How does Joseph's appearance in Genesis 39:6 reflect God's favor upon him? Setting the Scene Genesis 39 opens with Joseph sold into slavery yet quickly promoted in Potiphar’s house. Verse 6 concludes: “So Potiphar left all that he owned in Joseph’s care; and he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome.” Text Focus • Potiphar’s complete confidence in Joseph underscores the preceding statement: “The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man” (Genesis 39:2). • Scripture then adds the seemingly incidental detail of Joseph’s appearance—“well-built and handsome.” In the inspired narrative, no detail is wasted; this line serves a theological purpose. Evidence of Divine Favor in Joseph’s Appearance • Tangible blessing – God’s favor touched Joseph’s body as well as his work. Psalm 103:2-5 recounts benefits that include “who satisfies you with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Physical vigor fits the pattern of God’s comprehensive blessing. • Covenant continuity – Earlier patriarchs likewise experienced visible blessing (e.g., Sarah’s lasting beauty at ninety, Genesis 20:2-7). Joseph’s attractiveness links him to a lineage under God’s favor. • Signal of distinction – Beauty in Scripture often marks someone chosen for a decisive role: – David: “He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance” (1 Samuel 16:12). – Esther: “The young woman had a lovely figure and was beautiful” (Esther 2:7). Joseph’s looks similarly foreshadow his rise to national prominence. Physical Beauty as Old Testament Indicator of Blessing • Blessing promised to Abraham includes prosperity in every realm (Genesis 12:2-3). Joseph, Abraham’s great-grandson, embodies that promise—spiritually, vocationally, and physically. • The narrative’s structure pairs “The LORD was with Joseph” (vv. 2-3) with “Joseph was well-built and handsome” (v. 6), presenting inner favor and outer evidence side by side. Handsome and Holy: How Appearance Served God’s Purposes • Instrument of testing – Joseph’s looks attract Potiphar’s wife, setting up the temptation that reveals his integrity (Genesis 39:7-12). God allows the blessing of attractiveness to double as the stage for refining character (cf. James 1:2-4). • Catalyst for advancement – The false accusation that follows propels Joseph to prison, where he meets Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker; these connections lead to Pharaoh himself (Genesis 40-41). Thus, the very trait reflecting favor also advances God’s plan to save many lives (Genesis 50:20). Application to Our Understanding of God’s Favor Today • God’s blessing encompasses the whole person—spirit, mind, and body. James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” • Visible gifts are never ends in themselves; they serve greater redemptive purposes. Whether opportunities, resources, or physical strength, all are entrusted to us for faithful stewardship (1 Corinthians 4:2). • Joseph’s story cautions against equating favor solely with pleasant circumstances; his attractiveness brought severe trials, yet God’s presence remained constant (Genesis 39:21). Joseph’s well-built, handsome appearance stands as a concrete sign of God’s favor, woven into the narrative to show that the LORD’s blessing is comprehensive, purposeful, and sovereignly directed toward His larger saving plan. |
    |