Genesis 39:17

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And she spake {H1696} unto him according to these words {H1697}, saying {H559}, The Hebrew {H5680} servant {H5650}, which thou hast brought {H935} unto us, came in {H935} unto me to mock {H6711} me:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then she said to him, "This Hebrew slave you brought us came in to make a fool of me.

Berean Standard Bible

Then she told him the same story: “The Hebrew slave you brought us came to me to make sport of me,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 39:17 vividly portrays the calculated deceit of Potiphar's wife as she reiterates her false accusation against Joseph to her husband. Driven by thwarted desire and a desire for revenge, she fabricates a narrative claiming the "Hebrew servant" attempted to mock her, thereby twisting Joseph's righteous resistance into an act of insolence. This pivotal moment of slander leads directly to Joseph's unjust imprisonment, yet it paradoxically serves as a crucial step in God's overarching sovereign plan to elevate Joseph and preserve His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 39:17 marks the climax of Potiphar's wife's malicious campaign against Joseph, immediately following her initial, rehearsed accusation to her household servants in [Genesis 39:13-16](/genesis/39-13-16 "Genesis 39:13-16 - Potiphar's Wife Accuses Joseph to Her Servants"). The preceding verses detail Joseph's unwavering integrity and his steadfast refusal of her persistent sexual advances, culminating in his flight from her presence, leaving his garment behind ([Genesis 39:12](/genesis/39-12 "Genesis 39:12 - Joseph Flees Temptation")). This verse, therefore, represents the final, decisive step in her plot to incriminate Joseph, solidifying her fabricated story for her husband, Potiphar, and setting the stage for Joseph's unjust imprisonment, as recorded in [Genesis 39:19-20](/genesis/39-19-20 "Genesis 39:19-20 - Joseph Imprisoned").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Egypt, household dynamics were highly stratified. A master's wife held significant authority within the domestic sphere, and her word, especially concerning the honor of the household, would carry immense weight, particularly against that of a foreign slave. The concept of "mockery" or insolence by a servant, especially a foreign one, would be a grave offense, potentially seen as an affront to the master's authority and honor. Egyptians also held a general disdain for foreigners, particularly those from Canaanite regions, which would have amplified the credibility of Potiphar's wife's accusation against Joseph, a "Hebrew servant." Joseph, as an enslaved person, had virtually no legal recourse or means to defend himself against such a powerful accusation, highlighting the inherent vulnerability of his social position.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Joseph narrative and the book of Genesis. It underscores the theme of **Integrity Amidst Adversity**, as Joseph's unwavering commitment to God and moral purity leads directly to suffering, rather than reward, echoing the trials faced by other patriarchs like Abraham and Isaac. It also highlights the destructive nature of **Deceit and False Accusation**, a recurring motif in Scripture, demonstrating how lies can unjustly condemn the innocent. Crucially, [Genesis 39](/genesis/39 "Genesis 39 - Joseph's Integrity and Imprisonment") and this verse, in particular, serve as a testament to **God's Sovereignty in Suffering**. Despite the profound injustice Joseph experiences, God remains with him ([Genesis 39:2-3](/genesis/39-2-3 "Genesis 39:2-3 - The Lord Was With Joseph")) and continues to work His purposes, even through the wickedness of others, ultimately transforming a devastating setback into a step towards Joseph's elevation and the salvation of many.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The KJV text states, "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:" This verse is a masterclass in manipulative communication, revealing the calculated precision of Potiphar's wife's deception as she delivers her fabricated account to her husband.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **spake (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This root word (H1696) signifies not just uttering sounds, but often implies a deliberate, arranged, or purposed communication. In this context, it emphasizes the intentionality and calculated nature of Potiphar's wife's speech, suggesting a rehearsed narrative rather than a spontaneous outburst.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** Derived from the same root as "spake" (H1697), this term refers to a specific utterance, a matter, or a thing spoken of. Here, "according to these words" indicates that she is repeating the exact, pre-formulated lie she had already told her servants, reinforcing its supposed consistency and truthfulness to Potiphar.
* **mock (Hebrew, _tsâchaq'_):** This primitive root (H6711) means "to laugh outright (in merriment or scorn)" and by implication, "to sport" or "play." While it can refer to innocent play (as with Isaac in [Genesis 21:9](/genesis/21-9 "Genesis 21:9 - Ishmael Mocking Isaac")), in this context, it carries strong negative connotations of inappropriate jesting, sexual play, or deliberate insult and contempt. Potiphar's wife uses it to portray Joseph's refusal as an act of insolence and defiance, escalating the perceived offense beyond a mere attempted assault to a deliberate affront to her and Potiphar's honor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she spake unto him according to these words, saying,"**: This opening clause highlights the premeditated nature of her accusation. The phrase "according to these words" confirms that she is not improvising but delivering a consistent, rehearsed narrative, identical to the one she had already presented to her household servants ([Genesis 39:14-16](/genesis/39-14-16 "Genesis 39:14-16 - Potiphar's Wife's Rehearsed Lie")). This repetition is a rhetorical tactic designed to lend credibility to her fabrication and ensure her husband hears the same "truth" as the servants, thereby solidifying her story.
* **"The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us,"**: This highly manipulative phrasing serves multiple purposes. By emphasizing Joseph's foreign identity ("The Hebrew servant"), she subtly plays on any existing Egyptian prejudices against foreigners, making Joseph seem more alien and untrustworthy. Furthermore, by reminding Potiphar that *he* brought Joseph into their household, she subtly deflects any potential suspicion from herself and places a degree of indirect blame on her husband, making him complicit in the supposed "threat" Joseph posed. This framing aims to evoke a protective, authoritative response from Potiphar against the perceived foreign transgressor.
* **"came in unto me to mock me:"**: This is the core of her false accusation. The verb "came in" (H935, _bôw'_) is deliberately ambiguous, allowing the listener to infer an illicit approach, yet the crucial addition "to mock me" (H6711, _tsâchaq_) transforms the alleged act from a mere sexual advance into a deliberate insult. By claiming Joseph intended to "mock" her, she portrays his actions as a calculated act of disrespect and defiance against her and, by extension, against Potiphar's honor and the sanctity of their household. This elevates the perceived offense from a failed seduction to a brazen act of insolence, justifying a severe response from her husband.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Framing** and **Characterization** to manipulate perception. Potiphar's wife carefully frames her narrative, not as a failed seduction, but as an act of insolence and mockery, thereby shifting the blame entirely onto Joseph and escalating the perceived severity of his "crime." Her use of the phrase "The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us" is a clear example of **Loaded Language**, designed to exploit ethnic prejudice and subtly shift responsibility onto Potiphar. The entire speech is an act of **Deception** and **Slander**, meticulously crafted to destroy Joseph's reputation and secure her revenge, revealing her own vindictive and manipulative **Characterization**.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 39:17 serves as a stark illustration of the devastating power of false witness and slander, a sin explicitly condemned in God's law. Potiphar's wife's deliberate distortion of truth, driven by her own unfulfilled desires and vengeful spirit, transforms Joseph's righteous resistance into a grave offense. This moment underscores that faithfulness to God does not always exempt one from suffering, but rather, it often leads to trials that refine character and demonstrate God's unwavering presence. Joseph's unjust suffering, though seemingly a setback, is paradoxically a crucial step in God's sovereign plan, preparing him for future leadership and the salvation of his family.

