Definition: And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that [were] in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer [of it].

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Genesis 39:22. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage about Joseph! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Jacob’s Dream: The story begins with Jacob, a man who was struggling with infertility. He has a recurring dream where he sees his deceased father, Isaac, coming to him. Joseph’s Birth: In this dream, Isaac appears to Joseph and tells him that he will one day become a powerful figure in Egypt. Jacob is overjoyed and promises to raise Joseph as his son. The Prison: Later, Jacob sends his youngest son, Joseph, to Egypt to be sold into slavery. He instructs his friend, Benjamin, to take care of the prisoners in a prison he’s overseeing. Joseph’s Stewardship: Joseph is tasked with managing all the prisoners – they're kept in a specific prison. He essentially becomes their guardian and oversees everything that happens inside. What This Verse Says: “And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that [were] in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer [of it].” "The keeper of the prison..." : This refers to a man named Benjamin who is overseeing the prison. "...committed to Joseph’s hand..." : This means Joseph was given control – he was assigned to manage and oversee all the prisoners. "...all the prisoners that [were] in the prison..." : This is a broad statement – all of the people held captive in this prison. "...he was the doer [of it]": This is the crucial part. Joseph acted on what happened within the prison. He made decisions and took actions for these prisoners, even though they weren’t entirely aware of his involvement. What It Means – A Possible Interpretation (and why it's complex): This verse suggests that Joseph was incredibly influential and powerful. It implies that he wasn’t just a simple guard; he influenced the situation within the prison, perhaps even leading to some positive outcomes for the prisoners (like being released). It also hints at a potential divine plan – that God is using Joseph to bring about a significant outcome. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted in a way that suggests Joseph was subtly manipulating or controlling the prisoners. However, it’s important to remember that this is just one interpretation among many, and the exact meaning of this passage remains debated by theologians and biblical scholars. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss a specific aspect of this story (like Joseph's character)? Explore different interpretations of the verse?