Genesis 39:11

KJV

And it came to pass about this time, that [Joseph] went into the house to do his business; and [there was] none of the men of the house there within.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass about this time {H3117}, that Joseph went {H935} into the house {H1004} to do {H6213} his business {H4399}; and there was none of the men {H376}{H582} of the house {H1004} there within.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, one day, when he went into the house to do his work, and none of the men living in the house was there indoors,

Berean Standard Bible

One day, however, Joseph went into the house to attend to his work, and not a single household servant was inside.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass about this time, that he went into the house to do his work; and there was none of the men of the house there within.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 39:11 details a calculated moment in Joseph's life where Potiphar's wife orchestrated a private encounter to tempt him, creating an environment of isolation designed to pressure him into sexual sin. This pivotal verse sets the stage for a profound test of Joseph's unwavering integrity and faithfulness to God, highlighting his commitment to his duties even as he faced intense, persistent temptation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a critical juncture within the broader narrative of Joseph's life in Egypt, specifically following his rise to a position of authority in Potiphar's household. Having been sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Joseph's remarkable success and prosperity are consistently attributed to the Lord's presence and blessing upon him, as explicitly stated in [Genesis 39:2-3](/genesis/39-2-3 "The Lord's Blessing on Joseph"). For an unspecified period, Potiphar's wife had been relentlessly attempting to seduce Joseph. Joseph, demonstrating extraordinary moral fortitude, had consistently refused her advances, appealing to his loyalty to his master and, more significantly, to his profound commitment not to sin against God, as recorded in [Genesis 39:8-9](/genesis/39-8-9 "Joseph's Refusal to Sin Against God"). [Genesis 39:11](/genesis/39-11 "The Setup for Joseph's Temptation") specifically describes the culmination of her persistent efforts, detailing the precise timing and isolated environment she meticulously created to intensify her illicit pressure, leading directly into the dramatic confrontation and Joseph's flight in the subsequent verses.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Egypt, household management, especially in the home of a high-ranking official like Potiphar (who was "an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard"), would have been highly structured. Slaves, particularly those in positions of trust like Joseph, were integral to the household's functioning. While Joseph, as chief steward, held significant authority, he remained a slave, making him vulnerable to the whims and accusations of his master's wife. Egyptian law and social norms held women in higher regard than some other ancient Near Eastern cultures, but an accusation from a woman of high status against a slave would likely be taken seriously, with the slave having little recourse. The concept of "doing business" (מְלָאכָה, *melâʼkâh*) for a steward would encompass a wide range of administrative and managerial duties within the estate, often requiring access to various parts of the house. The absence of "men of the house" implies a deliberate manipulation of the typical household routine, creating a window of opportunity for the illicit encounter.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 39:11 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God's hand is at work even in Joseph's suffering and temptation, preparing him for future leadership. The verse vividly portrays the theme of **Integrity and Righteousness**, showcasing Joseph's unwavering moral character in the face of intense sexual temptation, a stark contrast to the moral failures seen earlier in Genesis (e.g., [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Sodom and Gomorrah")). It highlights the **Insidious Nature of Temptation**, revealing how sin often seeks opportune moments and isolated environments to exert maximum pressure. Furthermore, Joseph's response (though detailed in the subsequent verse, it's set up here) introduces the critical theme of **Fleeing Sin** and the **Suffering of the Righteous**, where faithfulness to God may lead to immediate hardship but ultimately results in vindication and divine blessing, echoing principles found in [Psalm 34:19](/psalm/34-19 "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **time (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** H3117. This word, typically translated as "day," carries a broader meaning of a "space of time defined by an associated term," often used adverbially. In [Genesis 39:11](/genesis/39-11 "Joseph's Temptation in Potiphar's House"), "about this time" (literally, "like this day") implies a specific, opportune moment or a regular occurrence that Potiphar's wife exploited. It suggests a pre-planned, calculated timing rather than a random event, emphasizing the deliberate nature of her scheme.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** H1004. This versatile term refers to a physical dwelling, but also extends to the concept of a household, family, or even a palace. Here, it signifies the physical structure of Potiphar's residence. The repetition of "into the house" and "of the house there within" underscores the confined, private setting of the temptation. The "house" becomes a stage for the moral drama, a place where Joseph's integrity is tested in isolation from the broader community.
* **business (Hebrew, _mᵉlâʼkâh'_):** H4399. This word denotes "employment," "work," or "occupation," often implying a significant and responsible task, never servile. Joseph's "business" was his legitimate, daily duties as chief steward of Potiphar's vast estate. This detail is crucial: Joseph was not loitering or seeking out a compromising situation; he was diligently performing his assigned, honorable work. This highlights his blameless conduct and the unprovoked nature of the temptation he faced.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass about this time":** This introductory phrase signals a specific, deliberate moment in the unfolding narrative. The Hebrew construction suggests not a random occurrence but a pre-meditated or regularly occurring window of opportunity that Potiphar's wife had identified and exploited. It emphasizes the calculated nature of her plan to isolate Joseph and intensify her advances.
* **"that [Joseph] went into the house to do his business":** This clause highlights Joseph's blameless conduct and steadfast diligence. He was not seeking out confrontation or lingering in a compromising situation; rather, he was engaged in his legitimate, daily responsibilities as the chief steward of Potiphar's household. His focus was on his assigned tasks, demonstrating a consistent work ethic and commitment to his master's affairs, even in the face of ongoing harassment.
* **"and [there was] none of the men of the house there within":** This crucial detail reveals the carefully engineered isolation that Potiphar's wife had created. The complete absence of any male servants or other household members meant there were no witnesses to interrupt or report the encounter. This calculated removal of external accountability was intended to maximize Joseph's vulnerability and minimize his perceived escape routes, allowing her to apply maximum pressure without fear of immediate discovery.

