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Book of Genesis - Chapter 39 - Verse 20

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.

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.

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.
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