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Genesis 39:2 - Divine favor in adversity

Genesis 39:2 - בראשית 39:2

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי יְהוָה אֶת־יוֹסֵף וַיְהִי אִישׁ מַצְלִיחַ וַיְהִי בְּבֵית אֲדֹנָיו הַמִּצְרִי׃

English Translation

And the Lord was with Yosef, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Miżrian.

Transliteration

Vayehi Adonai et Yosef vayehi ish matzli'ach vayehi beveit adonav hamitzri.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֤י יְהֹוָה֙ אֶת־יוֹסֵ֔ף וַיְהִ֖י אִ֣ישׁ מַצְלִ֑יחַ וַיְהִ֕י בְּבֵ֖ית אֲדֹנָ֥יו הַמִּצְרִֽי׃
וַיְהִ֤י יְהֹוָה֙ אֶת־יוֹסֵ֔ף וַיְהִ֖י אִ֣ישׁ מַצְלִ֑יחַ וַיְהִ֕י בְּבֵ֖ית אֲדֹנָ֥יו הַמִּצְרִֽי׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Divine Presence with Yosef

The verse states, "And the Lord was with Yosef", indicating that Hashem's providence accompanied him even in the house of Potiphar. Rashi (Bereshit 39:2) explains that this means the Shechinah (Divine Presence) rested upon Yosef, granting him success in all his endeavors. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 86:6) adds that Yosef's righteousness and commitment to Torah—even in exile—merited this divine assistance.

Yosef as a "Successful Man"

The phrase "and he was a successful man" is interpreted by Ramban (Bereshit 39:2) to mean that Yosef's success was not merely material but spiritual—he maintained his moral integrity despite being in a foreign land. The Talmud (Berachot 20a) teaches that success granted by Hashem is enduring, unlike fleeting human achievements. Sforno notes that Yosef's success stemmed from his wisdom and trust in Hashem, not from personal ambition.

Yosef in the House of Potiphar

The verse concludes, "and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian", which the Midrash (Tanchuma Vayeshev 8) elaborates upon: Yosef's presence elevated the household, as his righteousness brought blessing to Potiphar’s estate. The Kli Yakar (Bereshit 39:2) emphasizes that Yosef remained distinct in his identity—though physically in Egypt, his soul was devoted to Hashem.

  • Rashi: The Shechinah accompanied Yosef due to his righteousness.
  • Ramban: Yosef's success was spiritual, not merely material.
  • Midrash Tanchuma: Yosef sanctified the Egyptian household through his presence.
  • Kli Yakar: Yosef maintained his spiritual integrity despite his surroundings.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 20a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about divine providence and success, illustrating how God's presence with Joseph led to his success even in difficult circumstances.
📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing Joseph's righteousness and how his adherence to his faith contributed to his success in Potiphar's house.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that 'the Lord was with Yosef' in Genesis 39:2?
A: The phrase 'the Lord was with Yosef' means that Hashem granted Yosef divine favor and success in all his endeavors, even in difficult circumstances. Rashi explains that Yosef's master Potiphar noticed that everything Yosef did was blessed, which is why he entrusted him with his entire household.
Q: Why is Yosef called a 'successful man' in this verse?
A: Yosef is called a 'successful man' because, despite being sold into slavery, he conducted himself with wisdom and righteousness, earning his master's trust. The Midrash teaches that Yosef's success came from his unwavering faith in Hashem and his moral integrity, even in a foreign land.
Q: How does Yosef's experience in Potiphar's house apply to us today?
A: Yosef's experience teaches us that true success comes from trusting in Hashem and maintaining ethical behavior, even in challenging environments. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os) emphasizes that a person should act with honesty and diligence in all situations, as Yosef did, knowing that divine providence guides those who follow the right path.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Yosef was in the house of an Egyptian master?
A: The Torah highlights Yosef's location to show that Hashem's presence was with him even in an impure land (Mitzrayim). The Talmud (Berachos 8a) teaches that the Shechinah (Divine Presence) accompanies the righteous wherever they go, demonstrating that holiness can be maintained even in exile.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef being successful in Potiphar's house?
A: The lesson is that a person's spiritual and moral strength, not their external circumstances, determine true success. The Sforno explains that Yosef's success was due to his righteousness and wisdom, proving that one can thrive even in hardship by staying faithful to Torah values.