#### Literary Devices
[Genesis 39:11](/genesis/39-11 "Joseph's Temptation in Potiphar's House") masterfully employs **Suspense** and **Foreshadowing**. The phrase "about this time" creates immediate **Suspense**, hinting at a pre-planned event rather than a spontaneous one, building anticipation for what is about to transpire. The meticulous detail of "none of the men of the house there within" intensifies this suspense, highlighting the engineered isolation and the profound vulnerability Joseph faces. This setup also serves as **Foreshadowing**, preparing the reader for the dramatic confrontation that follows in the next verse, where Joseph's integrity will be put to the ultimate test. The scene's carefully controlled **Setting**—an empty house—is itself a device, symbolizing the moral vacuum Potiphar's wife attempts to create, where external constraints are removed, and only Joseph's internal moral compass can guide him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the insidious nature of temptation, which often seeks moments of isolation and perceived vulnerability to intensify its pressure. Joseph's commitment to his "business" underscores that true integrity is often displayed not in grand theological pronouncements, but in consistent diligence and moral uprightness within the mundane, daily duties of life. Despite the physical absence of others, Joseph's subsequent actions reveal his profound awareness of God's omnipresence, demonstrating that he lived as if God was always watching, which He was. This passage sets the stage for a critical lesson on the necessity of decisive action against sin, highlighting that when confronted with temptation, the call is not to negotiate, but to flee.

* [1 Corinthians 10:13](/1_corinthians/10-13 "God Provides a Way of Escape from Temptation")
* [James 1:13-15](/james/1-13-15 "The Origin and Progression of Temptation")
* [2 Timothy 2:22](/2_timothy/2-22 "Flee Youthful Lusts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 39:11](/genesis/39-11 "Joseph's Integrity Tested") offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today regarding integrity, resisting temptation, and living with a God-conscious awareness. It serves as a stark reminder that temptation often seeks moments of isolation and perceived vulnerability, urging us to be keenly aware of our surroundings and the potential traps that can be set by sin. Joseph's example teaches us that true faithfulness is frequently revealed not in extraordinary circumstances, but in our consistent commitment to ordinary duties and a steadfast work ethic, even when facing external pressures or internal desires. Furthermore, his unwavering conviction that God was present, even when no human eyes were watching, underscores the critical importance of cultivating an acute awareness of God's omnipresence in every aspect of our lives. Like Joseph, we are called not to linger, rationalize, or negotiate when confronted with sin, but to proactively flee from it, trusting that God provides a way of escape and empowers us to live righteously.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I identify and respond to "opportune times" or "isolated environments" where temptation might be strongest in my own life?**
* **In what ways can my commitment to daily "business" or ordinary duties become a context for demonstrating integrity and faithfulness to God?**
* **How does an awareness of God's omnipresence influence my choices and actions, particularly when I feel "alone" and unobserved by others?**
* **What practical steps can I take to "flee" from specific temptations, rather than entertaining or rationalizing them?**

