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Genesis 39 · a question people ask

Joseph did what was right and ended up in prison. Why did God allow it?

In the text

This chapter doesn't explain. It says the same thing about Joseph before and after the prison: "The LORD was with Joseph" (39:2) and "But the LORD was with Joseph" (39:21). A psalm looks back on it: "He sent a man before them. Joseph was sold for a slave… until the time that his word happened, and the LORD’s word proved him true" (Psalm 105:17-19). Joseph himself later says, "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20).

The verses

“The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man. He was in the house of his master the Egyptian.”
Genesis 39:2 · World English Bible
“But the LORD was with Joseph, and showed kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”
Genesis 39:21 · World English Bible
“He sent a man before them. Joseph was sold for a slave. They bruised his feet with shackles. His neck was locked in irons, until the time that his word happened, and the LORD’s word proved him true.”
Psalm 105:17-19 · World English Bible
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to save many people alive, as is happening today.”
Genesis 50:20 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Genesis 39

Genesis 39: The LORD was with Joseph

In Egypt the LORD was with Joseph, and Potiphar's house was blessed for his sake. Joseph refused Potiphar's wife because it would betray his master and "sin against God", and when she grabbed him he left his garment and ran. She used the garment to accuse him, and he went to prison; but the LORD was with him there too and showed him kindness.

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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions