But the LORD was with Joseph: for this expression see verse 3.

Showed him steadfast love: see 24.12 for the use of the Hebrew chesed in this expression. In some languages this is expressed figuratively; for example, “The LORD’s heart was warm toward Joseph” or “The LORD had goodness in his innermost for Joseph.”

Gave him favor in the sight of: the parallel expression occurs in 6.8; 18.3; 19.19; 32.5; 33.8, in which the individual finds favor in the eyes of someone. In our verse the LORD makes the jailer pleased or satisfied with Joseph: “The LORD made Joseph win the favor of the jailer.”

Keeper of the prison refers to the man in charge of the prisoners, called “chief jailer” or “head jailer” in English. In many languages he is called “the man in charge of the jail” or “that jail boss.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .