Genesis 39:7-17

7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.

8 But he refused and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand;

9 there is none greater in this house than I; neither has he kept back anything from me but thee because thou art his wife; how then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?

10 And it came to pass as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not hearken unto her, to lie by her or to be with her.

11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business, and none of those of the house were there within.

12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me; and he left his garment in her hand and fled and got outside.

13 And it came to pass when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled forth,

14 that she called unto those of her house and spoke unto them, saying, See, he has brought in a Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice;

15 and it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me and fled and left.

16 And she laid up his garment by her until his lord came home.

17 And she spoke unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew slave, whom thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to dishonour me;

Genesis 39:7-17 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.