What number verse is Genesis 39:15 in the Bible?

Genesis 39:15 is the 1,165th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Genesis 39:15 sits at position 1,165.

39:1439:14

Genesis 39:15

Q: Why did Joseph leave his garment behind?

Joseph left his outer garment, or beged (Hebrew: בֶּגֶד), in the hand of Potiphar's wife as he "fled" (Hebrew: nûwç) from her. This was not a deliberate act to provide evidence or a sign of guilt, but rather a consequence of his desperate and immediate escape from a situation of intense sexual temptation. His absolute priority was to remove himself from sin, even if it meant abandoning a valuable possession and risking severe consequences. This act underscores the urgency and decisiveness of his commitment to moral purity, as also reflected in 1 Corinthians 6:18.

39:1639:16

Translation

King James Version

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.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when he heard ^H8085 that I lifted up ^H7311 my voice ^H6963 and cried ^H7121, that he left ^H5800 his garment ^H899 with me ^H681, and fled ^H5127, and got him ^H3318 out ^H2351.

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Complete Jewish Bible

When he heard me yelling like that, he left his robe with me and ran out."

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Berean Standard Bible

When he heard me scream for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house.”

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American Standard Version

and it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment by me, and fled, and got him out.

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World English Bible Messianic

When he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment by me, and ran outside.”

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And when he heard that I lift vp my voice and cryed, he left his garment with me, and fled away, and got him out.

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Young's Literal Translation

and it cometh to pass, when he heareth that I have lifted up my voice and call, that he leaveth his garment near me, and fleeth, and goeth 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 1,165 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Genesis 39:15 captures the critical moment of Potiphar's wife's deceitful accusation against Joseph. After Joseph fled her persistent sexual advances, leaving his garment behind, she seized the opportunity to fabricate a story to her household servants, claiming he had assaulted her and fled. This verse initiates a turning point in Joseph's life, leading to his unjust imprisonment, yet it ultimately serves as a crucial step in God's sovereign plan for his life and for the future of Israel.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Genesis 39:15 is situated within the broader narrative of Joseph's life, specifically his time as a slave in Egypt, following his betrayal by his brothers and sale to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. The preceding verses Genesis 39:7-14 detail Potiphar's wife's relentless attempts to seduce Joseph and his steadfast refusal, rooted in his integrity and fear of God. This verse marks the climax of her advances, where, upon Joseph's decisive flight, she transforms his righteous act into a malicious accusation by using his discarded garment as "evidence." It immediately precedes her presentation of this false narrative to her husband Genesis 39:16-18 and Joseph's subsequent unjust imprisonment.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Near Eastern households, the master's wife held considerable authority, and her word, especially concerning a slave, would often be taken without question, making Joseph's position precarious. Garments, particularly outer cloaks, were significant items, often symbolizing status, identity, or even serving as collateral. Joseph's "garment" (Hebrew: beged) would have been a valuable possession, and its abandonment would have been a desperate act. The accusation of sexual assault carried severe penalties, including death, for slaves. Furthermore, the concept of hospitality and the protection of household members were paramount, making Potiphar's wife's actions a profound breach of trust and an abuse of power within the domestic sphere.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of righteousness amidst temptation, as Joseph's flight demonstrates his unwavering commitment to God and his master, refusing to sin despite immense pressure Genesis 39:9. It also highlights the theme of unjust suffering, where an innocent individual endures hardship due to the malice of others, a pattern seen throughout the lives of God's chosen servants. Furthermore, it underscores divine sovereignty, as this act of injustice, though seemingly a setback, becomes an integral part of God's larger plan to elevate Joseph and ultimately preserve his family and the nascent nation of Israel, a theme that resonates throughout the book of Genesis.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Genesis 39:15 vividly recounts the climax of Potiphar's wife's attempted seduction and her subsequent calculated deceit. Joseph's swift departure, leaving his garment, provided her with a tangible, albeit misinterpreted, piece of "evidence" to craft a false narrative. Her statement to the household servants is a deliberate manipulation, designed to incriminate Joseph and protect her own reputation.

Key Word Analysis

heard (Hebrew, shâmaʻ, H8085): Meaning "to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)." Potiphar's wife's use of "when he heard" is a crucial part of her fabrication, implying Joseph reacted to her "cry" by fleeing in guilt, rather than fleeing from her advances. She twists the natural act of hearing into an admission of culpability.
left (Hebrew, ʻâzab, H5800): Meaning "to loosen, i.e. relinquish, permit, etc." This word accurately describes Joseph's action with his garment. He "relinquished" or "abandoned" it in his haste, prioritizing escape from sin over holding onto a valuable possession. This act, though innocent, was weaponized against him.
fled (Hebrew, nûwç, H5127): Meaning "to flit, i.e. vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)." This term perfectly captures Joseph's immediate, decisive, and rapid departure. His "flight" was not an act of guilt but an urgent and proactive escape from a morally compromising situation, demonstrating his commitment to purity.
out (Hebrew, chûwts, H2351): Meaning "properly, separate by a wall, i.e. outside, outdoors." The phrase "got him out" emphasizes Joseph's complete removal from the house and the immediate vicinity of temptation. It signifies a full and decisive separation from the source of sin, leaving the domestic space entirely.