### FAQ

**Why does the text specify "about this time" and "none of the men of the house there within"?**

Answer: The specific details "about this time" (Hebrew: *k'hayom hazeh*) and "none of the men of the house there within" are crucial for highlighting the deliberate and calculated nature of Potiphar's wife's temptation. It signifies that this was not a random or spontaneous encounter but a carefully orchestrated setup designed to create maximum opportunity for her illicit advances by ensuring complete privacy and Joseph's perceived vulnerability. This calculated timing and environmental control underscore the malicious intent behind her actions.

**Does Joseph's act of "doing his business" imply he was unaware of the danger?**

Answer: Joseph's diligence in "doing his business" (Hebrew: *la'asoth melakhto*) emphasizes his commitment to his legitimate duties rather than any naivete. He was simply fulfilling his regular responsibilities as the chief steward. While he was undoubtedly aware of Potiphar's wife's persistent advances (as detailed in [Genesis 39:7-10](/genesis/39-7-10 "Potiphar's Wife's Persistent Temptation")), his focus was on his work, not on seeking out or lingering in a compromising situation. His integrity is shown in his consistent dedication to his legitimate tasks, even as he was being harassed.

**What is the significance of the absence of "men of the house"?**

Answer: The absence of "men of the house" (Hebrew: *v'en ish me'anshei habayit*) signifies the complete lack of witnesses or immediate accountability. This created a perceived "safe" space for sin, removing the fear of discovery and external intervention. It underscores the extent to which Potiphar's wife sought to isolate Joseph, believing that without human witnesses, he would be more likely to yield to her demands. This detail accentuates the profound moral test Joseph faced, as his resistance stemmed purely from his internal commitment to God rather than external pressure.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Genesis 39:11](/genesis/39-11 "Joseph's Temptation and Integrity") profoundly foreshadows Christ in its depiction of a righteous servant unjustly targeted by temptation and false accusation despite his blameless conduct while performing his duties. Joseph, diligently engaged in his "business," is confronted with a calculated, isolated temptation, yet he remains undefiled. This mirrors Christ's perfect obedience and sinlessness, even when subjected to intense temptation in the wilderness by Satan himself ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness")) and throughout His earthly ministry. Like Joseph, who refused to sin against God and his master, Jesus perfectly honored the Father and resisted every enticement, remaining without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). Joseph's subsequent suffering and unjust imprisonment, despite his innocence, also powerfully prefigure Christ's unjust suffering, crucifixion, and ultimate vindication through resurrection. This narrative demonstrates that true righteousness often leads to suffering in a fallen world, but is ultimately honored and vindicated by God, pointing to the redemptive suffering of the Lamb of God who was "led like a lamb to the slaughter" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "The Suffering Servant")) yet committed no sin ([1 Peter 2:21-23](/1_peter/2-21-23 "Christ's Example of Suffering Righteously")).

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

Jeremiah 23:24

Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

Job 24:15

The eye also of the adulterer waiteth for the twilight, saying, No eye shall see me: and disguiseth [his] face.

Malachi 3:5

And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in [his] wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger [from his right], and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.

Proverbs 9:17

Stolen waters are sweet, and bread [eaten] in secret is pleasant.

Ephesians 5:3

¶ But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

Ephesians 5:12

For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.