Genesis 39:7-10

7 It came about after these events 1that his master's wife looked * with desire at Joseph, and she said, "2Lie with me."
8 But 3he refused and said to his master's wife, "Behold, with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house, and he has put all that he owns in my charge.
9 "4There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing * from me except * you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and 5sin against God?"
10 As she spoke to Joseph day after day, he did not listen to her to lie beside her or be with her.

Genesis 39:7-10 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 39

In this chapter the history returns to Joseph again, who being brought down to Egypt was sold to Potiphar, with whom he found favour, and who set him over his house, the Lord prospering everything in his hands, Ge 39:1-6; and being a young man of a comely aspect, his mistress lusted after him, and tempted him to lie with her from time to time, but he as constantly refused it, as being both ingratitude to his master, and a sin against God, Ge 39:7-10; at a certain time they being alone in the house, she renewed her solicitations, and laid hold on his garment, which he left in her hand and fled, Ge 39:11,12; upon which she called to her servants without, and accused Joseph of an ill design upon her, and reported the same to her husband when he came home, Ge 39:13-19; upon which his master put him into prison, but he found favour also with the keeper of it, who committed the prisoners and all things relative to them into his hands, Ge 39:20-23.

Cross References 5

  • 1. Proverbs 7:15-20
  • 2. 2 Samuel 13:11
  • 3. Proverbs 6:23, 24
  • 4. Genesis 41:40
  • 5. Genesis 20:6; Genesis 42:18; 2 Samuel 12:13; Psalms 51:4

Footnotes 4

  • [a]. Lit "lifted up her eyes at"
  • [b]. Lit "does not know what is in the house"
  • [c]. Lit "hand"
  • [d]. Or "He is not greater"
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