A state of finding grace, kindness, or approval in the eyes of another. Biblically, it often reflects God’s providential influence over human relationships to accomplish His sovereign purposes.
This verse highlights that even in the darkest, most unjust circumstances—like wrongful imprisonment—God's presence and favor can still be found, providing a path forward and demonstrating His steadfast love.
c. 1750 BC
Joseph Sold into Slavery
Jacob's son Joseph is sold by his jealous brothers to Ishmaelite traders, who then take him to Egypt.
c. 1750-1740 BC
Joseph in Potiphar's Household
Joseph is bought by Potiphar, an official of Pharaoh, and rises to become overseer of his household. God blesses Potiphar's house because of Joseph.
c. 1740 BC— this verse
Joseph Imprisoned
False accusation by Potiphar's wife leads to Joseph being thrown into the king's prison, despite his integrity.
c. 1740-1738 BC
Joseph in Prison
While imprisoned, Joseph remains faithful and eventually gains the favor of the keeper, overseeing other prisoners.
c. 1738 BC
Joseph Interprets Dreams
Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, leading to his own eventual release and rise to power.
This passage directly references Joseph's time in prison, highlighting God's presence and purpose even through hardship, mirroring the verse's theme of divine favor amidst suffering.
Proverbs 18:24This proverb speaks to the power of friendship and favor, which is a key element in Genesis 39:21 where Joseph gains favor with the prison keeper, illustrating that God can orchestrate such beneficial relationships.
Daniel 1:9Like Joseph, Daniel found favor in a foreign land despite difficult circumstances; this verse shows God granting favor and compassion, echoing the theme of divine support for those who remain faithful.
Philippians 4:11-13Paul's ability to be content in all circumstances, even imprisonment, is rooted in Christ strengthening him, much like Joseph found strength and favor through God's presence, showing that true sufficiency comes from God regardless of external conditions.
1 Peter 4:12-13This passage encourages believers to rejoice in suffering for Christ, as it is a sharing in His sufferings, which can lead to rejoicing in His glory. Joseph's suffering led to God's favor and eventual exaltation, demonstrating how God can work through trials.
cambridgeGenesis 39:21: "But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison."
21 . But the Lord , &c.] See note on Genesis 39:2 . The favour of Jehovah towards Joseph is the cause of Joseph’s acceptability with the keeper of the prison. He receives the same degree of confidence in prison, as he had received from the master whom he had served as steward.
calvinGenesis 39:1-23: "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."
And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.
Fuit autem ex eo tempore, quo p…
Even in the deepest pit, God's presence brings favor. The text highlights that the "steadfast love" of the Lord wasn't just a feeling, but an active force that resulted in Joseph being shown kindness and granted favor by the prison keeper. This demonstrates how God's presence can transform even the most dire circumstances into opportunities for grace.
After being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and unjustly imprisoned, Joseph finds himself in a dire situation. Despite the hardship and likely despair, the narrative shifts to highlight that God's presence and favor were with him even in the darkest of circumstances. This divine support begins to manifest as the prison keeper shows Joseph unexpected kindness and entrusts him with responsibilities.
After being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and unjustly imprisoned, Joseph finds himself in a dire situation. Despite the hardship and likely despair, the narrative shifts to highlight that God's presence and favor were with him even in the darkest of circumstances. This divine support begins to manifest as the prison keeper shows Joseph unexpected kindness and entrusts him with responsibilities.
"But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison." — Even in the deepest pit, God's presence brings favor. The text highlights that the "steadfast love" of the Lord wasn't just a feeling, but an active force that resulted in Joseph being shown kindness…
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Last reviewed October 2026