Genesis 39:21

Authorized King James Version

But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֤י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

יְהוָה֙

H3068

But the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

יוֹסֵ֔ף

H3130

was with Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

וַיֵּ֥ט

H5186

and shewed

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

אֵלָ֖יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חָ֑סֶד

H2617

him mercy

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

וַיִּתֵּ֣ן

H5414

and gave

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

חִנּ֔וֹ

H2580

him favour

graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)

#10

בְּעֵינֵ֖י

H5869

in the sight

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#11

שַׂ֥ר

H8269

of the keeper

a head person (of any rank or class)

#12

בֵּית

H1004

of the prison

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#13

הַסֹּֽהַר׃

H5470

a dungeon (as surrounded by walls)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights divine love through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of mercy connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about mercy, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood mercy. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does the divine love theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on mercy address the problem of evil and suffering in light of God's goodness, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of mercy differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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