Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Genesis - Chapter 39 - Verse 6

39:6
And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.

Meaning

In this verse, we see Joseph's remarkable rise to power in the household of Potiphar. Potiphar, an Egyptian officer, entrusted Joseph with all that he had, showing great trust in him. Potiphar recognized Joseph's abilities and character, leading him to put him in charge of everything he owned. Although Potiphar gave Joseph authority over all his possessions, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. This verse highlights the fact that Potiphar had complete confidence in Joseph's capabilities and integrity; he did not worry about the day-to-day management of his household because he knew Joseph would handle everything efficiently.

Furthermore, the verse describes Joseph as a "goodly person" and "well favored," emphasizing his physical appearance as well as his character. Joseph's moral uprightness and attractiveness likely played a role in Potiphar's decision to entrust him with so much responsibility. Joseph's qualities of honesty, diligence, and charm set him apart and ultimately paved the way for his future success in Egypt.

Theological Overview

On a theological level, the verse highlights the theme of trust and faithfulness in the story of Joseph in the Bible. Potiphar trusted Joseph to the extent that he left everything in Joseph's care, not bothering to check on what he owned. This trust was well-placed as Joseph proved himself to be a good and trustworthy steward. The word "goodly" in this verse can also be translated as "handsome" or "attractive," which could indicate that Joseph's character was reflected in his appearance as well. The phrase "well favoured" further emphasizes Joseph's positive qualities, both inside and out. This verse shows that Joseph's integrity and Godly character were evident to others, leading to him being entrusted with great responsibility and favor.

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