* [Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment Against False Witness")
* [Psalm 105:17-19](/psalm/105-17-19 "Psalm 105:17-19 - Joseph's Imprisonment as Part of God's Plan")
* [1 Peter 2:19-20](/1_peter/2-19-20 "1 Peter 2:19-20 - Suffering for Doing Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 39:17 offers profound lessons for believers navigating a world often marked by injustice and deceit. Joseph's unwavering commitment to integrity, even when it results in false accusation and severe punishment, serves as a powerful model for Christian living. We are called to prioritize righteousness and obedience to God above personal gain or avoiding hardship, trusting that our ultimate vindication comes from Him, not from immediate circumstances. This narrative also functions as a potent warning against the destructive nature of slander and the ease with which a lie can inflict profound damage upon the innocent. In moments of unjust suffering, Joseph's story encourages us to remember God's sovereignty; He is capable of weaving even the darkest threads of human sin and injustice into a tapestry of His redemptive purposes, demonstrating His faithfulness to those who walk uprightly. Our response to such trials should be one of continued trust and reliance on God, knowing that He is working all things for good for those who love Him ([Romans/8-28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's response to temptation and subsequent false accusation challenge my own willingness to maintain integrity when it might lead to personal cost?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to distort truth or participate in slander, even subtly, and what steps can I take to guard against this?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty when facing unjust circumstances, believing that He can work through even the most difficult situations for His purposes?**

