Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. New Living Translation But the LORD was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the LORD made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden. English Standard Version But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. Berean Standard Bible the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. Berean Literal Bible and YHWH was with Joseph and extended kindness to him and He gave him favor in the eyes of the captain of the prison house. King James Bible But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. New King James Version But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. New American Standard Bible But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the warden of the prison. NASB 1995 But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer. NASB 1977 But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer. Legacy Standard Bible But Yahweh was with Joseph and extended lovingkindness to him and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer. Amplified Bible But the LORD was with Joseph and extended lovingkindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the warden. Berean Annotated Bible the LORD {YHWH} was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. Christian Standard Bible But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him. He granted him favor with the prison warden. Holman Christian Standard Bible But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him. He granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. American Standard Version But Jehovah was with Joseph, and showed kindness unto him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. Contemporary English Version the LORD helped him and was good to him. He even made the jailer like Joseph so much that English Revised Version But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed kindness unto him, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. GOD'S WORD® Translation the LORD was with him. The LORD reached out to him with his unchanging love and gave him protection. The LORD also put Joseph on good terms with the warden. Good News Translation But the LORD was with Joseph and blessed him, so that the jailer was pleased with him. International Standard Version But the LORD was with Joseph. He extended gracious love to him, causing the prison warden to be pleased with Joseph. NET Bible But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him kindness. He granted him favor in the sight of the prison warden. New Heart English Bible But God was with Joseph and showed him kindness and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. Webster's Bible Translation But the LORD was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblethe LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. World English Bible But Yahweh was with Joseph, and showed kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd YHWH is with Joseph, and stretches out kindness to him, and puts his grace in the eyes of the chief of the round-house; Berean Literal Bible and YHWH was with Joseph and extended kindness to him and He gave him favor in the eyes of the captain of the prison house. Young's Literal Translation And Jehovah is with Joseph, and stretcheth out kindness unto him, and putteth his grace in the eyes of the chief of the round-house; Smith's Literal Translation And Jehovah will be with Joseph, and will extend to him kindness, and will give his grace in the eyes of the chief of the house of the fortress. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut the Lord was with Joseph and having mercy upon him gave him favour in the sight of the chief keeper of the prison: Catholic Public Domain Version But the Lord was with Joseph, and, having mercy on him, he gave him favor in the sight of the leader of the prison, New American Bible But the LORD was with Joseph, and showed him kindness by making the chief jailer well-disposed toward him. New Revised Standard Version But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love; he gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut the LORD was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And LORD JEHOVAH was with Yoseph and cast favor over him, and he gave him affection in the eyes of the Chief of the prison. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But the LORD was with Joseph, and showed kindness unto him, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the Lord was with Joseph, and poured down mercy upon him; and he gave him favour in the sight of the chief keeper of the prison. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Joseph Falsely Imprisoned…20So Joseph’s master took him and had him thrown into the prison where the king’s prisoners were confined. While Joseph was there in the prison, 21the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. 22And the warden put all the prisoners under Joseph’s care, so that he was responsible for all that was done in the prison.… Cross References the LORD was with him 1 Samuel 18:12 So Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul. 1 Samuel 18:14 and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him. Joshua 1:5 No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. and extended kindness to him 2 Samuel 9:3 So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I can show the kindness of God?” Ziba answered, “There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.” 