Genesis 39:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when she saw {H7200} that he had left {H5800} his garment {H899} in her hand {H3027}, and was fled {H5127} forth {H2351},

Complete Jewish Bible

When she saw that he had left his robe in her hand and had escaped,

Berean Standard Bible

When she saw that he had left his cloak in her hand and had run out of the house,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 39:13 marks a pivotal moment in Joseph's narrative, capturing the instant Potiphar's wife perceived Joseph's discarded garment as irrefutable evidence for her impending false accusation. This verse initiates the chain of events leading to Joseph's unjust imprisonment, yet it simultaneously serves as a crucial, divinely orchestrated step in God's sovereign plan to elevate Joseph to power and ultimately preserve many lives.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Joseph's resolute flight from Potiphar's wife, who had seized his outer garment in a desperate attempt to force him into sexual sin. The preceding verses establish Joseph's remarkable integrity and his unwavering commitment to God, even as he prospers in Potiphar's household ([Genesis 39:2-6](/genesis/39-2-6 "Joseph's Prosperity in Potiphar's House")). Potiphar's wife's persistent advances and Joseph's firm refusal, culminating in his declaration that he would not "sin against God" ([Genesis 39:9](/genesis/39-9 "Joseph's Refusal to Sin Against God")), set the stage for this dramatic confrontation. Joseph's flight, leaving his garment behind ([Genesis 39:12](/genesis/39-12 "Joseph Flees Temptation")), is the direct action that precipitates the event described in verse 13, where the garment transforms from an article of clothing into a damning piece of "evidence" in her hands. The narrative then swiftly moves to her immediate fabrication of a story and her summoning of the household to witness her "proof" ([Genesis 39:14-15](/genesis/39-14-15 "Potiphar's Wife Fabricates a Story")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern households, particularly in Egypt, the master of the house held absolute authority, and his wife would have significant influence within the domestic sphere. Servants and slaves, like Joseph, were entirely at the mercy of their masters and their families. Garments, especially outer cloaks, were often significant personal possessions, sometimes even serving as collateral for loans or as symbols of status. To leave one's garment behind in such a situation would be highly unusual and could easily be misinterpreted or manipulated. Furthermore, the concept of a woman's honor and the severe penalties for sexual assault were deeply ingrained in these societies. Potiphar's wife's actions reflect a calculated move to protect her reputation and exact revenge, leveraging the social dynamics and the visual "proof" of the garment to ensure Joseph's condemnation.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 39:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Joseph narrative and the book of Genesis. It highlights the theme of **integrity in the face of temptation**, showcasing Joseph's unwavering commitment to righteousness even when it leads to severe personal cost. It underscores the destructive power of **uncontrolled lust and deception**, as seen in Potiphar's wife's malicious intent. Crucially, it serves as a vivid illustration of **God's sovereignty**, demonstrating how seemingly disastrous events can be meticulously woven into His larger, redemptive plan, ultimately leading to Joseph's elevation and the preservation of life, a theme that resonates throughout the entire Joseph cycle (e.g., [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God Meant It for Good")). The verse also foreshadows the motif of **false accusation and unjust suffering** that will recur in Joseph's life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** From H7200, meaning "to see, literally or figuratively." In this context, it denotes a literal act of perception, but with immediate cognitive processing. Potiphar's wife doesn't just physically see the garment; she immediately perceives its potential as a tool for manipulation and false accusation. This "seeing" is active and leads directly to her subsequent malicious actions.
* **garment (Hebrew, _beged'_):** From H899, meaning "a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or pillage." The dual meaning here is remarkably poignant. While literally referring to Joseph's outer robe, the secondary meaning of "treachery" or "pillage" subtly foreshadows how this very garment will be used as an instrument of deceit and injustice against Joseph, effectively "pillaging" his reputation and freedom. It transforms from an innocent article of clothing into a weapon of false witness.
* **fled (Hebrew, _nûwç'_):** From H5127, meaning "to flit, i.e. vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver); (make to) flee (away, -ing)." This word emphasizes the speed and decisiveness of Joseph's departure. He did not merely walk away; he "fled" – a swift, urgent escape from the compromising situation. This verb highlights his radical commitment to avoiding sin, prioritizing immediate physical removal over any concern for his possessions or reputation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when she saw":** This opening phrase establishes the immediate cause-and-effect. Potiphar's wife's perception is the catalyst for the subsequent events. The verb "saw" (H7200) implies not just a visual observation but an instant recognition and interpretation of the situation, leading directly to her plan for revenge.
* **"that he had left his garment in her hand":** This clause describes the crucial piece of "evidence." Joseph's garment, a tangible item, is now in her possession. The act of "leaving" (H5800) signifies Joseph's complete abandonment of the item, prioritizing his escape from sin over any material possession. The "hand" (H3027) here is not merely a physical holder but symbolizes her immediate control and power over this object, which she will soon wield as a weapon.
* **"and was fled forth":** This final clause confirms Joseph's decisive action. He "fled" (H5127), indicating a swift and urgent departure, "forth" (H2351) meaning out of the house or room, emphasizing his complete removal from the scene of temptation. This act of flight, intended to preserve his purity, inadvertently provided the "proof" for her malicious scheme.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent with the "garment" itself. Initially a symbol of Joseph's status and presence in the house, it transforms into a potent symbol of false accusation and manipulated evidence. Its abandonment by Joseph symbolizes his radical commitment to purity over worldly possessions or reputation. The narrative also uses **Foreshadowing**, as this seemingly disastrous event sets in motion the very path that will lead to Joseph's eventual exaltation and the salvation of his family, echoing the divine purpose that will be explicitly stated later in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God Meant It for Good"). There is also a strong element of **Irony**: Joseph's righteous act of fleeing temptation, intended to avoid sin and preserve his integrity, is precisely what provides the means for his accuser to condemn him unjustly. This highlights the paradox that sometimes doing what is right can lead to immediate suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse underscores the profound cost of integrity in a fallen world, where righteous actions can be twisted and used for malicious purposes. Joseph's unwavering commitment to purity, even in the face of intense temptation, leads directly to his suffering, demonstrating that faithfulness to God does not always guarantee immediate earthly reward or protection from injustice. Instead, it often requires enduring hardship and trusting in a higher, divine purpose. This narrative segment powerfully illustrates the destructive nature of unchecked lust and the manipulative power of deceit, contrasting sharply with Joseph's moral fortitude. Yet, through it all, the hand of God's sovereignty is evident, orchestrating even this moment of adversity for Joseph's ultimate elevation and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

