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 marks the dramatic turning point in Joseph's life within Potiphar's household, detailing Potiphar's immediate and intense fury upon hearing his wife's cunningly fabricated accusation against Joseph. This pivotal moment precipitates Joseph's unjust imprisonment, yet it simultaneously serves as an unforeseen catalyst, propelling him further along the path of God's sovereign plan for his life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of the narrative arc detailing Joseph's service in Potiphar's house and his steadfast resistance to sexual temptation. Preceding this, Joseph had risen to a position of unparalleled trust and authority, managing Potiphar's entire estate. Potiphar's wife, however, repeatedly attempted to seduce Joseph, who consistently refused, citing his loyalty to his master and, more significantly, his unwavering commitment not to sin against God ([Genesis 39:9](/genesis/39-9 "Joseph's moral stand against sin in Genesis 39:9")). The immediate preceding verses describe her final, desperate attempt to force herself upon Joseph, culminating in his flight, leaving his garment behind as "evidence" ([Genesis 39:12](/genesis/39-12 "Joseph's flight from temptation in Genesis 39:12")). Verse 19 then records her malicious twisting of this event into a false accusation, setting the stage for Potiphar's furious reaction and Joseph's subsequent imprisonment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Egypt, the master of a household held absolute authority over his slaves, including the power of life and death. A master's wife, while perhaps not holding the same legal authority, certainly possessed significant social standing and influence within the domestic sphere. Accusations from a wife against a male servant, especially concerning sexual impropriety, would have been taken very seriously, often without extensive investigation, given the social hierarchy and the potential for perceived dishonor to the master. The garment left behind would have been considered compelling circumstantial evidence, lending credibility to her fabricated story in the absence of a slave's right to a fair hearing.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Joseph narrative and the book of Genesis. It highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** amidst human injustice, demonstrating how God works through sinful human actions (Potiphar's wife's deception, Potiphar's wrath) to advance His purposes for Joseph. It also underscores the theme of **Integrity and Righteousness** in the face of temptation and suffering, as Joseph's commitment to purity directly leads to his immediate hardship, yet ultimately positions him for future exaltation. Furthermore, it exemplifies the theme of **False Accusation and Suffering**, a recurring motif for righteous individuals throughout biblical history, foreshadowing later instances of innocent suffering. The narrative emphasizes Joseph's consistent character, even when it leads to severe, unjust consequences, as seen in his earlier refusal to sin against God ([Genesis 39:9](/genesis/39-9 "Joseph's moral stand against sin in Genesis 39:9")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 39:19 vividly captures the immediate and potent emotional response of Potiphar to his wife's deceitful account concerning Joseph, marking a critical juncture in Joseph's life.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **master (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_):** From H113, this term denotes a sovereign, controller, lord, or owner. In this context, it emphasizes Potiphar's absolute authority over Joseph as his slave, highlighting the power imbalance that made Joseph particularly vulnerable to his master's wrath and judgment without recourse.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this word signifies "a word," but also "a matter" or "thing," and can imply "a cause" or "report." Here, it refers to the specific, carefully constructed narrative of Potiphar's wife, which was designed to inflame her husband's anger and justify her false accusation against Joseph. Her "words" were not merely sounds but a calculated, damaging report.
* **kindled (Hebrew, _chârâh'_):** From H2734, this primitive root means "to glow or grow warm," and figuratively, "to blaze up" with anger, zeal, or jealousy. The use of this verb, often associated with fire, powerfully conveys the sudden, intense, and consuming nature of Potiphar's rage. His anger was not a slow burn but an immediate, explosive reaction to what he perceived as a grave insult and betrayal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife,"**: This opening clause establishes the critical moment of reception. Potiphar, as the "master," is presented as the one with authority, whose perception and reaction will determine Joseph's immediate fate. The focus is on the act of hearing and the specific content—"the words of his wife"—which are inherently biased and manipulative, setting the stage for his subsequent emotional outburst.
* **"which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me;"**: This part reveals the direct, accusatory nature of the wife's communication. Her phrasing, "After this manner did thy servant to me," is deliberately ambiguous yet highly inflammatory. It avoids explicit details while implying a grave offense, leveraging the "evidence" of Joseph's discarded garment and her own feigned distress to create a narrative of a violent assault. The term "thy servant" is used to underscore Joseph's subordinate status and Potiphar's ownership, amplifying the perceived insult to his authority and honor.
* **"that his wrath was kindled."**: This concluding clause describes the immediate and profound effect of the wife's words on Potiphar. The phrase "his wrath was kindled" (Hebrew: *chârâh ʼaph* – literally, "his nose burned") is a vivid idiom for intense, blazing anger. It signifies a sudden, passionate, and overwhelming rage that bypasses rational inquiry, leading directly to Joseph's unjust punishment. This unbridled human emotion becomes the unwitting instrument in God's larger providential plan.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its meaning and emotional impact. **Imagery** is prominent in the phrase "his wrath was kindled," which evokes the sudden, intense flaring of a fire, vividly depicting Potiphar's explosive anger. This **Metaphorical Language** highlights the destructive power of unchecked rage fueled by deception. There is also a strong sense of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader knows Joseph is innocent and has acted with integrity, yet Potiphar, based on a lie, reacts with fury. This creates tension and underscores the injustice of the situation. Furthermore, the narrative uses **Conciseness** to deliver a powerful punch; the swiftness of Potiphar's reaction, without any mention of investigation or questioning, emphasizes the immediate and unquestioning belief he places in his wife's deceptive words.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 39:19 serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of false accusation and the inherent injustice of a fallen world. Joseph, a man of profound integrity and faithfulness, is unjustly condemned not for his sin, but for his righteousness. Yet, even in this moment of deep human depravity and unrighteous anger, the narrative subtly points to God's overarching sovereignty. Potiphar's wrath, though born of human sin, becomes an unwitting tool in the divine plan, moving Joseph from the comfort of Potiphar's house to the crucible of prison, a necessary step towards his ultimate exaltation and the salvation of his family and many others. This incident, therefore, teaches us that God can redeem even the most unjust circumstances for His greater purposes, demonstrating His ability to work all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

