Genesis 39:14

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

That she called {H7121} unto the men {H582} of her house {H1004}, and spake {H559} unto them, saying {H559}, See {H7200}, he hath brought in {H935} an Hebrew {H376}{H5680} unto us to mock {H6711} us; he came in {H935} unto me to lie {H7901} with me, and I cried {H7121} with a loud {H1419} voice {H6963}:

Complete Jewish Bible

she called the men of her house and said to them, "Look at this! My husband brought in a Hebrew to make fools of us. He came in and wanted to sleep with me, but I yelled out loudly.

Berean Standard Bible

she called her household servants. “Look,” she said, “this Hebrew has been brought to us to make sport of us. He came to me so he could sleep with me, but I screamed as loud as I could.

American Standard Version

that she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in a Hebrew unto us to mock us: he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 39:14 vividly portrays the calculated deceit of Potiphar's wife following Joseph's flight from her attempted seduction. Enraged by his unwavering integrity and refusal to compromise, she immediately orchestrates a public spectacle, summoning her household servants to witness her fabricated narrative. She maliciously frames Joseph, derogatorily labeling him "an Hebrew," and falsely accuses him of attempted assault, claiming she cried out to repel him. This pivotal verse starkly illuminates the destructive power of slander, the profound injustice faced by the righteous, and the calculated manipulation of truth for self-preservation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the larger narrative of Joseph, following his sale into slavery by his brothers and his subsequent rise to prominence in Potiphar's household. The preceding verses (Genesis 39:1-10) establish Joseph's exceptional character, his prosperity under God's favor, and Potiphar's complete trust in him. Crucially, they detail Potiphar's wife's persistent attempts to seduce Joseph and his steadfast refusal, culminating in his flight from her grasp in [Genesis 39:12](/genesis/39-12 "Joseph's escape from temptation"). Verse 14 marks her immediate, vengeful response to his rejection, setting the stage for Joseph's unjust imprisonment in [Genesis 39:20](/genesis/39-20 "Joseph's imprisonment"). This incident is a pivotal turning point, moving Joseph from a position of domestic authority to the confines of a prison, yet still under God's sovereign hand.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Egypt, the household of a high-ranking official like Potiphar would have been a complex social structure, with various servants and slaves. The master's wife held significant authority within this domain. Accusations of sexual misconduct, especially by a male slave against the master's wife, would have been taken extremely seriously and could carry severe penalties, including death. The term "Hebrew" (H5680) would have identified Joseph as a foreigner, likely viewed with some suspicion or disdain by Egyptians, who generally considered shepherds and those from foreign lands to be inferior or even an abomination (cf. [Genesis 46:34](/genesis/46-34 "Egyptian aversion to shepherds")). Potiphar's wife's use of this ethnic label was a deliberate tactic to dehumanize Joseph and appeal to existing xenophobia, making her fabricated story more believable and inflammatory to her Egyptian audience.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 39:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **integrity and righteousness under pressure**, as Joseph chooses faithfulness to God over personal comfort or safety, even when it leads to suffering (cf. [Genesis 39:9](/genesis/39-9 "Joseph's refusal to sin against God")). The verse also highlights the **destructive nature of sin and deceit**, showcasing how unbridled lust and pride can lead to malicious slander and false accusation. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **God's sovereignty amidst injustice**, demonstrating that even through profound betrayal and wrongful imprisonment, God remains in control, working His purposes through seemingly adverse circumstances, a truth powerfully articulated later by Joseph in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's declaration of God's redemptive purpose").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 39:14 details the immediate, calculated, and public deception orchestrated by Potiphar's wife after Joseph's flight. Her words are a carefully constructed lie designed to incriminate Joseph and protect her own reputation.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hebrew (Hebrew, _ʻIbrîy'_):** (H5680) This term, a patronymic from Eber, refers to Joseph's ethnic identity as a descendant of Eber. In this context, Potiphar's wife uses it not merely as a descriptor but as a derogatory label. By calling Joseph "an Hebrew," she weaponizes his foreignness, appealing to the potential xenophobia of her Egyptian household. It serves to "other" Joseph, stripping him of his individuality and reducing him to a stereotype, thereby making her false accusation more palatable and inflammatory to her audience.
* **mock (Hebrew, _tsâchaq'_):** (H6711) This primitive root means "to laugh outright," "to sport," or "to make sport of." While it can denote innocent play, in this context, it carries a strong connotation of scorn, ridicule, or humiliation. By claiming Joseph came "to mock us," she elevates his alleged sexual transgression from a private act to a public insult against the entire household, implying a deliberate act of contempt and disrespect that would warrant severe punishment.
* **voice (Hebrew, _qôwl'_):** (H6963) This word refers to a sound, cry, or voice. Coupled with "loud" (H1419, _gâdôwl_), it describes the performative aspect of her lie. Her claim to have cried "with a loud voice" is her fabricated "evidence" of resistance and distress. It's an attempt to manufacture a scene of victimhood, implying she fought off an aggressor, directly contradicting Joseph's actual flight and refusal to sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying,"**: This opening clause establishes the deliberate and public nature of her actions. By summoning her male servants, she ensures witnesses to her fabricated account, lending it an air of credibility and setting the stage for a formal accusation rather than a private complaint. This is a calculated performance designed to manipulate perception.
* **"See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us;"**: This is the first part of her accusation, loaded with prejudice and calculated insult. Her use of "an Hebrew" rather than Joseph's name is a dehumanizing act, emphasizing his foreign status. The accusation that he was brought in "to mock us" (referring to the household, not just her) frames Joseph's alleged actions as a profound disrespect and humiliation against the entire Egyptian household, escalating the perceived offense beyond a mere sexual impropriety.
* **"he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice:"**: This is the core of her false accusation. She fabricates the attempted assault, directly contradicting Joseph's flight. The addition of "and I cried with a loud voice" is her manufactured proof of resistance and distress. This detail is intended to corroborate her story, painting herself as a virtuous woman fighting off an aggressor, thereby making her lie more believable to her audience.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 39:14 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Irony** is prominent, as Potiphar's wife, the true aggressor, portrays herself as the victim, while Joseph, the innocent party, is cast as the perpetrator. Her accusation of Joseph coming "to mock us" is a form of **projection**, as her own actions are a mockery of truth and justice. The specific use of "an Hebrew" demonstrates **prejudice** and **othering**, a rhetorical tactic to dehumanize Joseph and exploit existing biases within her audience. The phrase "I cried with a loud voice" is an example of **pathos**, an appeal to emotion, designed to elicit sympathy and outrage from her listeners, despite being a complete fabrication. This scene also serves as **foreshadowing**, hinting at the greater injustices Joseph will face and the trials he must endure before his ultimate elevation, a pattern that will later find its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 39:14 offers profound theological insights into the nature of sin, the cost of righteousness, and God's sovereign hand. Potiphar's wife's actions exemplify how unrepentant sin, specifically lust and pride, can rapidly escalate into further moral corruption, leading to malicious slander and false witness in an attempt to cover one's own transgression. Her deceit highlights the insidious way sin seeks to hide itself through further moral compromise. Conversely, Joseph's steadfast refusal to sin against God, even when it leads directly to profound suffering and false accusation, powerfully underscores the biblical theme of integrity and faithfulness. His commitment to righteousness, even at great personal cost, serves as a testament to his character and his deep reverence for God. This incident also points to God's mysterious yet perfect sovereignty; despite the profound injustice Joseph faces, this moment is not outside God's divine plan, but rather a crucial step in His unfolding purpose for Joseph and for the salvation of many.

