Genesis 39:5

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 39:5 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And it came to pass from the time that he made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that Jehovah blessed the Egyptian`s house for Joseph`s sake; and the blessing of Jehovah was upon all that he had, in the house and in the field.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And it came to pass from the time that he made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that Jehovah blessed the Egyptian`s house for Joseph`s sake; and the blessing of Jehovah was upon all that he had, in the house and in the field.
Genesis 39:5 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 39

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
5And it came to pass from the time that he made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that Jehovah blessed the Egyptian`s house for Joseph`s sake; and the blessing of Jehovah was upon all that he had, in the house and in the field.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, etc.] How long he was in this office is not certain; there must be some time for the following observation; and during all the time he was in it, it was easily discerned, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; that is, much more than before; everything under his hands succeeded before, but now much more abundantly; Potiphar’s family was blessed with health, his substance increased, he grew rich and wealthy, and abounded with all good things: and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field; his domestic affairs prospered, his…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake, &c.--It might be--it probably was--that a special, a miraculous blessing was poured out on a youth who so faithfully and zealously served God amid all the disadvantages of his place. But it may be useful to remark that such a blessing usually follows in the ordinary course of things; and the most worldly, unprincipled masters always admire and respect religion in a servant when they see that profession supported by conscientious principle and a consistent life. made him overseer in his house--We do not know in what capacity Joseph entered into the service of Potiphar; but the observant eye of his master soon discovered his superior…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“- Joseph in Potiphar’s House According to our reckoning, Perez and Zerah were born when Judah was in his twenty-eighth year, and therefore, Joseph in his twenty-fourth. Here, then, we go back seven years to resume the story of Joseph. Genesis 39:1-6 Joseph fares well with his first master. “Potiphar.” This is a racapitulation of the narrative in Genesis 37:0: “The Lord;” the God of covenant is with Joseph. “In the house.” Joseph was a domestic servant. “And his master saw.” The prosperity that attended all Joseph’s doings was so striking as to show that the Lord was with him. “Set him over” - made him overseer of all that was in his house. “The Lord blessed the Mizrite’s house.” He blesses…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“39:5 God began to bless Egypt through Joseph (see 22:18).”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification