Genesis 39:19

KJV

¶ And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when his master {H113} heard {H8085} the words {H1697} of his wife {H802}, which she spake {H1696} unto him, saying {H559}, After this manner {H1697} did {H6213} thy servant {H5650} to me; that his wrath {H639} was kindled {H2734}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When his master heard what his wife said as she showed him, "Here's what your slave did to me," he became furious.

Berean Standard Bible

When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, “This is what your slave did to me,” he burned with anger.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 39:19 describes Potiphar's immediate and intense wrath upon hearing his wife's fabricated accusation against Joseph, marking a pivotal moment where Joseph's integrity leads to unjust suffering and imprisonment, yet remains within God's sovereign plan.

### CONTEXT
This verse immediately follows Joseph's steadfast refusal to succumb to Potiphar's wife's persistent sexual advances. Having been sold into slavery in Egypt by his brothers, Joseph had risen to a position of immense trust and authority within Potiphar's household, overseeing all his master's possessions. Despite his elevated status and the potential consequences, Joseph consistently rejected the woman's overtures, affirming his loyalty to Potiphar and, more importantly, his commitment to not sin against God ([Genesis 39:9](/genesis/39-9 "Joseph's moral stand against sin in Genesis 39:9")). In a climactic moment, as she seized his garment, Joseph fled, leaving his cloak behind ([Genesis 39:12](/genesis/39-12 "Read about Joseph's flight from temptation in Genesis 39:12")). Potiphar's wife then maliciously twisted this evidence, using the discarded garment as proof of an attempted assault, setting the stage for her husband's furious reaction detailed in this verse.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 39:19 succinctly captures the immediate and powerful emotional response of Potiphar to his wife's deceitful narrative concerning Joseph: "And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled." This verse is critical for understanding the subsequent events in Joseph's life.

* **The Deceptive Narrative:** Potiphar's wife's words are carefully crafted to incite maximum anger. By stating, "After this manner did thy servant to me," she implies a violent and disrespectful act, framing Joseph as an aggressor rather than a victim of her own lust. Her prior act of holding Joseph's garment provided the "evidence" she needed to support her lie.
* **Potiphar's Unquestioning Belief:** The text implies Potiphar's immediate acceptance of his wife's story. There is no mention of an investigation or questioning of Joseph. This could be due to a number of factors: the perceived credibility of his wife, the "evidence" of the garment, or perhaps the social norms of the time where a master might readily believe an accusation against a slave. His swift "kindling" of wrath suggests a deep personal offense.
* **The Nature of "Wrath Kindled":** The Hebrew phrase for "his wrath was kindled" uses *aph* (אף), meaning "nose" or "nostril," often used metaphorically for anger, and *charah* (חָרָה), meaning "to burn" or "to be kindled." This vivid imagery depicts a sudden, intense, and consuming rage, akin to a fire flaring up. It signifies a profound emotional upheaval in Potiphar, leading directly to Joseph's unjust imprisonment in the following verse ([Genesis 39:20](/genesis/39-20 "Joseph is cast into prison in Genesis 39:20")). This human wrath, though unjust, serves as an unwitting instrument in God's larger providential plan for Joseph.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **The Injustice of False Accusation:** This verse powerfully illustrates the devastating impact of slander and false witness. Joseph, despite his blameless conduct and faithfulness, becomes a victim of malicious lies, highlighting a recurring theme of injustice faced by the righteous throughout biblical history (e.g., Naboth, Jeremiah, Jesus).
* **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Sin:** Potiphar's wrath and subsequent actions, born of human sin and deception, are not outside the scope of God's sovereign control. Even through unjust suffering, God continues to work His purposes, moving Joseph closer to his ultimate destiny.
* **The Cost and Vindication of Integrity:** Joseph's commitment to purity and loyalty to God and his master directly leads to this immediate hardship. It underscores that choosing righteousness may bring immediate suffering or adversity, but God ultimately vindicates and exalts those who walk in integrity.
* **Testing of Faith:** Joseph's trial by false accusation serves as a test of his faith and character. His continued trust in God, even in the face of severe injustice, is a testament to his spiritual maturity and God's sustaining presence ([Genesis 39:21](/genesis/39-21 "God's presence with Joseph in prison in Genesis 39:21")).

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 39:19 offers profound lessons for believers navigating a fallen world. We may encounter situations where our good intentions or righteous actions are misrepresented, leading to false accusations and unjust consequences. Joseph's experience reminds us that such trials are a reality, and our response should mirror his enduring trust in God's overarching sovereignty, even when circumstances seem unfair. Maintaining integrity and a clear conscience before God, even when it leads to immediate hardship, is paramount, for God sees and will ultimately bring justice and purpose out of our trials, using even human wrath to accomplish His divine will.

### FAQ
**Why did Potiphar believe his wife's accusation so readily without investigating?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state why Potiphar did not investigate, but several factors can be inferred. Firstly, the social standing of a master's wife versus a slave would likely give her testimony significant weight. Secondly, the presence of Joseph's garment, left behind when he fled, served as compelling "evidence" that would have been difficult to refute without a full inquiry. Thirdly, the intense emotional reaction described as "his wrath was kindled" suggests a deep personal offense and a quick, passionate response, which often bypasses rational investigation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's unjust suffering in Genesis 39:19, stemming from a false accusation despite his blameless character and faithfulness, serves as a powerful prefigurement of Jesus Christ. Like Joseph, Jesus was innocent of all charges, yet was falsely accused, betrayed, and condemned by human wrath and injustice. Joseph's descent into prison, a consequence of his righteousness, parallels Christ's suffering and death, which were also undeserved but ultimately part of God's redemptive plan. Just as Joseph's imprisonment led to his eventual exaltation and the salvation of many, Christ's suffering and death led to His resurrection and the salvation of all who believe, demonstrating that God can use the deepest human injustice to accomplish His greatest divine purposes.

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.