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Genesis 39:3 - Divine favor brings success

Genesis 39:3 - בראשית 39:3

Hebrew Text

וַיַּרְא אֲדֹנָיו כִּי יְהוָה אִתּוֹ וְכֹל אֲשֶׁר־הוּא עֹשֶׂה יְהוָה מַצְלִיחַ בְּיָדוֹ׃

English Translation

And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand.

Transliteration

Va'yar adonav ki Adonai ito ve'chol asher-hu oseh Adonai matzli'ach be'yado.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֣רְא אֲדֹנָ֔יו כִּ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה אִתּ֑וֹ וְכֹל֙ אֲשֶׁר־ה֣וּא עֹשֶׂ֔ה יְהֹוָ֖ה מַצְלִ֥יחַ בְּיָדֽוֹ׃
וַיַּ֣רְא אֲדֹנָ֔יו כִּ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה אִתּ֑וֹ וְכֹל֙ אֲשֶׁר־ה֣וּא עֹשֶׂ֔ה יְהֹוָ֖ה מַצְלִ֥יחַ בְּיָדֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Genesis 39:3) describes how Potipar, Yosef's (Joseph's) master in Egypt, recognized that Hashem was with Yosef and that everything he did succeeded. This observation led Potipar to entrust Yosef with increasing responsibilities in his household.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Potipar saw "the Name of Hashem" frequently in Yosef's mouth—meaning Yosef consistently spoke with reverence for Hashem and attributed his success to Divine providence. This public acknowledgment of Hashem's role in his life made it evident that Yosef was righteous and deserving of blessing.

The Rambam's Perspective

The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 5:13) teaches that a person's actions should be for the sake of Heaven, and their business dealings should be conducted with honesty and integrity. Yosef exemplified this ideal, and his success was a direct result of his unwavering commitment to Torah values even in a foreign land.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 86:6) elaborates that Potipar noticed supernatural occurrences in Yosef's work—such as blessings in his household's produce and prosperity in all matters under Yosef's care. This demonstrated that Hashem rewards those who remain steadfast in their faith even under challenging circumstances.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Divine Providence: Success comes from Hashem, and recognizing this brings further blessing (as seen in Mishlei 3:6).
  • Kiddush Hashem: Yosef sanctified Hashem's name by openly attributing his success to Divine will, influencing even an Egyptian master.
  • Integrity in Exile: Yosef maintained his righteousness despite being in an immoral environment, proving that one can serve Hashem under any conditions.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 20a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about divine favor and success, illustrating how God's presence with an individual leads to their prosperity.
📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing Joseph's righteousness and how his success was attributed to God's presence with him.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 39:3 mean when it says 'the Lord was with him'?
A: The phrase 'the Lord was with him' means that Yosef (Joseph) had divine assistance and favor in all his actions. Rashi explains that this was evident through the success and wisdom Yosef displayed in Potiphar's household, showing that Hashem was guiding him even in difficult circumstances.
Q: Why is it important that Yosef succeeded in Potiphar's house?
A: Yosef's success in Potiphar's house is important because it shows that righteousness and trust in Hashem bring blessing, even in exile. The Midrash teaches that Yosef remained faithful to his upbringing and mitzvot, which is why Hashem granted him success—a lesson for all Jews in maintaining their values under any conditions.
Q: How can we apply the message of Genesis 39:3 in our lives today?
A: We learn from this verse that when we act with integrity and recognize that Hashem is with us, we can find success in our endeavors. The Rambam teaches that divine assistance follows those who dedicate their actions to serving Hashem, just as Yosef did. This encourages us to trust in Hashem’s guidance in our daily lives.
Q: What does it mean that 'the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand'?
A: This means that Yosef’s efforts were blessed with success because of his righteousness. The Talmud (Berachot 20a) discusses how divine blessing accompanies those who are morally upright. Yosef’s success wasn’t just due to his skills but because Hashem ensured his efforts bore fruit.
Q: Why did Potiphar notice that Hashem was with Yosef?
A: Potiphar saw that Yosef’s work was unusually successful and blessed, which indicated divine favor. Rashi notes that even non-Jews like Potiphar could recognize Yosef’s righteousness and the hand of Hashem in his life—demonstrating that true goodness is visible to all.