Genesis 39:2-4
Context39:2 The Lord was with Joseph. He was successful 1 and lived 2 in the household of his Egyptian master. 39:3 His master observed that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made everything he was doing successful. 3 39:4 So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. 4 Potiphar appointed Joseph 5 overseer of his household and put him in charge 6 of everything he owned.
[39:2] 1 tn Heb “and he was a prosperous man.” This does not mean that Joseph became wealthy, but that he was successful in what he was doing, or making progress in his situation (see 24:21).
[39:3] 3 tn The Hebrew text adds “in his hand,” a phrase not included in the translation for stylistic reasons.
[39:4] 5 sn The Hebrew verb translated became his personal attendant refers to higher domestic service, usually along the lines of a personal attendant. Here Joseph is made the household steward, a position well-attested in Egyptian literature.
[39:4] 6 tn Heb “him”; the referent (Joseph) has been specified in the translation for clarity.