2 Samuel 9:7 “Do not be afraid,” said David, “for surely I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.” Genesis 40:14 But when it goes well for you, please remember me and show me kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh, that he might bring me out of this prison. granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden Daniel 1:9 Now God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official, Acts 7:10 and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household. Esther 2:15 Now Esther was the daughter of Abihail, the uncle from whom Mordecai had adopted her as his own daughter. And when it was her turn to go to the king, she did not ask for anything except what Hegai, the king’s trusted official in charge of the harem, had advised. And Esther found favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her. Acts 7:9-10 Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him / and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household. Psalm 105:19-22 until his prediction came true and the word of the LORD proved him right. / The king sent and released him; the ruler of peoples set him free. / He made him master of his household, ruler over all his substance, … 1 Samuel 16:18 One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a mighty man of valor, a warrior, eloquent and handsome, and the LORD is with him.” Exodus 3:21 And I will grant this people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that when you leave, you will not go away empty-handed. Nehemiah 1:11 O Lord, may Your ear be attentive to my prayer and to the prayers of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” (At that time I was the cupbearer to the king.) Proverbs 16:7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him. 1 Kings 8:50 May You forgive Your people who have sinned against You and all the transgressions they have committed against You, and may You grant them compassion in the eyes of their captors to show them mercy. Treasury of Scripture But the LORD was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. the Lord. Genesis 39:2 And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. Genesis 21:22 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest: Genesis 49:23,24 The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him: … shewed him mercy. Genesis 40:3 And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound. Exodus 3:21 And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty: Exodus 11:3 And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants, and in the sight of the people. Jump to Previous Chief Extended Eyes Favor Favour Friend Good Grace Granted Jailer Joseph Keeper Kindness Love Mercy Prison Putteth Round-House Showed Sight Steadfast Tower-House WardenJump to Next Chief Extended Eyes Favor Favour Friend Good Grace Granted Jailer Joseph Keeper Kindness Love Mercy Prison Putteth Round-House Showed Sight Steadfast Tower-House WardenGenesis 39 1. Joseph is bought by Potiphar, and preferred in the family.7. He resists temptation by Potiphar's Wife. 13. He is falsely accused by her. 20. He is cast into prison. 21. God is with him there, and he is advanced by the keeper of prison. the LORD was with him This phrase emphasizes God's continual presence with Joseph, even in dire circumstances. Throughout Joseph's life, God's presence is a recurring theme, seen earlier in Genesis 39:2 when Joseph was successful in Potiphar's house. This reflects the covenantal promise God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ensuring His presence with their descendants. It also prefigures the New Testament promise of God's presence with believers, as seen in Matthew 28:20, where Jesus assures His followers, "I am with you always." and extended kindness to him granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden Persons / Places / Events 1. JosephA Hebrew man sold into slavery by his brothers, who rose to prominence in Potiphar's house before being falsely accused and imprisoned. 2. The LORD The covenant God of Israel, who remains faithful to His promises and is actively involved in Joseph's life. 3. The Prison Warden The official in charge of the prison where Joseph was held, who recognized Joseph's integrity and leadership abilities. 4. The Prison The place where Joseph was confined after being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, yet where he continued to experience God's favor. 5. Potiphar's House The initial place of Joseph's servitude in Egypt, where he was entrusted with great responsibility before his imprisonment. Teaching Points God's Presence in AdversityEven in the darkest circumstances, God is with His people, providing comfort and guidance. Divine Favor and Human Responsibility While God grants favor, Joseph's integrity and diligence play a role in his success and influence. Faithfulness in Trials Joseph's account encourages believers to remain faithful and trust in God's plan, even when facing unjust situations. God's Sovereignty and Timing God's purposes are fulfilled in His timing, often using trials to prepare and position His people for future roles. Witness Through Conduct Joseph's behavior in prison serves as a testimony to God's work in his life, impacting those around him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 39:21?2. How does God's presence in Genesis 39:21 encourage you in difficult situations? 3. What does "showed him kindness" reveal about God's character in Genesis 39:21? 