* [Proverbs 6:27-29](/proverbs/6-27-29 "The Danger of Adultery")
* [1 Corinthians 10:13](/1_corinthians/10-13 "God Provides a Way of Escape")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "All Things Work Together for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph's immediate and decisive flight from temptation in this narrative provides a timeless and powerful model for believers. His willingness to abandon a valuable possession and flee, rather than compromise his integrity, teaches us that radical obedience and immediate removal from compromising situations are often the most effective strategies against sin. This verse serves as a stark reminder that living righteously does not exempt us from suffering or false accusations; indeed, sometimes our very integrity can be the catalyst for unjust hardship. However, it calls us to trust that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even those that seem most unjust or detrimental. Our call is to remain faithful, knowing that God sees, God knows, and in His perfect timing, He will ultimately bring about His purposes and justice. Furthermore, Potiphar's wife's actions serve as a cautionary tale, illustrating the devastating consequences of unchecked lust, bitterness, and the willingness to resort to deceit and revenge to cover one's own sin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most tempted to compromise my integrity, and what "garments" might I need to "leave behind" to flee sin?**
* **How do I respond when doing the right thing leads to unexpected or unjust suffering? Do I trust in God's sovereignty in those moments?**
* **What steps can I take to proactively "flee" from temptation, rather than lingering and risking compromise?**

### FAQ
**Why was the garment so important to Potiphar's wife?**

Answer: The garment was critically important to Potiphar's wife because it served as the sole, tangible piece of "evidence" she could present to support her fabricated accusation against Joseph. In the absence of witnesses to the attempted seduction, this physical item allowed her to construct a plausible narrative that reversed the roles, portraying Joseph as the aggressor and herself as the victim. This enabled her to protect her own reputation, which would have been severely damaged if her advances were known, and to exact revenge for Joseph's rejection, ensuring his punishment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's experience in [Genesis 39:13](/genesis/39-13 "Potiphar's wife seizes Joseph's garment"), where his righteous act of fleeing temptation leads directly to his unjust suffering and imprisonment, powerfully foreshadows the innocent suffering of Jesus Christ. Joseph, a man of profound integrity, was falsely accused and condemned by a malicious party, mirroring how Jesus, "who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in his mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "Christ's Example of Suffering")), was unjustly tried and crucified based on false testimony from those who hated Him ([Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59-60 "False Witnesses Against Jesus")). Both endured profound humiliation and hardship, yet their suffering was not in vain. Joseph's journey through adversity ultimately led to his exaltation as a deliverer, saving his family and many others from famine, a clear type of Christ's redemptive work. Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection, though seemingly a defeat, led to His ultimate exaltation "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion" ([Ephesians 1:21](/ephesians/1-21 "Christ's Exaltation")) and the eternal salvation of all who believe ([Hebrews 5:9](/hebrews/5-9 "Christ, the Source of Eternal Salvation")). Thus, Joseph's integrity in the face of temptation and his subsequent suffering for righteousness' sake point to the greater righteousness and redemptive suffering of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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.