And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.

GENESIS 39:20KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“prison” Hebrew H5470 · used in 6 verses

  • Genesis 39:21 But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
  • Genesis 39:22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.
  • Genesis 40:3 And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.

“prisoners” Hebrew H615 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 39:22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.
  • Psalms 69:33 For the LORD heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners.
  • Isaiah 14:17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?

“bound” Hebrew H631 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 40:3 And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.
  • Judges 16:5 And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:11 Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.