### FAQ
**Why did Potiphar's wife accuse Joseph of "mocking" her, rather than simply attempted assault?**

Answer: Potiphar's wife strategically chose the word "mock" (Hebrew: *tsachaq*) to escalate the gravity of her accusation against Joseph. By claiming he came "to mock" her, she implied his actions were not merely an attempted sexual assault but a deliberate act of contempt, disrespect, and insolence towards her and, by extension, her husband's honor and authority. This framing portrayed Joseph as a defiant and aggressive servant rather than simply one who resisted temptation, making his supposed offense more severe and justifying a harsher punishment in Potiphar's eyes. It transformed a personal affront into a challenge to the household's order and Potiphar's reputation.

**How does Joseph's experience in this verse relate to biblical themes of false accusation?**

Answer: Joseph's unjust accusation in [Genesis 39:17](/genesis/39-17 "Genesis 39:17 - Potiphar's Wife's False Accusation") is a powerful biblical example of false witness and slander, which are strictly forbidden in the Ten Commandments ([Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment")). It highlights the devastating impact of lies on the innocent and the vulnerability of those in positions of lesser power. Throughout Scripture, God's people are often called to endure such trials, trusting in His ultimate justice and vindication. This theme is seen in the lives of figures like David, who faced slander from his enemies ([Psalm 35:11](/psalm/35-11 "Psalm 35:11 - False Witnesses Rise Up Against David")), Jeremiah, who was falsely accused and imprisoned ([Jeremiah 37:13-15](/jeremiah/37-13-15 "Jeremiah 37:13-15 - Jeremiah Falsely Accused")), and ultimately, Jesus Christ Himself, who was condemned on false charges ([Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59-60 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's experience in [Genesis 39:17](/genesis/39-17 "Genesis 39:17 - Joseph Falsely Accused"), enduring false accusation and unjust suffering despite his unwavering righteousness, powerfully prefigures the life and mission of Jesus Christ. Like Joseph, Jesus was innocent, yet He faced malicious slander and betrayal, ultimately being condemned on fabricated charges ([Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59-60 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")). Joseph's descent into prison, a consequence of his integrity and the lies of another, parallels Christ's path to the cross, where He suffered unjustly, taking upon Himself the sins of humanity ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")). Yet, just as God used Joseph's suffering and subsequent elevation to bring about salvation for his family and many nations from famine ([Genesis 45:7-8](/genesis/45-7-8 "Genesis 45:7-8 - God Sent Joseph Ahead")), Christ's sacrificial death, born of false accusation and profound injustice, became the means of eternal salvation and abundant life for all humanity ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). This demonstrates God's sovereign plan to bring ultimate good and redemptive purposes out of the deepest human sin and injustice, perfectly fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Righteous One who suffered for the unrighteous ([1 Peter 3:18](/1_peter/3-18 "1 Peter 3:18 - Christ Suffered for Sins")).

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

Exodus 23:1

¶ Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.

1 Kings 21:9

And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people:

1 Kings 21:13

And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, [even] against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died.

Proverbs 19:5

¶ A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaketh lies shall not escape.

Proverbs 19:9

¶ A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaketh lies shall perish.

Proverbs 12:19

¶ The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue [is] but for a moment.

Psalms 37:14

The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, [and] to slay such as be of upright conversation.