* [Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "The Ninth Commandment: Against False Witness") - This commandment directly condemns bearing false witness, which Potiphar's wife flagrantly violates.
* [Psalm 105:17-19](/psalms/105-17-19 "God's Providence in Joseph's Suffering") - This passage explicitly states that God sent Joseph ahead of his people and that he was unjustly bound, highlighting God's sovereign control over seemingly unjust circumstances.
* [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16-19 "Things the Lord Hates") - This passage lists "a lying tongue" and "a false witness who breathes out lies" among the things God detests, directly condemning the actions of Potiphar's wife.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 39:14 serves as a sobering mirror, reflecting the realities of a fallen world where integrity is often met with hostility and truth is twisted for selfish gain. For believers, this verse offers profound lessons: first, that living righteously does not guarantee freedom from suffering, injustice, or false accusation. Like Joseph, we may find ourselves in situations where our commitment to God's standards leads to personal cost, even imprisonment or reputational damage. In such moments, our steadfastness becomes a powerful, if painful, testimony to our faith. Second, it calls us to cultivate discernment, to be wary of those who manipulate truth and to stand firm against the tide of slander. We are challenged to be people who not only speak truth but also defend the innocent, refusing to participate in gossip or the perpetuation of falsehoods. Ultimately, this passage encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that even when injustice prevails in the short term, He is working all things for His ultimate good and our sanctification.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's response to temptation, and subsequent false accusation, challenge my understanding of what it means to live righteously in a hostile environment?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to twist the truth or engage in slander to protect my own reputation or interests?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty when faced with profound injustice, whether personally or observed in the world?**
* **What steps can I take to be a defender of truth and justice, rather than a passive observer or unwitting participant in falsehoods?**

### FAQ
**Why did Potiphar's wife call Joseph "an Hebrew" instead of using his name?**

Answer: Calling Joseph "an Hebrew" was a deliberate and derogatory tactic. It served to emphasize his foreignness and "otherness" to her Egyptian household, appealing to their potential prejudices and making her fabricated story about a disrespectful outsider more believable and inflammatory. By stripping him of his individual identity and reducing him to a racial stereotype, she sought to dehumanize him and justify her false accusation in the eyes of her servants and, subsequently, her husband. This was a calculated move to manipulate public perception and ensure Joseph's condemnation.

**What is the significance of her claim, "I cried with a loud voice"?**

Answer: This detail is a crucial, manufactured piece of "evidence" in her fabricated narrative, designed to provide false proof of her resistance and victimhood. By claiming she "cried with a loud voice," she sought to establish that she fought off Joseph, implying distress, fear, and innocence. This assertion was intended to make her accusation of attempted assault more credible to her servants and to Potiphar, painting herself as a virtuous woman who was attacked, directly contradicting Joseph's actual flight and refusal to sin. It was a performative act to solidify her lie.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's experience in Genesis 39:14, marked by his unwavering integrity in the face of temptation, his subsequent false accusation, and his unjust suffering, serves as a profound and poignant foreshadowing of the life and mission of Jesus Christ. Like Joseph, Jesus was entirely innocent, yet He endured baseless accusations and malicious slander from those in positions of authority, as vividly depicted in the Gospel accounts of His trial (e.g., [Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59-60 "False witnesses against Jesus") and [Mark 14:56-59](/mark/14-56-59 "More false testimony against Jesus")). Both Joseph and Christ maintained perfect integrity and righteousness in the face of immense pressure and profound injustice, refusing to compromise their faithfulness to God. Joseph's suffering, though unjust, ultimately led to his elevation to power and the salvation of his family and many others from famine, demonstrating God's ability to use evil intentions for His redemptive purposes. In a far greater and ultimate way, Christ's innocent suffering and death on the cross, the ultimate act of injustice, led to His glorious resurrection and the eternal salvation of all who believe (as proclaimed in [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God's love in Christ's death") and [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "Christ bore our sins on the cross")). Through His perfect obedience and sacrifice, Jesus fulfilled God's redemptive plan, bringing life and reconciliation out of apparent defeat, just as Joseph's unjust imprisonment ultimately led to widespread deliverance.

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

Isaiah 54:17

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue [that] shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness [is] of me, saith the LORD.

Genesis 40:15

For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.

Genesis 39:7

¶ And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.

Luke 23:2

And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this [fellow] perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.

Psalms 55:3

Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me.

Psalms 120:3

What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?

Genesis 14:13

¶ And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these [were] confederate with Abram.