Genesis 39:3-13

3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him, making everything he did go well.

4 And having a high opinion of Joseph as his servant, he made him the overseer of his house and gave him control over all he had.

5 And from the time when he made him overseer and gave him control of all his property, the blessing of the Lord was with the Egyptian, because of Joseph; the blessing of the Lord was on all he had, in the house and in the field.

6 And he gave Joseph control of all his property, keeping no account of anything, but only the food which was put before him. Now Joseph was very beautiful in form and face.

7 And after a time, his master's wife, looking on Joseph with desire, said to him, Be my lover.

8 But he would not, and said to her, You see that my master keeps no account of what I do in his house, and has put all his property in my control;

9 So that no one has more authority in this house than I have; he has kept nothing back from me but you, because you are his wife; how then may I do this great wrong, sinning against God?

10 And day after day she went on requesting Joseph to come to her and be her lover, but he would not give ear to her.

11 Now one day he went into the house to do his work; and not one of the men of the house was inside.

12 And pulling at his coat, she said, Come to my bed; but slipping out of his coat, he went running away.

13 And when she saw that he had got away, letting her keep his coat,

Genesis 39:3-13 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.