Genesis 39:21-23
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Even in the depths of prison, God didn't just leave Joseph alone; He actively intervened, showing him both "steadfast love" and "favor." This highlights that God's presence isn't passive; it's an active, compassionate force that shapes even the most challenging circumstances.
But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever was done there, he was the one who did it. The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph’s charge, because the LORD was with him. And whatever he did, the LORD made it succeed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and thrown into prison, Joseph finds himself in a dark dungeon, seemingly abandoned. However, this verse marks a turning point where God's presence and favor, though unseen by the world, begin to manifest even in his dire circumstances, leading to improved treatment by his jailer. This sets the stage for Joseph's later rise to prominence within the prison and eventually in all of Egypt.
Joseph was in prison, falsely accused and stripped of everything. Yet, this verse reveals something profound about God's heart toward him, even in the darkest hour.
The Unseen Hand
When we read that "the LORD was with Joseph," it's more than just a statement of God's omnipresence. It signifies an active, personal presence that brings comfort, strength, and purpose even in suffering.
Key Points:
Joseph was a prisoner, yet he gained the trust and goodwill of the prison keeper. How is this possible when his situation seemed so hopeless?
God's Sovereign Influence
The favor Joseph received wasn't a stroke of luck; it was a direct result of God's intervention. God can work in the hearts of others to bring about His purposes, regardless of our outward circumstances.
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Key Points:
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.
tsalach · Hebrew Verb
To be caused to prosper or to be made successful. In a biblical context, success is defined not by human effort alone, but by God’s providential blessing and direction upon a person's work.
This verse highlights God's unfailing presence and favor, even in the depths of unjust imprisonment. Joseph's time in prison wasn't just a holding cell, but a crucial stage where God prepared him for future leadership, demonstrating that even in the darkest circumstances, divine purpose is at work.
~1700 BC
Joseph Sold into Slavery
Joseph, son of Jacob, is sold by his jealous brothers into slavery and taken to Egypt by Ishmaelite traders.
~1700 BC
Joseph Enters Potiphar's Household
Joseph is purchased by Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, and becomes a trusted servant in his household.
~1700 BC— this verse
False Accusation and Imprisonment
Potiphar's wife falsely accuses Joseph of attempted rape, leading to his imprisonment by his master.
~1700 BC
Joseph Interprets Dreams in Prison
While imprisoned, Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, foretelling their fates.
~1690 BC
Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dream
The cupbearer remembers Joseph and has him brought before Pharaoh to interpret his dreams, leading to Joseph's rise to power.
This Psalm directly quotes the experience of Joseph in prison, mentioning that his feet were bound with 'affliction' and that iron entered his soul, highlighting the harshness of his situation from which God's favor eventually lifted him.
Deuteronomy 31:6This verse promises God's presence and support, echoing the assurance given to Joseph that 'the LORD was with him,' even in his darkest times of imprisonment and false accusation.
Proverbs 18:24This proverb speaks about friends who bring ruin, contrasting with Joseph's experience where, despite being wronged by those close to him, God provided him with favor and a supportive relationship with the prison keeper.
Romans 8:28This verse declares that God works all things for good for those who love Him. Joseph's entire ordeal, including his imprisonment, ultimately led to his rise and fulfillment of God's plan, demonstrating this principle in action.
1 Peter 4:12This passage warns believers not to be surprised by fiery trials. Joseph's experience of suffering unjustly and finding favor even in prison illustrates that hardship is part of life, and God's presence can still be found within it.
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 depths of prison, God didn't just leave Joseph alone; He actively intervened, showing him both "steadfast love" and "favor." This highlights that God's presence isn't passive; it's an active, compassionate force that shapes even the most challenging circumstances.
After being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and thrown into prison, Joseph finds himself in a dark dungeon, seemingly abandoned. However, this verse marks a turning point where God's presence and favor, though unseen by the world, begin to manifest even in his dire circumstances, leading to improved treatment by his jailer. This sets the stage for Joseph's later rise to prominence within the prison and eventually in all of Egypt.
After being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and thrown into prison, Joseph finds himself in a dark dungeon, seemingly abandoned. However, this verse marks a turning point where God's presence and favor, though unseen by the world, begin to manifest even in his dire circumstances, leading to improved treatment by his jailer. This sets the stage for Joseph's later rise to prominence within the prison and eventually in all of Egypt.
"But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever was done there,…" — Even in the depths of prison, God didn't just leave Joseph alone; He actively intervened, showing him both "steadfast love" and "favor." This highlights that God's presence isn't passive; it's an act…
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Last reviewed October 2026
