Genesis 39:20 Meaning and Explanation
“And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Potiphar imprisons Joseph in the royal prison.
The Context of Genesis 39:20
Joseph is imprisoned on a false accusation, seemingly forsaken.
What Does Genesis 39:20 Mean?
Joseph's fall from favor is absolute and immediate. From household overseer to prisoner—he goes from managing Potiphar's entire estate to confinement. His imprisonment in 'the prison' where 'the king's prisoners were bound' suggests the royal prison of Egypt, a place of significant security.
Joseph's rapid descent might appear to be divine abandonment. He chose righteousness and was rewarded with false accusation and imprisonment. Yet the text will soon reveal that even in prison, God's presence accompanies him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 39:20
What does Genesis 39:20 mean?
Potiphar imprisons Joseph in the royal prison.
What is the context of Genesis 39:20?
Joseph is imprisoned on a false accusation, seemingly forsaken.