Genesis 39:6-12

6 So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome,
7 and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!”
8 But he refused. “With me in charge,” he told her, “my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care.
9 No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”
10 And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.
11 One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside.
12 She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.

Genesis 39:6-12 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 13

  • 1. Genesis 24:2
  • 2. S Genesis 12:11; Exodus 2:2; 1 Samuel 9:2; 1 Samuel 16:12; 1 Samuel 17:42; Esther 2:7; Daniel 1:4
  • 3. S Genesis 38:16; 2 Samuel 13:11; Proverbs 7:15-18
  • 4. Proverbs 6:23-24
  • 5. S ver 4
  • 6. Genesis 41:33,40
  • 7. S Genesis 13:13; S Numbers 22:34; Genesis 20:6; Genesis 42:18; 2 Samuel 12:13
  • 8. Esther 3:4
  • 9. Exodus 18:20; Deuteronomy 1:18
  • 10. ver 14
  • 11. 2 Samuel 13:11; Proverbs 7:13
  • 12. S Genesis 38:16
  • 13. ver 15; Proverbs 5:8; 2 Timothy 2:22
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