And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.

GENESIS 39:6KJV
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Genesis 39:6 (KJV)

What does Genesis 39:6 mean?

Genesis 39:6 describes how Potiphar, Joseph’s Egyptian master, trusted Joseph so completely that he put him in charge of everything he owned, paying attention only to the food he ate. The verse also notes that Joseph was physically attractive and well-favored.

Potiphar’s trust in Joseph shows the high level of responsibility Joseph held in a foreign household. The mention of Joseph’s appearance sets up the next part of the story, where Potiphar’s wife notices Joseph. This verse marks a turning point, highlighting both Joseph’s integrity and the challenges his success and attractiveness would soon bring.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 39:6

  • "left" (עָזַב, ʿazav): This word means to leave or entrust. Potiphar didn’t just ignore his possessions; he actively entrusted everything to Joseph, showing deep confidence.
  • "goodly" (תֹּאַר, to'ar): This word refers to form or appearance, often used to describe physical beauty or an attractive figure. The verse emphasizes Joseph’s striking looks, not just his character.
  • "well favoured" (יְפֵה מַרְאֶה, yefeh mar'eh): This phrase literally means "beautiful of appearance." It reinforces that Joseph was not only capable but also notably handsome, which is key to understanding the events that follow.

Why Genesis 39:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Joseph’s rise in Potiphar’s house was not just about skill but also about trustworthiness and character, which set him apart even as a foreigner and a slave.
  • The focus on Joseph’s appearance is not a random detail; it directly leads into the next conflict with Potiphar’s wife, showing how his strengths also brought new challenges.
  • Understanding Potiphar’s total reliance on Joseph helps explain why Joseph’s later imprisonment is such a dramatic reversal, highlighting the ups and downs of his journey.

Where else these words appear

“goodly” Hebrew H8389 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 29:17 Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.
  • Judges 8:18 Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men were they whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou art, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king.
  • Esther 2:7 And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.

“ought” Hebrew H3972 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
  • 1 Samuel 12:5 And he said unto them, The LORD is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that ye have not found ought in my hand. And they answered, He is witness.
  • 1 Kings 10:21 And all king Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon.

“well” Hebrew H3303 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 12:11 And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon:
  • 2 Samuel 14:27 And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.
  • Song of Solomon 2:10 My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.

“save” Hebrew H518 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
  • Numbers 24:22 Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive.
  • 2 Kings 9:35 And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands.