Welcome to our challenging Genesis 39 quiz!
This isn’t your typical Bible quiz. Each question is crafted to make you consider the finer points of the story, so take your time and read closely.
Bible Trivia Quiz Questions on Genesis Chapter 39
As you go through each question, remember that the answers may seem similar, so take your time and think carefully.
Genesis 39 Quiz with Answers and Explanations
Question No. 1
What position did Potiphar hold in Egypt?
- A. Ruler of Egypt
- B. Captain of the guard
- C. Chief Steward
- D. Pharaoh’s right hand
- E. Military Commander
Answer: B. Captain of the guard
Explanation: Potiphar was an officer of Pharaoh and held the title of “captain of the guard,” overseeing security and often managing prisoners. (Genesis 39:1)
Question No. 2
Who purchased Joseph when he was brought down to Egypt?
- A. An Egyptian nobleman
- B. Pharaoh himself
- C. A Canaanite merchant
- D. A high priest
- E. None of the above
Answer: E. None of the above
Explanation: Joseph was sold by the Ishmaelites to Potiphar, who served as an officer of Pharaoh in Egypt. (Genesis 39:1)
Question No. 3
In Potiphar’s house, what was the only thing withheld from Joseph’s authority?
- A. The household treasury
- B. The livestock
- C. Potiphar’s wife
- D. The family estate
- E. Potiphar’s personal affairs
Answer: C. Potiphar’s wife
Explanation: Potiphar trusted Joseph with everything in his household except his wife. (Genesis 39:9)
Question No. 4
What was the specific reason Joseph gave for refusing Potiphar’s wife’s advances?
- A. Fear of punishment
- B. Love for Potiphar
- C. Respect for Egyptian customs
- D. Concern over his own reputation
- E. None of the above
Answer: E. None of the above
Explanation: Joseph refused her advances, stating it would be a sin against God to do such wickedness. (Genesis 39:9)
Question No. 5
What item of Joseph’s clothing was left in Potiphar’s wife’s hand when he fled from her?
- A. His belt
- B. His garment
- C. His sandals
- D. His cloak
- E. His head covering
Answer: B. His garment
Explanation: When Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife, he left his garment behind as she grasped it. (Genesis 39:12)
Question No. 6
How many times did Potiphar’s wife attempt to persuade Joseph before he ran away?
- A. Only once
- B. Twice
- C. Every day
- D. Three times
- E. Seven times
Answer: C. Every day
Explanation: She repeatedly tried to persuade Joseph, approaching him daily, but he refused her. (Genesis 39:10)
Question No. 7
What accusation did Potiphar’s wife make against Joseph?
- A. He stole from her
- B. He spread rumors about her
- C. He was plotting against Potiphar
- D. He wanted to marry her
- E. None of the above
Answer: E. None of the above
Explanation: She accused Joseph of attempting to force himself upon her, a claim she made to Potiphar upon his return. (Genesis 39:14)
Question No. 8
Who did Potiphar’s wife first tell about the alleged incident with Joseph?
- A. Potiphar
- B. Her friends
- C. The other servants
- D. The guards
- E. Pharaoh’s attendants
Answer: C. The other servants
Explanation: Potiphar’s wife called the men of her household first to tell them her version of events. (Genesis 39:14)
Question No. 9
When Potiphar heard his wife’s story about Joseph, how did he react?
- A. He questioned Joseph
- B. He investigated further
- C. He doubted her story
- D. He wept
- E. None of the above
Answer: E. None of the above
Explanation: Potiphar’s anger was kindled, and he believed his wife’s account without questioning Joseph. (Genesis 39:19)
Question No. 10
Where was Joseph sent after Potiphar believed his wife’s story?
- A. To Pharaoh’s prison
- B. To a public trial
- C. To a pit outside the city
- D. To a dungeon
- E. All of the above
Answer: D. To a dungeon
Explanation: Joseph was placed in the prison where the king’s prisoners were held, often described as a dungeon. (Genesis 39:20)
Question No. 11
What happened to Joseph while he was in prison?
- A. He despaired
- B. He led a rebellion
- C. He became sick
- D. He was released within a month
- E. None of the above
Answer: E. None of the above
Explanation: Joseph quickly gained favor with the prison keeper, who entrusted him with significant responsibilities. (Genesis 39:22)
Question No. 12
Who granted Joseph favor in prison?
- A. The prison keeper
- B. Potiphar
- C. Pharaoh
- D. The Lord
- E. The guards
Answer: D. The Lord
Explanation: The Lord was with Joseph in prison, causing him to find favor and prosper even there. (Genesis 39:21)
Question No. 13
What was Joseph responsible for in prison?
- A. Organizing meals
- B. Guarding prisoners
- C. Managing other prisoners
- D. Maintaining prison records
- E. Overseeing cell repairs
Answer: C. Managing other prisoners
Explanation: The prison keeper put all the prisoners under Joseph’s care, trusting him to handle their needs. (Genesis 39:22)
Question No. 14
What was the prison keeper’s attitude towards Joseph’s responsibilities?
- A. Skeptical
- B. Unconcerned
- C. Careful oversight
- D. Strict
- E. Resentful
Answer: B. Unconcerned
Explanation: The prison keeper didn’t supervise Joseph closely, trusting him completely. (Genesis 39:23)
Question No. 15
Who was ultimately responsible for the prosperity Joseph experienced in prison?
- A. The prison keeper
- B. Joseph’s skills
- C. The Lord
- D. His fellow prisoners
- E. Potiphar’s influence
Answer: C. The Lord
Explanation: The Lord made Joseph prosper in everything he did, even in the difficult circumstances of prison. (Genesis 39:23)
Question No. 16
How did Joseph’s favor in Potiphar’s house compare to his favor in prison?
- A. He was less favored in prison
- B. It was equal in both
- C. He had more authority in prison
- D. He felt abandoned in prison
- E. He was untrusted in prison
Answer: B. It was equal in both
Explanation: Both in Potiphar’s house and in prison, the Lord was with Joseph, and he found favor in both places. (Genesis 39:21-23)
Question No. 17
Who did Potiphar’s wife blame for bringing Joseph into their lives?
- A. The Ishmaelites
- B. Her husband
- C. Pharaoh
- D. The Lord
- E. Joseph’s family
Answer: B. Her husband
Explanation: She implied that her husband was at fault by saying, “See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us.” (Genesis 39:14)
Question No. 18
How did Joseph’s conduct reflect his relationship with God?
- A. He sought revenge
- B. He prayed daily
- C. He refused sin
- D. He followed Egyptian customs
- E. He spoke boldly of God
Answer: C. He refused sin
Explanation: Joseph’s refusal of sin with Potiphar’s wife showed his deep reverence for God’s commandments. (Genesis 39:9)
Question No. 19
What did Joseph say would happen if he sinned with Potiphar’s wife?
- A. He would lose his life
- B. God would punish him
- C. He would sin against God
- D. Pharaoh would be angered
- E. Potiphar would imprison him
Answer: C. He would sin against God
Explanation: Joseph’s refusal emphasized that sinning with her would be a sin directly against God. (Genesis 39:9)
Question No. 20
What effect did the Lord’s presence have on Joseph’s situation, even in prison?
- A. It made him bitter
- B. It made him successful
- C. It alienated others
- D. It caused him to lose hope
- E. It kept him isolated
Answer: B. It made him successful
Explanation: The Lord’s presence made Joseph successful in everything he did, regardless of his circumstances. (Genesis 39:23)