4. How can Joseph's experience in Genesis 39:21 inspire your faith during trials? 5. Which other Bible stories illustrate God's favor during adversity like Genesis 39:21? 6. How can you seek God's favor and presence in your daily challenges? 7. How does Genesis 39:21 demonstrate God's presence in times of adversity? 8. Why did God show Joseph favor despite his imprisonment in Genesis 39:21? 9. What does Genesis 39:21 reveal about God's faithfulness to His followers? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 39? 11. How did Joseph rise to power in Egypt? 12. What is the meaning of God's grace? 13. Why would a prisoner like Joseph be entrusted with interpreting dreams for high-ranking officials (Genesis 40:5–8)? 14. Throughout Genesis 39, is there any evidence outside the text that corroborates the presence of Hebrews prospering in Egypt under divine favor? What Does Genesis 39:21 Mean The LORD was with himGenesis 39:21 begins by restating a truth already emphasized in 39:2—“The LORD was with Joseph.” • God’s presence is literal, personal, and constant; it does not evaporate when circumstances turn dark (see Joshua 1:9; Psalm 23:4; Matthew 28:20, all). • Joseph’s dungeon is no match for the nearness of God. Psalm 139:7-8 declares there is nowhere to flee from His Spirit. • Because the Lord was with Joseph before his imprisonment, His companionship inside the prison should not surprise us; the same God who prospered Joseph in Potiphar’s house continues to shepherd him behind bars. and extended kindness to him God’s presence is not passive. Scripture says He “extended kindness to him.” • This kindness is tangible action, what Ruth called the LORD’s “kindness” that “has not forsaken the living or the dead” (Ruth 2:20). • Kindness is God’s covenant-level love—unearned, unwavering, and resilient. Isaiah 54:10 assures, “My loving devotion will not depart from you.” • Even when human justice failed Joseph, divine kindness stepped in, proving that “the kindness of God our Savior” (Titus 3:4) reaches into the lowest places. granting him favor The verse moves from inner kindness to outward favor. • God actively “granted”—He caused something to happen that Joseph could never orchestrate. • Favor is God turning the hearts of others toward His servant, just as He promised in Exodus 3:21 (“I will grant this people favor”). • The pattern is consistent: Proverbs 3:3-4 links devotion to the Lord with finding “favor and good repute,” and Luke 2:52 reports Jesus Himself “grew in favor with God and men.” • Favor does not erase hardship but allows Kingdom purposes to advance in the middle of it. in the eyes of the prison warden God’s favor shows up in specific relationships—here, the chief jailer. • Earlier Joseph “found favor” with Potiphar (Genesis 39:4); now the same happens with a different authority, confirming Acts 7:10: “He gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh.” • The transformation is remarkable: a slave condemned for attempted assault now oversees prison operations because “the good hand of my God was upon me” (Nehemiah 2:8). • Daniel experienced an identical intervention when “God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief official” (Daniel 1:9). • When God steers the perceptions of those in charge, His servant gains influence without compromising integrity. summary Genesis 39:21 teaches that God’s presence, kindness, and favor are real, active forces that override location, false accusation, and human agendas. The Lord stays with His people, pours out steadfast love, and turns the hearts of others so His purposes move forward—even when His servant is locked behind prison doors. Verse 21. - But (even if Joseph was harshly treated in the tower of Heliopolis) the Lord - Jehovah (vide on ver. 5) - was with Joseph (vide ver. 2), and showed him mercy (literally, extended kindness unto him), and gave him favor in the eyes of the keeper (or captain) of the prison (or round house).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew the LORDיְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel was וַיְהִ֤י (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be with אֶת־ (’eṯ-) Preposition Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among [him] יוֹסֵ֔ף (yō·w·sêp̄) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3130: Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites and extended וַיֵּ֥ט (way·yêṭ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5186: To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend kindness חָ֑סֶד (ḥā·seḏ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty to him. אֵלָ֖יו (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to He granted וַיִּתֵּ֣ן (way·yit·tên) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set him favor חִנּ֔וֹ (ḥin·nōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 2580: Graciousness, subjective, objective in the eyes בְּעֵינֵ֖י (bə·‘ê·nê) Preposition-b | Noun - cdc Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain of the prison בֵּית־ (bêṯ-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house warden, שַׂ֥ר (śar) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince Links Genesis 39:21 NIVGenesis 39:21 NLT Genesis 39:21 ESV Genesis 39:21 NASB Genesis 39:21 KJV Genesis 39:21 BibleApps.com Genesis 39:21 Biblia Paralela Genesis 39:21 Chinese Bible Genesis 39:21 French Bible Genesis 39:21 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 39:21 But Yahweh was with Joseph and showed (Gen. 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