Genesis 39:10

KJV

And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, [or] to be with her.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, as she spake {H1696} to Joseph {H3130} day {H3117} by day {H3117}, that he hearkened {H8085} not unto her, to lie {H7901} by her {H681}, or to be with her.

Complete Jewish Bible

But she kept pressing him, day after day. Nevertheless, he didn't listen to her; he refused to sleep with her or even be with her.

Berean Standard Bible

Although Potiphar’s wife spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be near her.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 39:10 vividly portrays Joseph's unwavering moral fortitude and profound integrity as he consistently resisted the persistent and calculated sexual advances of Potiphar's wife. This verse highlights his unyielding commitment to purity and his deep-seated reverence for God, demonstrating a steadfast refusal to compromise his character in the face of daily, relentless temptation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Joseph's life, specifically following his sale into Egyptian slavery by his jealous brothers. Having been brought to Potiphar's house, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, Joseph quickly rises to a position of immense trust and authority due to the Lord's evident blessing upon him. [Genesis 39:1-6](/genesis/39-1-6 "Joseph's Prosperity in Potiphar's House") establishes Joseph's initial success and Potiphar's complete delegation of household management to him. The narrative then shifts to the internal challenge Joseph faces: the persistent sexual harassment from Potiphar's wife. Verse 10 emphasizes the *duration* and *intensity* of her advances, setting the stage for the climactic confrontation and Joseph's subsequent unjust imprisonment in [Genesis 39:11-20](/genesis/39-11-20 "Joseph's Refusal and Imprisonment"). This episode serves as a crucial test of Joseph's character and his commitment to God, foreshadowing his later trials and ultimate exaltation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt, like many ancient Near Eastern societies, had a complex social and legal structure. While adultery was generally condemned, particularly for women, the power dynamics within a household meant that a master's wife held significant authority over servants. Joseph, as a slave, was in an extremely vulnerable position; refusing the advances of his master's wife could carry severe consequences, including death or severe punishment, as it could be perceived as insubordination or even an insult to the household's honor. Furthermore, the concept of "being with" someone could carry connotations beyond explicit sexual acts, extending to intimate association or even simply being alone in a compromising situation. Joseph's resistance, therefore, was not merely a moral choice but a courageous act fraught with personal risk, demonstrating a profound commitment to a higher moral standard than that dictated by his immediate social circumstances.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 39:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Temptation and Integrity**, showcasing Joseph's unwavering commitment to righteousness despite immense pressure. His resistance is rooted in a deep-seated **Fear of God**, as articulated in [Genesis 39:9](/genesis/39-9 "Joseph's Declaration of Sin Against God"), where he declares that to sin against Potiphar would also be to sin against God. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Presence in Adversity**. Even in slavery and facing severe temptation, the narrative consistently affirms that "the Lord was with Joseph" ([Genesis 39:2-3](/genesis/39-2-3 "The Lord Was With Joseph")). This divine presence empowers Joseph to maintain his purity and ultimately orchestrates his path toward God's greater purposes, even through suffering, echoing similar trials faced by Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Finally, it underscores the importance of **Sexual Purity and Boundaries**, providing a foundational example of resisting illicit desires and maintaining moral uprightness in the face of persistent enticement.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **spake (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This primitive root often means "to arrange" or "to speak," but carries a sense of deliberation and intention. Here, it emphasizes that Potiphar's wife's advances were not accidental or fleeting remarks but intentional, persistent verbal propositions, indicating a calculated and sustained effort on her part to seduce Joseph. The repetition implied by "day by day" further accentuates the deliberate and continuous nature of her communication.
* **day by day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be hot," this word refers to a literal day or a defined space of time. Its repetition ("day by day") is a powerful idiomatic expression denoting continuity, persistence, and relentless regularity. It underscores the grueling, unceasing nature of the temptation Joseph faced, highlighting that his resistance was not a single heroic act but a daily, ongoing battle requiring sustained moral resolve.
* **hearkened (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This root means "to hear intelligently," often implying attention, understanding, and crucially, obedience. The phrase "hearkened not unto her" signifies Joseph's active, conscious, and resolute refusal to listen to, assent to, or obey her propositions. It implies a deliberate act of non-compliance, demonstrating his strong moral compass and his unwavering decision to resist her advances, not merely passively ignoring but actively rejecting her words and intentions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day":** This initial clause sets the scene, emphasizing the relentless and prolonged nature of the temptation. The phrase "day by day" powerfully conveys the daily, continuous assault on Joseph's integrity, highlighting that this was not a one-time event but a sustained campaign of seduction. It underscores the immense pressure Joseph was under and the extraordinary steadfastness required for his resistance.
* **"that he hearkened not unto her":** This central clause reveals Joseph's active and resolute refusal. The verb "hearkened" implies not just hearing, but listening with the intent to obey or comply. By "hearkening not," Joseph demonstrates a conscious, deliberate, and firm rejection of her advances. This was an act of will, a principled decision to resist, rooted in his deep moral convictions and fear of God.
* **"to lie by her, or to be with her":** This final clause specifies the nature and extent of Joseph's refusal. "To lie by her" explicitly refers to sexual intimacy, indicating his refusal of adultery. "Or to be with her" broadens the scope of his resistance, suggesting that he refused even to place himself in a compromising situation, to be in her presence in a way that might lead to temptation or give the appearance of impropriety. This demonstrates Joseph's comprehensive commitment to purity, establishing clear boundaries not only against the act of sin but also against circumstances that could lead to it.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective **literary devices** to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the phrase "day by day," which vividly communicates the persistent, unrelenting nature of Potiphar's wife's advances. This repetition emphasizes the extraordinary pressure Joseph endured and magnifies his unwavering resolve. There is also a strong element of **Antithesis** or **Contrast** at play: her persistent "speaking" (invitation to sin) is directly contrasted with Joseph's resolute "hearkened not" (refusal to comply). This stark opposition highlights the moral battle being waged and Joseph's steadfastness. Furthermore, the verse employs **Synecdoche** in the phrase "to lie by her, or to be with her," where specific actions (lying with, being with) represent the broader concept of sexual sin and moral compromise. This comprehensive refusal underscores Joseph's absolute commitment to purity, extending beyond the act itself to avoiding even the appearance or opportunity for sin. The narrative also uses **Characterization** by action, revealing Joseph's profound integrity and God-fearing nature through his consistent and courageous resistance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joseph's steadfast resistance in Genesis 39:10 provides a profound theological lesson on the nature of temptation, the source of true integrity, and the comprehensive scope of biblical purity. It teaches that temptation is often a sustained, daily battle, not a singular event, requiring continuous vigilance and a deep-seated commitment to God's standards. Joseph's unwavering "no" was not merely a personal preference but a principled stand rooted in his understanding that all sin is ultimately an offense against a holy God, as he explicitly states in [Genesis 39:9](/genesis/39-9 "Joseph's Fear of God"). This divine perspective provided the ultimate strength for his unwavering stand, demonstrating that true moral fortitude flows from a reverent fear of the Lord. The account also underscores the importance of establishing clear boundaries, not just against the sinful act itself, but against situations that could lead to compromise, embodying a holistic approach to purity.

