Bible Strands
Genesis 39:3
When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The narrator records Potiphar's observation of Joseph following his purchase and initial placement in the Egyptian household. This moment captures the master's recognition of divine favor operating through his slave's daily work.
The words — The phrase אִתּ֑/וֹ ('i.T/o) translates literally as "with him," while וְ/כֹל֙ (ve./Khol) means "and all." These terms anchor the statement that God's presence extends to every action Joseph undertakes.
The thread — This pattern of divine accompaniment producing success appears in 1 Samuel 18:14, where the Lord's presence ensures prosperity, and echoes the blessing observed by Laban in Genesis 30:27. Both passages record human recognition of God's active role in another's life.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to acknowledge that observable success stems from divine presence rather than personal merit. It calls for a clear-eyed assessment of circumstances where God's involvement drives outcomes.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand.
Cross-references
- Psalms 1:3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.
- Genesis 30:27 But Laban replied, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you.”
- 1 Samuel 18:14 and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him.
- 2 Chronicles 26:5 He sought God throughout the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. And as long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success.
- Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
- Genesis 21:22 At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do.
- Genesis 26:24 and that night the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for the sake of My servant Abraham.”
- Genesis 26:28 “We can plainly see that the LORD has been with you,” they replied. “We recommend that there should now be an oath between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you
- Philippians 2:15 so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world
- Genesis 30:30 Indeed, you had very little before my arrival, but now your wealth has increased many times over. The LORD has blessed you wherever I set foot. But now, when may I also provide for my own household?”