Keraia
Genesis 39

Genesis 39:8

Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife · Genesis 39:1–12
Read Genesis 39

Translations

Modern
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.
Traditional
But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;
Literal
And he refused, and said to the wife of his lord, “Behold, my lord has not known with me what is in the house, and all that he had he has put in my hand.
Latin
Qui nequaquam acquiescens operi nefario, dixit ad eam: Ecce dominus meus, omnibus mihi traditis, ignorat quid habeat in domo sua:

Interlinear

Hebrew
English
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.

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.

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 Sin: Repugnant to Righteous People Temptation: Resistance To Women: Potiphar's Wife, in Her Lascivious Lust and Slander Against Joseph