until what he had said came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The original Hebrew uses two different words for "word" here, and the second one, which translates to "tested him," also carries the sense of "purified" or "refined." This suggests that Joseph's time in hardship wasn't just a test of his endurance, but a divine process to purify his character and prove his innocence before his eventual rise.
until what he had said came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm recounts God's faithfulness to Israel, highlighting Joseph's story as an example. Joseph faced extreme hardship, including betrayal by his brothers and unjust imprisonment, but God was working behind the scenes. This verse emphasizes that his suffering continued until God's plan unfolded, revealing Joseph's innocence and preparing him for his rise to power through the interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams.
Joseph interpreted dreams, but his release didn't happen immediately. What does this tell us about waiting for God's promises?
The verse highlights a crucial aspect of Joseph's story: the period between God's spoken word (through dreams and interpretation) and its fulfillment. It wasn't just about Joseph's prophetic gift, but about God's perfect timing.
The Waiting Period
The 'word of the Lord' didn't just predict the future; it actively shaped Joseph. How can God's words test and purify us?
This passage reveals a profound truth: God's word is not merely informative but transformative. The phrase 'the word of the LORD tried him' suggests that God's communication served as a refining agent in Joseph's life.
Ask a follow-up
God's Word as a Test
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the self-existent God of the covenant, the One who is faithful to His promises and enters into a relationship with His people.
'imrah · Hebrew Noun
The spoken or revealed will of God; it is active, powerful, and always accomplishes the purpose for which it is sent.
tsaraph · Hebrew Verb
The process of refining, proving, or demonstrating the quality or validity of a person's faith, character, or obedience, often through hardship or delay.
This verse highlights the testing of Joseph's faith and character through his long suffering in prison. The 'word of the Lord' that 'tried' him was not just the divine decree for his eventual rise, but the entire process of affliction that refined him for his future role.
c. 1730 BC
Joseph Sold into Slavery
Joseph's jealous brothers sell him into slavery, setting in motion a series of events that would eventually lead him to Egypt.
c. 1720 BC
Joseph Imprisoned in Egypt
False accusations by Potiphar's wife lead to Joseph's unjust imprisonment, where he languishes for years.
c. 1715 BC
Interpreting the Butler's Dream
Joseph interprets the dream of Pharaoh's chief cupbearer, predicting his restoration to office but also his own continued suffering.
c. 1713 BC— this verse
Pharaoh's Dreams and Joseph's Interpretation
Pharaoh dreams of seven lean cows devouring seven fat ones, and seven blighted ears of grain consuming seven healthy ones. Joseph interprets these dreams as a prophecy of seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine.
c. 1713 BC
Joseph Appointed Governor of Egypt
Recognizing Joseph's wisdom and God's Spirit within him, Pharaoh appoints him second-in-command over all of Egypt to prepare for the coming famine.
This verse directly follows the interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams, showing the 'word of the Lord' in action as Joseph is brought before the king.
Genesis 45:5Joseph himself explains how God's hand was behind his trials and exaltation, revealing the 'word of the Lord' that guided him even when his circumstances were dire.
Proverbs 30:5This proverb speaks to the tested and proven nature of God's Word, paralleling how Joseph's experiences served to refine and reveal his character.
Job 23:10Like Joseph, Job expresses his steadfastness through suffering, trusting that God knows his way and will bring him forth 'tested' and pure.
clarkePsalms 105:19: "Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him."
Until the time that his word came - This appears to refer to the completion of Joseph's interpretation of the dreams of the chief butler and baker. The Word of the Lord tried him - This seems to refer to the interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams, called אמרת יהוה imrath Yehovah, "the oracle of the Lord," because sent by him to Pharaoh. See Genesis 41:26, and Kennicott in loco.
ellicottPsalms 105:19: "Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him."
(19) Until the time that his word came — i.e. , until his (Joseph’s) interpretation of the dreams was fulfilled ( Genesis 41:12 ). (For the expression “his word came,” equal to “came to pass,” comp. Judges 13:12 .) Word of the Lord.—As a different Hebrew word from that in the previous clause is used, better render, saying (or, oracle) of Jehovah. Tried him.—Better, purified him, i.e., proved him innocent of the…
The original Hebrew uses two different words for "word" here, and the second one, which translates to "tested him," also carries the sense of "purified" or "refined." This suggests that Joseph's time in hardship wasn't just a test of his endurance, but a divine process to purify his character and prove his innocence before his eventual rise.
The psalm recounts God's faithfulness to Israel, highlighting Joseph's story as an example. Joseph faced extreme hardship, including betrayal by his brothers and unjust imprisonment, but God was working behind the scenes. This verse emphasizes that his suffering continued until God's plan unfolded, revealing Joseph's innocence and preparing him for his rise to power through the interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams.
The psalm recounts God's faithfulness to Israel, highlighting Joseph's story as an example. Joseph faced extreme hardship, including betrayal by his brothers and unjust imprisonment, but God was working behind the scenes. This verse emphasizes that his suffering continued until God's plan unfolded, revealing Joseph's innocence and preparing him for his rise to power through the interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams.
"until what he had said came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him." — The original Hebrew uses two different words for "word" here, and the second one, which translates to "tested him," also carries the sense of "purified" or "refined." This suggests that Joseph's time…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026