* [Proverbs 6:27-28](/proverbs/6-27-28 "Proverbs on Avoiding Temptation")
* [1 Corinthians 10:13](/1_corinthians/10-13 "God Provides a Way of Escape from Temptation")
* [James 1:12-15](/james/1-12-15 "The Process of Temptation and Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph's daily resistance to Potiphar's wife offers a profound and enduring model for believers navigating the pervasive temptations of contemporary life. His example encourages us to cultivate consistent moral and spiritual boundaries, recognizing that many temptations are not isolated incidents but persistent pressures that seek to erode our resolve incrementally. In a world saturated with easily accessible enticements, his steadfastness underscores the critical need for daily spiritual discipline, intentional boundary-setting, and a constant awareness of God's holy presence. By remembering that all sin is ultimately against God, as Joseph did, we can find the divine strength necessary to persevere in righteousness, trusting that God will provide a way of escape for those committed to obeying Him, even when the path leads through hardship or unjust suffering. Joseph's story reminds us that true integrity is forged in the crucible of daily, unseen battles, and that faithfulness in small, private moments of resistance builds the character necessary for greater challenges.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "day by day" temptations do I face that require consistent vigilance and resistance?**
* **How does Joseph's motivation—seeing sin as primarily against God—strengthen my own resolve to resist temptation?**
* **What practical boundaries can I establish in my life to avoid compromising situations, even if they seem harmless at first?**
* **In what ways does Joseph's story encourage me to trust God's presence and provision even when my faithfulness leads to adversity?**

### FAQ
**How does Joseph's daily resistance inform our approach to modern temptations, especially those that are persistent or subtle?**

Answer: Joseph's "day by day" resistance highlights that many temptations are not singular events but ongoing pressures that require sustained vigilance and a consistent commitment to righteousness. In our modern world, where temptations can be easily accessed and are often subtly woven into daily routines (e.g., through digital media, social pressures, or workplace ethics), Joseph's example underscores the need for daily spiritual discipline, clear personal boundaries, and a constant awareness of God's presence and holiness. His active refusal to "hearken" or "be with" Potiphar's wife teaches us to not only avoid explicit sin but also to proactively steer clear of compromising situations or prolonged exposure to enticements. This proactive approach, rooted in a deep fear of God as seen in [Genesis 39:9](/genesis/39-9 "Joseph's Declaration of Sin Against God"), provides strength to resist consistently rather than only in moments of crisis, fostering a lifestyle of integrity and purity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's unwavering purity in the face of relentless, daily temptation powerfully foreshadows the perfect, untainted holiness of Jesus Christ. While Joseph, a man, had to actively "hearken not" and establish boundaries, Jesus, the God-man, was "in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). Joseph's suffering for righteousness, leading to his unjust imprisonment but ultimate exaltation and provision for his people, mirrors Christ's innocent suffering, death on the cross, and glorious resurrection, which secured salvation and eternal provision for all humanity. Joseph's steadfast refusal to compromise, driven by his fear of God, points to Christ's perfect obedience to the Father's will ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")) and His ultimate victory over sin and temptation ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "The Temptation of Jesus")). Through Christ, believers are not merely given an example to follow, but are empowered by His indwelling Spirit to overcome temptation, for "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" ([1 John 4:4](/1_john/4-4 "Greater is He Who is In You")). Joseph's story ultimately serves as a shadow pointing to the one who perfectly fulfilled God's righteous demands and offers true freedom from sin's dominion.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 39:8

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;

Proverbs 6:25

Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

Proverbs 6:26

For by means of a whorish woman [a man is brought] to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.

Proverbs 5:8

Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:

1 Thessalonians 5:22

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

2 Timothy 2:22

¶ Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Proverbs 5:3

For the lips of a strange woman drop [as] an honeycomb, and her mouth [is] smoother than oil: