Genesis 39:20 (KJV)

What does Genesis 39:20 mean?

Genesis 39:20 describes how Joseph’s master, Potiphar, took Joseph and put him into the prison where the king’s prisoners were kept after Joseph was falsely accused. The verse makes clear that Joseph was confined in a specific place reserved for those who had offended Pharaoh.

In this part of the story, Potiphar acts on the accusation against Joseph by his wife, even though Joseph had served faithfully. The verse highlights that Joseph’s imprisonment was not just any jail, but a facility for royal prisoners, setting the stage for Joseph’s later encounters with Pharaoh’s officials. This detail shows both the seriousness of the accusation and the unique path Joseph’s life would take.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 39:20

• "Prison" is described with two Hebrew words: בֵּית (beit, meaning "house") and סֹהַר (sohar, meaning "prison" or "round house"). Together, they mean "house of confinement," suggesting a formal, possibly well-guarded place rather than a common jail.
• "Prisoners" uses the word אֲסִירִים (asirim), which means "bound ones" or "those in custody." This emphasizes that those kept here were not just held, but restrained, highlighting the seriousness of their offenses.
• "Bound" comes from אָסַר (asar), meaning "to bind" or "to tie up." The verse underlines that the prisoners, including Joseph, were not just detained but physically restrained, showing the strictness of their confinement.

Why Genesis 39:20 matters

• Genesis 39:20 clarifies that Joseph’s imprisonment was not random or minor; he was placed among the king’s prisoners, which sets up his later connection to Pharaoh’s court.
• The verse shows that even in unjust circumstances, Joseph’s story is moving toward a larger purpose, as this prison is where he will meet key figures in the next chapters.
• By specifying the type of prison and the nature of the prisoners, the verse helps readers understand the severity of Joseph’s situation and the dramatic shift from trusted servant to confined prisoner.