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Genesis 39:4 - Divine favor elevates Yosef.

Genesis 39:4 - בראשית 39:4

Hebrew Text

וַיִּמְצָא יוֹסֵף חֵן בְּעֵינָיו וַיְשָׁרֶת אֹתוֹ וַיַּפְקִדֵהוּ עַל־בֵּיתוֹ וְכָל־יֶשׁ־לוֹ נָתַן בְּיָדוֹ׃

English Translation

And Yosef found favour in his sight, and served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

Transliteration

Vayimtza Yosef chen be'eina vay'shareit oto vayafkidehu al beito v'chol yesh lo natan b'yado.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּמְצָ֨א יוֹסֵ֥ף חֵ֛ן בְּעֵינָ֖יו וַיְשָׁ֣רֶת אֹת֑וֹ וַיַּפְקִדֵ֙הוּ֙ עַל־בֵּית֔וֹ וְכׇל־יֶשׁ־ל֖וֹ נָתַ֥ן בְּיָדֽוֹ׃
וַיִּמְצָ֨א יוֹסֵ֥ף חֵ֛ן בְּעֵינָ֖יו וַיְשָׁ֣רֶת אֹת֑וֹ וַיַּפְקִדֵ֙הוּ֙ עַל־בֵּית֔וֹ וְכׇל־יֶשׁ־ל֖וֹ נָתַ֥ן בְּיָדֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Yosef's Favor in Potiphar's Eyes

The verse states that Yosef "found favor in his sight" (וַיִּמְצָא יוֹסֵף חֵן בְּעֵינָיו). Rashi explains that this favor was not merely superficial but rooted in Yosef's exceptional character and Divine blessing. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 86:6) elaborates that Hashem caused Potiphar to see Yosef's righteousness and wisdom, compelling him to trust Yosef completely.

The Meaning of "וַיְשָׁרֶת אֹתוֹ" (And Served Him)

The term "וַיְשָׁרֶת" implies more than basic service. Ramban notes that Yosef served Potiphar with wisdom and integrity, elevating his role beyond that of a typical servant. The Kli Yakar adds that Yosef's service was so exemplary that Potiphar recognized his Divine connection, as hinted in the word "אֹתוֹ," which can allude to serving Hashem even while serving a human master.

Yosef's Appointment as Overseer

The phrase "וַיַּפְקִדֵהוּ עַל־בֵּיתוֹ" (he made him overseer over his house) reflects Yosef's rapid rise to leadership. The Sforno explains that Potiphar entrusted Yosef with his entire household because he saw that Hashem's presence was with him (as later stated in Bereshit 39:3). The Talmud (Sotah 13b) teaches that Yosef's administrative skills were Divinely inspired, enabling him to manage Potiphar's estate flawlessly.

All Given into Yosef's Hand

The conclusion of the verse—"וְכָל־יֶשׁ־לוֹ נָתַן בְּיָדוֹ" (all that he had he put into his hand)—demonstrates complete trust. The Malbim emphasizes that Potiphar relinquished control entirely, recognizing Yosef's superior stewardship. The Or HaChaim highlights that this foreshadows Yosef's future role in Egypt, where he would eventually oversee all of Pharaoh's resources.

Lessons from Yosef's Experience

  • Divine Providence: Yosef's success was not merely human effort but a manifestation of Hashem's plan (Rambam, Hilchot Dei'ot 5:11).
  • Integrity in Service: Even in servitude, Yosef served with dignity, teaching that one must uphold righteousness in all circumstances (Talmud, Avodah Zarah 19a).
  • Leadership Through Merit: Yosef's promotion was earned through trustworthiness, a model for Jewish leadership (Midrash Tanchuma, Vayeshev 8).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 13b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing Joseph's righteousness and his rise to power in Potiphar's house.
📖 Yoma 35b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the virtues of Joseph and his resistance to temptation, highlighting his service in Potiphar's household.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Yosef found favor in Potiphar's eyes?
A: According to Rashi, Yosef found favor because Hashem made Potiphar see that everything Yosef did was blessed and successful. This was due to Yosef's righteousness and trust in Hashem even in difficult circumstances.
Q: Why was Yosef put in charge of Potiphar's entire household?
A: The Midrash explains that Potiphar recognized Yosef's wisdom and integrity. The Talmud (Sotah 13b) teaches that Yosef's management of Potiphar's house was so exemplary that Potiphar only needed to concern himself with the bread he ate - everything else was perfectly handled by Yosef.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's success in Potiphar's house?
A: The Rambam teaches that this shows how a righteous person behaves with excellence even when serving others. Yosef's dedication to his work, despite being a slave, demonstrates that we should perform all tasks with integrity, as if serving Hashem Himself.
Q: How does Yosef's experience apply to our lives today?
A: This teaches us that even in challenging situations, maintaining our values and working diligently can lead to success. The Sforno notes that Yosef's elevation shows that Divine Providence guides events when a person remains faithful to Torah principles.
Q: Why does the Torah emphasize that everything was put in Yosef's hand?
A: Rashi explains this phrase shows Potiphar's complete trust in Yosef. The Kli Yakar adds that this foreshadows how Yosef would later administer all of Egypt, teaching that small tests of integrity prepare us for greater responsibilities.