Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 39:4
And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all [that] he had he put into his hand.
4. ministered unto him ] Joseph’s character and capacities were first tested by personal service, and afterwards by the responsibility of general supervision.
overseer ] Joseph was made steward of the whole household, a position of which we find mention in early Egyptian records. Cf. Gen 43:16, Gen 44:1.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Verse 4. He made him overseer] hiphkid, from pakad, to visit, take care of, superintend; the same as , overseer or bishop, among the Greeks. This is the term by which the Septuagint often express the meaning of the original.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
He served him, not now as a slave, but in a higher degree.
All that he had he put into his hand, i.e. committed to his care and management, as Gen 16:6.
Object. How could this be, when Joseph understood not the Egyptian tongue?
Answ. Joseph doubtless when he came thither did as much as possibly he could endeavour to get the knowledge of that language, and being a person of excellent parts, would soon obtain it, especially because of the great affinity between that language and his own. Nor must we think that Joseph was thus highly advanced in an instant, but by degrees, step by step, and after some considerable time.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
And Joseph found grace in his sight,…. In the sight of his master, as he did in the sight of God, he had favour both with God and man; his master had a high esteem of him, and a great value for him, and showed him much kindness and respect:
and he served him; readily, willingly, cheerfully, and faithfully; or he served him personally; his master took such a liking to him, that he selected him from the rest of his servants to wait on his person, and to be what we now call a “valet de chambre”, whose business was to dress and undress him, to wait upon him at table, c.
and he made him overseer over his house, and all [that] he had he put into his hand that is, after he had served him some time, in the capacity of a valet, he advanced him, and made him the head servant, or steward of his house, and committed all his business, cash, and accounts to his care, and put all his servants under him.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Pro 16:7
Sweet argument this! It was a sin against himself. It was a sin even against his mistress! It was a sin against a kind master. But he passeth all these by as of lesser consideration, to argue the abominable nature of the sin against GOD: being particularly an Israelite, and in covenant with GOD.
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Gen 39:4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all [that] he had he put into his hand.
Ver. 4. And Joseph found grace in his sight. ] This also was of God, who fashioneth men’s opinions, and therefore Paul, though he went to carry alms (and such are commonly welcome), yet prays that his “service might be accepted of the saints.” Rom 15:31
And he served him.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
served = became his personal servant.
hand. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause). App-6. Hand put for care which it takes.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Joseph: Gen 39:21, Gen 18:3, Gen 19:19, Gen 32:5, Gen 33:8, Gen 33:10, 1Sa 16:22, Neh 2:4, Neh 2:5, Pro 16:7
overseer: Gen 39:22, Gen 15:2, Gen 24:2, Gen 41:40, Gen 41:41, Pro 14:35, Pro 17:2, Pro 22:29, Pro 27:18, Act 20:28
Reciprocal: Gen 24:10 – all the Gen 39:6 – he left Gen 43:16 – the ruler Rth 2:6 – the servant 1Ki 11:19 – found 1Ki 16:9 – steward of 1Ki 18:3 – the governor of his house Mat 20:8 – unto Luk 7:2 – who Luk 19:17 – Well
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Gen 39:4. He made him overseer over all that he had Committed all to his care and management. But it may be asked how this could be, since Joseph understood not the Egyptian language? In answer to which it may be observed, that, undoubtedly, as soon as he came thither he would do his utmost to obtain the knowledge of that language, and being a person of good parts, would soon obtain it, especially as there was a great affinity between that language and his own. Besides, it is not to be supposed that Joseph was highly advanced at once, but step by step, and after some considerable time. For, considering Potiphars office and station, it is not likely that he would thus prefer Joseph till he had had full evidence of his fidelity, as well as of his ability to manage so great a trust.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
39:4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him {c} overseer over his house, and all [that] he had he put into his hand.
(c) Because God prospered him: and so he made religion serve his profit.