Genesis 39:20
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 39:20 · King James Version
Meaning
When Joseph's master falsely accused him of a crime, he was thrown into prison, where the king's prisoners were held. This event marked a significant turning point in Joseph's life, as he went from being favored by his father and sold into slavery by his brothers to now being unjustly imprisoned. Despite his harsh circumstances, Joseph remained faithful to God and eventually rose to a position of power and authority within the prison. This verse serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments of life, God is still in control and can bring about redemption and restoration. Joseph's time in prison ultimately prepared him for the incredible destiny that lay ahead, demonstrating God's faithfulness and sovereignty in the midst of adversity.
Theological Overview
Joseph's experience of being falsely accused and thrown into prison can be seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ's own suffering and imprisonment. Just as Joseph was innocently punished for a crime he did not commit, Jesus was wrongly accused and sentenced to death on the cross. The fact that Joseph was placed in the same prison as the king's prisoners highlights the irony of his situation. Similarly, Jesus, the King of Kings, was crucified between two criminals, emphasizing his identification with the lowest of society. This verse also demonstrates that even in the darkest of circumstances, God's plan is still at work. Despite being confined to a literal prison, Joseph's faithfulness and integrity eventually lead to his rise to power in Egypt. This serves as a reminder that God can bring about good even from the most challenging situations, providing hope and encouragement to believers facing adversity.
Genesis 39:20 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, the place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.
World English Bible
Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were bound, and he was there in custody.
Douay-Rheims
And cast Joseph into the prison, where the king's prisoners were kept, and he was there shut up.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Iosephs master tooke him and put him in prison, in the place, where the kings prisoners lay bounde: and there he was in prison.