Genesis 39:6

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 39:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he left all that he had in Joseph`s hand; and he knew not aught [that was] with him, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was comely, and well-favored.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he left all that he had in Joseph`s hand; and he knew not aught [that was] with him, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was comely, and well-favored.
Genesis 39:6 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 39

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6And he left all that he had in Joseph`s hand; and he knew not aught [that was] with him, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was comely, and well-favored.

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 he left all he had in Joseph’s hand; etc.] His master took no care of anything, but committed all to him, trusted him with his money and with his accounts, and with the management of all his affairs; such confidence did he put in him; and he knew not aught he had, save the bread which he did eat; some understand this of Joseph, that though he had all his master’s substance in his hands, yet he made no use of it for himself, enjoyed nothing of it but the bread he ate; and it is the observation of a Jewish writer f1691, that he ate nothing but dry bread, and yet, like Daniel and his companions, was well favoured and of a goodly countenance, as in the next clause: but it is better to…”
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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
“39:6-10 One of the major motifs of wisdom literature (see study note on 37:2–50:26) is to warn young people that immorality will lead them to disaster (cp. Prov 5–7). Joseph was able to resist temptation because he had godly wisdom—he was guided by the fear of the Lord (Prov 1:7; 9:10).”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification