Genesis 39:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Reflect on the profound mercy of the Lord toward all humanity. Just as He had previously rescued Joseph from his brothers' deadly intentions and orchestrated events leading to Joseph's being cast into a pit through Reuben’s counsel, and subsequently sold to merchants through Judah's advice, the fulfillment of Joseph's dreams served to affirm to the righteous man that these revelations were meaningful and not in vain. Likewise, the hand of the Almighty intervened to hold back the aggressor, preventing him from swiftly taking the young man’s life. What could have stayed his hand when it was revealed to him that the young man sought to dishonor his household?

He was imprisoned without garments, just as he had been cast into the wilderness's pit in a state of undress. Joseph, having triumphed over sin, was confined until the moment he would receive his reward; likewise, our Savior, in order to remove the world's sin, was entombed. Immediately, the order was given for Joseph to be taken to the prison, accompanied by numerous threats and affirmations, without any interrogation or inquiry. An unjust verdict was declared against him at that very instant, stating: "I command that Joseph be cast into the prison, and that he receive no mercy."

What can I say about the purity and integrity of St. Joseph, whom I nearly overlooked? His purity turned away the temptations of his mistress and declined her allure, while his integrity faced death without trepidation, choosing imprisonment instead. He would have been an excellent counselor on personal matters! His vibrant spirit and insightful intellect brought forth wisdom in a period of desolation, offering counsel that stemmed from the depths of his heart.

Thus, although the lord considered her accusations and accepted them, it is possible that due to his doubts about his wife—understanding how easily a woman’s nature can be swayed by desire, particularly when aroused by beauty, capable of ensnaring even the strongest individuals—he did not permit Joseph to defend himself as others suggested, instead choosing to imprison him. In this act, he did not behave cruelly, contrary to what some may think; he might have executed Joseph or subjected him to the laws that demanded death in response to her charges. Rather, he acted rightly, perhaps recognizing that his wife, caught in her intense affection for Joseph and unable to possess him, had fabricated a complaint.

What motivated Joseph, a man of exceptional beauty in both body and spirit, to be imprisoned and endure all manner of suffering within those walls? Was it not his commitment to purity that brought about these events, when the woman who had been spurned in her desires transformed her affection into bitter wrath, accusing him out of her anger for her unfulfilled infidelity before her foolish husband?

He commanded that Joseph be imprisoned in the dungeon designated for high-profile offenders, which Scripture refers to as the stronghold.

He was handed over to the prison house. In ancient times, the life of a servant held little value, and the punishment inflicted on Joseph suggests that his master was likely not fully persuaded of his guilt; rather, he seemed to have yielded to the desires of his wife and the prestige of his household. This circumstance did not add to Joseph's burden, as he was compelled to suffer not only unjustly but also at the hands of one who was well aware of his integrity and loyalty. According to the typical interpretation of Joseph's story, as pointed out by early Church Fathers, his tribulations in Egypt parallel the sufferings of Jesus Christ at the hands of the Gentiles, while Joseph's liberation and elevation mirror the actions and glorification of Jesus Christ.