Master
Master denotes Abraham and Potiphar in servant relationships.
In the source passages, the term "master" refers primarily to Abraham, the patriarch, as addressed by his servant (Genesis 24:9, 12, 27, 35, 36, 37, 39, 42, 44, 48, 49, 54, 56, 65). It also refers to Potiphar, an Egyptian official, in the account of Joseph (Genesis 39:2, 3, 7, 8, 19, 20). The servant consistently uses "my master" to denote Abraham, while Joseph's master is an unnamed Egyptian who oversees his household and later imprisons him.
Quick Facts
- Abraham called master
- Genesis 24:9, 12, 27, 35, 36, 37, 39, 42, 44, 48, 49, 54, 56, 65
- Potiphar called master
- Genesis 39:2, 3, 7, 8, 19, 20
- Master's wife makes advance
- Genesis 39:7
- Master imprisons joseph
- Genesis 39:20
Lore & Background
The passages depict two distinct masters. Abraham, the master of a trusted servant, sends him to Mesopotamia to find a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24:10, 37). The servant prays to the LORD God of his master Abraham for success (Genesis 24:12, 42) and later reports that the LORD led him to the house of his master's brethren (Genesis 24:27). Abraham is described as greatly blessed by the LORD with flocks, silver, gold, and servants (Genesis 24:35), and he has given all he has to his son Isaac (Genesis 24:36). The servant's loyalty is shown by swearing under Abraham's thigh (Genesis 24:9) and by refusing to delay his return (Genesis 24:54, 56). Potiphar, Joseph's master, is an Egyptian who sees that the LORD is with Joseph and prospers all he does (Genesis 39:2, 3). Potiphar commits all he has to Joseph's hand (Genesis 39:8). However, when Potiphar's wife falsely accuses Joseph, Potiphar's wrath is kindled, and he imprisons Joseph (Genesis 39:19, 20). The term "master" thus covers both a benevolent patriarch and a foreign official who ultimately punishes his servant.
Reader's Guide
The passages portray "master" as a figure of authority and ownership, but with varying dynamics. For Abraham, the master-servant relationship is marked by trust and divine guidance: the servant swears an oath under Abraham's thigh (Genesis 24:9), carries his goods (Genesis 24:10), and prays to Abraham's God for success (Genesis 24:12). The servant repeatedly refers to Abraham as "my master" (Genesis 24:27, 35, 36, 37, 39, 42, 44, 48, 49, 54, 56, 65), emphasizing loyalty and the master's blessing. Abraham's wealth and authority are highlighted (Genesis 24:35), and the servant's mission is to secure a wife for Isaac, Abraham's son (Genesis 24:37). In contrast, Potiphar's role as master is more transactional. He recognizes Joseph's prosperity from the LORD (Genesis 39:3) and entrusts him with everything (Genesis 39:8), but when his wife accuses Joseph, Potiphar reacts with anger and imprisons him without investigation (Genesis 39:19, 20). The term "master" here denotes legal authority but not personal loyalty or divine favor. The passages thus show that a master can be a source of blessing or of punishment, depending on the context.
Elsewhere in Figures of Scripture
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