Joseph’s slave status in Egypt is due to his having been taken by force (see 37.28).

For I was indeed stolen: some languages require that this be restructured as an active expression; for example, “they kidnapped me” or “people took me by force.”

Land of the Hebrews may not have been an expression that could be used in Joseph’s time. Where he lived was called “the land of Canaan.” Translators should translate land of the Hebrews even though it probably reflects the usage of a later age; or if it is clearer we may say “from my own country.”

And here also I have done nothing … dungeon: here also refers to “here in Egypt.” See Good News Translation. We may translate, for example, “I do not deserve being put in prison because I have done nothing wrong” or “they should not have put me in prison, because I have done nothing bad.” Dungeon translates the Hebrew word for “pit,” “cistern,” or “well.” It is perhaps used by Joseph here as a reminder of the pit or cistern he was taken from and sold into Egypt; but it refers to the prison and should be translated as such.

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 .