Old Testament
Genesis 39:21
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Genesis 39:21, we see that despite Joseph's difficult circumstances in prison, God remained with him.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy, causing him to find favor with the prison warden.
But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Genesis 39:21, we see that despite Joseph's difficult circumstances in prison, God remained with him. This verse highlights God's mercy and favor towards Joseph, which allowed him to gain the trust of the prison warden. Joseph's situation seemed dire, yet God's presence transformed his experience, showing that even in hardship, divine support can lead to unexpected opportunities. The warden recognized Joseph's abilities and character, which ultimately set the stage for Joseph's future. This passage reassures us that God can work in our lives during tough times, providing us with strength and favor when we need it most. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith and integrity, as these qualities can lead to positive outcomes, even in challenging situations. Explore related gods.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Genesis 39:21 to your life
When facing difficult situations, remember that God is with you, just as He was with Joseph. Maintain your integrity and trust in God's plan. Look for opportunities to serve others, even in tough times, as this can lead to unexpected blessings and favor in your life.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 39:21 mean?
Genesis 39:21 means that even in Joseph's imprisonment, God was present with him, showing mercy and granting him favor with the prison warden. This illustrates how divine support can transform difficult situations into opportunities.
What is the significance of God's mercy in Genesis 39:21?
God's mercy in Genesis 39:21 signifies His unwavering support for Joseph during his hardships. It highlights that God's compassion can lead to favor and trust, even in the most challenging circumstances.
How does Genesis 39:21 relate to integrity?
Genesis 39:21 relates to integrity by showing that Joseph maintained his character and trust in God, which ultimately led to his favor with the prison warden. It suggests that integrity can lead to positive outcomes, even in tough situations.
What can we learn from Genesis 39:21?
From Genesis 39:21, we learn that God is with us during difficult times and that maintaining faith and integrity can lead to unexpected blessings. It encourages us to look for opportunities to serve others, even when facing challenges.

The Book of Genesis
Genesis 1: Creation
God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.
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