What number verse is Genesis 39:13 in the Bible?

Genesis 39:13 is the 1,163rd verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Genesis 39:13 sits at position 1,163.

Translation

King James Version

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

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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,

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Complete Jewish Bible

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

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Berean Standard Bible

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

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American Standard Version

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

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World English Bible Messianic

When she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and had run outside,

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Geneva Bible (1599)

Nowe when she sawe that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled out,

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Young's Literal Translation

And it cometh to pass when she seeth that he hath left his garment in her hand, and fleeth without,

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Genesis 37:12-36, Genesis 39:1-23, Genesis 42:1-26, Genesis 42:27-38, Genesis 43:1-34, Genesis 45:1-28, Genesis 46:1-27, Genesis 46:28-47:12, Genesis 47:27-31, Genesis 49:29-50:14, Genesis 50:15-21, Genesis 50:22-25 View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 1,163 of 31,102

Study This Verse

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). 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), set the stage for this dramatic confrontation. Joseph's flight, leaving his garment behind (Genesis 39:12), 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).
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). 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', 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', 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', 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. 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.

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, 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), was unjustly tried and crucified based on false testimony from those who hated Him (Matthew 26:59-60). 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) and the eternal salvation of all who believe (Hebrews 5:9). 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).

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Commentary on Genesis 39 verses 13–18

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

14 That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an 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 got him out.

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

17 And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me:

18 And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out.

Joseph's mistress, having tried in vain to make him a criminal, now endeavours to represent him as one; so to be revenged on him for his virtue. Now was her love turned into the utmost rage and malice, and she pretends she cannot endure the sight of him whom awhile ago she could not endure out of her sight. Chaste and holy love will continue, though slighted; but sinful love, like Amnon's to Tamar, is easily changed into sinful hatred. 1. She accused him to his fellow servants (Gen 39:13-15) and gave him a bad name among them. Probably they envied him his interest in their master's favour, and his authority in the house; and perhaps found themselves aggrieved sometimes by his fidelity, which prevented their purloining; and therefore they were glad to hear any thing that might tend to his disgrace, and, if there was room for it, incensed their mistress yet more against him. Observe, When she speaks of her husband, she does not call him her husband, or her lord, but only he; for she had forgotten the covenant of her God, that was between them. Thus the adulteress (Pro 7:19) calls her husband the good man. Note, Innocence itself cannot secure a man's reputation. Not every one that keeps a good conscience can keep a good name. 2. She accused him to his master, who had power in his hand to punish him, which his fellow servants had not, Gen 39:17, Gen 39:18. Observe, (1.) What an improbable story she tells, producing his garment as an evidence that he had offered violence to her, which was a plain indication that she had offered violence to him. Note, Those that have broken the bonds of modesty will never be held by the bonds of truth. No marvel that she who had impudence enough to say, Lie with me, had front enough to say, "He would have lien with me." Had the lie been told to conceal her own crime it would have been bad enough, yet, in some degree, excusable; but it was told to be revenged upon his virtue, a most malicious lie. And yet, (2.) She manages it so as to incense her husband against him, reflecting upon him for bringing this Hebrew servant among them, perhaps at first against her mind, because he was a Hebrew. Note, It is no new thing for the best of men to be falsely accused of the worst of crimes by those who themselves are the worst of criminals. As this matter was represented, one would have thought chaste Joseph a very bad man and his wanton mistress a virtuous woman; it is well that there is a day of discovery coming, in which all shall appear in their true characters. This was not the first time that Joseph's coat was made use of as a false witness concerning him; his father had been deceived by it before, now his master.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 13–18. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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