Genesis 39:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When the Almighty's hand reveals its guiding presence, all challenges become manageable, and even those who are harsh display unexpected gentleness. Divine assistance manifests generously when we embody true virtue. This righteous individual, having performed numerous good deeds, garnered substantial reward. Following his brave actions, he was imprisoned and endured his trials with silence. Those who are innocent and have nothing to regret maintain their composure when faced with false accusations, confidently declaring their integrity against their accusers. In contrast, this man remains quiet, accepting his fate with humility, patiently awaiting God's aid.

He also gained authority over the ‘prison’, as stated. In their endeavors, the saints extended themselves, for God’s grace provided solace to those who toiled the hardest. Joseph, as mentioned, was greatly appreciative of the prison guard.

Joseph found himself incarcerated as a criminal, despite his innocence before God. Yet even in captivity, the Lord remained by his side due to his righteousness. The Lord assisted Joseph in his time of trial, not immediately but purposefully, so that His glory could shine more brightly through him. The one who was tested with patience was honored in a manner befitting his faithfulness. It is indeed the case that the virtuous Joseph faced harsh and humiliating circumstances for his commitment to purity. Had he chosen to pursue a disgraceful woman, he would have willingly borne the pain of her desires; she, in turn, would have valued his devotion only if he demonstrated a willingness to endure hardships for her sake—a devotion not to love, but to her destructive passions.

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob accompanied him, examining hearts and innermost beings, and granted him favor in the sight of the prison officer, who then chose to leave him undisturbed, for the Lord never abandons those who earnestly revere Him.

Is it not remarkable that those who are incarcerated are visited by Christ, who indicated that He identifies with His people during their confinement, as it is written: I was in prison, and you did not visit Me (Matthew 25:43)? Where does God’s mercy not reach? Joseph experienced such grace that, while he was imprisoned, he managed the prison itself, causing the warden to relinquish his responsibilities and place all the inmates under Joseph’s care. Thus, not only did Joseph himself remain unaffected by the chains of the dungeon, but he also alleviated the suffering of his fellow prisoners.

The husband, ignoring any possibility for justification, imprisoned Joseph. Yet the sincere Eye, the Lawgiver and arbiter of purity, elevated Joseph to royal authority. Thus, we too shall not view as dreadful slander, accusations, or anything else that may appear alarming, except for one transgression. It is certain that, whether in this life or the next, we will be blessed with the most invaluable rewards.

The Lord, who had selected Joseph since his youth and assisted him during his time in captivity as well as in the household of Pentephrius, did not forsake him even in prison. Instead, He placed the entirety of the prison and its inmates under the young prisoner’s charge, just as Pentephrius had done, placing complete trust in Joseph's stewardship.

Although Joseph faced the trials of slavery and imprisonment, he would ultimately be exalted to a position of power. Even in confinement, Joseph experiences a tranquility that eludes his free brothers; this is the peace of a virtuous heart, the assurance of a clear conscience, the joy bestowed by the heavenly spirit upon an innocent soul, and a glimpse of the happiness prepared for the righteous children of God, delivered not only through virtue but also through the boundless generosity of the Father in heaven.