Verse Breakdown

"And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried": This phrase sets the stage for Potiphar's wife's fabricated account. She claims Joseph's flight was a reaction to her "cry," implying she was in distress or under attack. This is a deliberate misrepresentation of the events, designed to portray herself as a victim and Joseph as an aggressor, twisting her own failed seduction into a narrative of assault.
"that he left his garment with me": This clause describes the physical evidence she uses to support her false claim. Joseph's outer garment, left in her hand as he struggled to escape her grasp, becomes the tangible "proof" of his alleged crime. It highlights the vulnerability of physical evidence to misinterpretation and manipulation, especially when presented by a malicious accuser.
"and fled, and got him out": This final clause accurately describes Joseph's actions but frames them within the context of her false accusation. While Joseph indeed "fled" and "got him out" of the house, his motivation was to escape sin, not to escape after committing a crime. This part of her testimony, though factually true in terms of action, is entirely false in its imputed motive and context, demonstrating the cunning nature of her lie.

Literary Devices

The verse employs Irony, as Joseph's act of fleeing from sin, a demonstration of his profound integrity, is twisted by Potiphar's wife into evidence of his guilt. His righteous escape becomes the very means of his condemnation. There is also Foreshadowing, as this false accusation and unjust suffering anticipate the later trials of God's people and, ultimately, the unjust suffering of Christ. The Symbolism of the garment is also prominent; what should have been a simple piece of clothing becomes a powerful, yet misleading, symbol of Joseph's supposed transgression, highlighting how material objects can be manipulated to pervert justice.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Joseph's experience in Genesis 39:15 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign hand at work even amidst human sin and injustice. Though Joseph suffers unjustly due to a false accusation, this suffering is not meaningless but is woven into God's larger redemptive plan. It demonstrates that faithfulness to God, even when it incurs immediate hardship or persecution, is ultimately honored and vindicated by Him. Joseph's integrity, even in the face of severe consequences, serves as a powerful testament to the value of moral purity and trust in divine justice.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The narrative of Joseph's temptation and the subsequent false accusation in Genesis 39:15 provides timeless and crucial lessons for believers navigating a fallen world. Joseph's decisive action to "flee" from Potiphar's wife, rather than engaging with temptation or rationalizing compromise, stands as a powerful biblical paradigm for resisting sin. It underscores the wisdom of immediate and radical separation from situations that threaten our spiritual and moral integrity. We are reminded that upholding righteousness may, at times, lead to immediate personal cost, misunderstanding, or even unjust suffering. However, Joseph's unwavering commitment to God's standards, despite the severe consequences of imprisonment, encourages us to prioritize faithfulness over comfort or reputation. His story assures us that God is intimately present with us in our trials, and though justice may be delayed, His ultimate vindication and redemptive purposes will prevail for those who remain steadfast in Him.

Questions for Reflection

How does Joseph's immediate flight from temptation challenge my own approach to sin?
In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise integrity for personal gain or to avoid hardship?
How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereign plan, even when facing unjust circumstances or false accusations?
What practical steps can I take to "flee" from specific temptations I encounter in my daily life?

FAQ

Why did Joseph leave his garment behind?

Answer: Joseph left his outer garment, or beged (Hebrew: בֶּגֶד), in the hand of Potiphar's wife as he "fled" (Hebrew: nûwç) from her. This was not a deliberate act to provide evidence or a sign of guilt, but rather a consequence of his desperate and immediate escape from a situation of intense sexual temptation. His absolute priority was to remove himself from sin, even if it meant abandoning a valuable possession and risking severe consequences. This act underscores the urgency and decisiveness of his commitment to moral purity, as also reflected in 1 Corinthians 6:18.

What does this verse teach us about false accusations?

Answer: Genesis 39:15 vividly illustrates the destructive power of false accusations. Potiphar's wife deliberately twisted Joseph's righteous flight into an act of aggression and attempted rape, using his discarded garment as fabricated "evidence." This highlights how deceit can pervert justice and inflict immense suffering on the innocent. It serves as a stark reminder that appearances can be misleading and that truth can be manipulated, a theme that resonates throughout biblical narratives concerning the innocent suffering at the hands of the wicked, as seen in Psalm 35:11.

How does Joseph's response relate to resisting temptation?

Answer: Joseph's response in Genesis 39:15 provides a powerful example of "fleeing" temptation, a principle echoed in the New Testament (e.g., 1 Corinthians 6:18 and 2 Timothy 2:22). Rather than debating, rationalizing, or lingering in the presence of temptation, Joseph took immediate, decisive action to remove himself from the sinful situation. This emphasizes the need for radical separation from anything that could lead to moral compromise, prioritizing purity over personal comfort or potential repercussions.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Joseph's unjust suffering, false accusation, and subsequent imprisonment, as vividly portrayed in Genesis 39:15, serve as a profound and multifaceted foreshadowing of Christ. Like Joseph, Jesus was entirely innocent yet was falsely accused by those who sought His downfall, enduring immense suffering for righteousness' sake Matthew 26:59-60. Joseph's abandonment of his garment and his descent into the darkness of prison mirrors Christ's stripping of His garments and His ultimate humiliation and suffering on the cross John 19:23-24. Yet, just as God ultimately exalted Joseph from the prison to a position of immense power, enabling him to save his family and many others from famine, so too did God exalt Christ, raising Him from the dead and seating Him at His right hand Philippians 2:9-11, making Him the ultimate Savior who delivers humanity from the spiritual famine of sin and eternal death Acts 4:12. Joseph's story, therefore, points to the greater narrative of a righteous Servant who suffers unjustly but is ultimately vindicated and exalted for the salvation of many.

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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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