Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean that 'the Lord was with Yosef' in Genesis 39:21?
A: The phrase 'the Lord was with Yosef' means that Hashem granted Yosef success and protection even in difficult circumstances. Rashi explains that Yosef's righteousness and trust in Hashem caused divine favor to accompany him, even in prison. This teaches that when a person remains faithful to Torah values, Hashem supports them.
Q: Why did Hashem show Yosef 'mercy' in prison (Genesis 39:21)?
A: Hashem showed Yosef mercy because Yosef maintained his moral integrity despite being falsely accused and imprisoned. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah) teaches that Yosef's refusal to sin with Potiphar's wife demonstrated his loyalty to Hashem, earning him divine kindness even in hardship.
Q: How did Yosef find favor with the prison officer (Genesis 39:21)?
A: According to Ramban, Yosef's wisdom, diligence, and trustworthy behavior caused the prison officer to recognize his exceptional character. The Talmud (Sotah 36b) also notes that Yosef's refusal to speak lashon hara (evil speech) about others increased his favor in the eyes of those around him.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 39:21 about facing challenges?
A: This verse teaches that even in unjust or painful situations, Hashem does not abandon those who stay true to Torah values. The Sforno explains that Yosef's story shows how divine providence guides events for the ultimate good of those who trust in Hashem, even if the path is difficult.
Q: How does Genesis 39:21 apply to our lives today?
A: This verse reminds us that Hashem's presence and kindness are with us in all circumstances when we uphold righteousness. The Chofetz Chaim teaches that like Yosef, we should focus on doing what's right—even in hardship—and trust that Hashem will guide the outcome for the best.
Divine Providence in Yosef's Life
The verse states, "But the Lord was with Yosef, and showed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the officer of the prison" (Bereishit 39:21). Rashi explains that even in the depths of his suffering—imprisoned unjustly—Yosef was not abandoned by Hashem. The phrase "וַיְהִי יְהוָה אֶת־יוֹסֵף" ("the Lord was with Yosef") signifies that Divine Providence accompanied him, ensuring his eventual rise to greatness.
Chesed (Divine Kindness) in Adversity
The term "וַיֵּט אֵלָיו חָסֶד" ("showed him mercy") is interpreted by the Ramban (Nachmanides) as an expression of Hashem's kindness even in harsh circumstances. The Sforno adds that this chesed was not merely for Yosef’s personal comfort but part of a larger Divine plan to position him for leadership in Egypt.
Favor in the Eyes of Authority
The phrase "וַיִּתֵּן חִנּוֹ בְּעֵינֵי שַׂר בֵּית־הַסֹּהַר" ("gave him favour in the sight of the officer of the prison") demonstrates that Yosef's righteousness and wisdom were recognized even by his captors. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 86:6) teaches that Yosef’s conduct—his integrity and refusal to speak lashon hara—earned him this favor, fulfilling the principle that "a righteous man walks in his integrity" (Mishlei 20:7).
Lessons from Yosef’s Experience