Genesis 39:10

Translations

Modern

Although Potiphar’s wife spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be near her.

Traditional

And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.

Literal

And it came to pass, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not listen to her, to lie beside her, to be with her.

Latin

Hujuscemodi verbis per singulos dies, et mulier molesta erat adolescenti: et ille recusabat stuprum.

Original

Hebrew

English

Although Potiphar’s wife spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be near her.

Notes

Genesis 39:6–10

A major theme in wisdom literature (wise teaching about how to live well; see study note on 37:2–50:26) is a warning to young people: sexual sin and other wrong behavior will lead to harm and ruin (compare Proverbs 5–7). Joseph resisted temptation because he had godly wisdom. He was guided by the fear of the Lord (a deep respect and reverence for God that leads to obedience; Proverbs 1:7; 9:10).

Genesis 39:1–23

Joseph was honest and faithful in his work for Potiphar. This is very different from Judah, who failed morally (chapter 38). God was with Joseph (39:2–3, 21, 23). He helped Joseph succeed and become a blessing to others (see study notes on 12:1–9; 28:16–22), even while Joseph was a slave and later in prison.

Genesis 39:1–47:31

Joseph began as a slave, alienated from his brothers and separated from his father; he ended as Pharaoh’s viceroy. Through the trips to Egypt, the covenant family went from the brink of apostasy, divided by jealousy and deception, to being reconciled and united by Judah’s intercession and Joseph’s forgiveness.

Theme notes and profiles

Egypt Joseph Suffering in Following God Symbolic Numbers The Righteous Suffer

Related verses

1 Peter 2:11
Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul.
1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
1 Thessalonians 5:22
Abstain from every form of evil.
1 Corinthians 6:18
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.
2 Timothy 2:22
Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Proverbs 2:16
It will rescue you from the forbidden woman, from the stranger with seductive words
Genesis 39:8
But he refused. “Look,” he said to his master’s wife, “with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in his house, and he has entrusted everything he owns to my care.
Proverbs 23:27
For a prostitute is a deep pit, and an adulteress is a narrow well.
Proverbs 9:14
She sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the heights of the city,
Proverbs 7:13
She seizes him and kisses him; she brazenly says to him:
Proverbs 6:25–26
Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.
Proverbs 1:15
…my son, do not walk the road with them or set foot upon their path.

People

Joseph: Son of Jacob, ruler in Egypt

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Genesis, Book of Jacob Joseph Patriarchs, Period of the

Topics

Adultery: Potiphar's Wife Character: Firmness: Joseph in Resisting Potiphar's Wife Chastity: Joseph Conscience: Faithful of Joseph, when Potiphar's Wife Tried to Seduce Him Continence: Joseph Decision: Joseph Egypt: Israel in Joseph Unjustly Cast Into Prison False Accusation: Incidents Illustrative of Against Joseph by Potiphar's Wife Integrity: Joseph, in Resisting Potiphar's Wife Joseph: Son of Jacob: Joseph's Integrity Master: Unjust Master: Potiphar's Wife to Joseph Servant: Good: Joseph Temptation: Resistance To Women: Potiphar's Wife, in Her Lascivious Lust and Slander Against Joseph

Genesis 39:10

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Related verses?