* [Psalm 105:17-19](/psalms/105-17-19 "Psalm 105:17-19 - God's providential plan for Joseph")
* [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16-19 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - God hates false witnesses")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God works all things for good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 39:19 offers profound lessons for believers navigating a world often characterized by injustice and misrepresentation. Joseph's experience reminds us that choosing to live righteously and maintain integrity, even when it means rejecting temptation, may not always lead to immediate reward but can, paradoxically, result in suffering, false accusations, and unjust consequences. In such moments, our natural inclination might be to despair, retaliate, or question God's presence. However, Joseph's unwavering character, even in the face of Potiphar's kindled wrath and subsequent imprisonment, serves as a powerful model. It challenges us to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereign hand, believing that He is at work even when circumstances seem chaotic or unfair. Our ultimate vindication and purpose are found not in avoiding hardship, but in faithfully enduring it with a clear conscience before God, knowing that He sees, He cares, and He will ultimately bring His purposes to fruition through our trials.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when I am falsely accused or misunderstood, especially when my intentions were pure?**
* **What does Joseph's response (or lack thereof, in this verse) teach me about maintaining integrity in the face of injustice?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty when circumstances seem to be working against me, as they did for Joseph?**

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

Answer: The biblical text does not explicitly detail Potiphar's thought process or any investigation. However, several factors likely contributed to his immediate belief and "kindled wrath." Firstly, the social standing of a master's wife in ancient Egypt would have given her testimony significant weight, particularly when leveled against a slave. A slave's word would have carried little to no legal standing against that of his master's wife. Secondly, the presence of Joseph's garment, left behind when he fled ([Genesis 39:12](/genesis/39-12 "Joseph's flight from temptation in Genesis 39:12")), served as compelling "evidence" that would have been difficult for Joseph to refute without a full inquiry, which was unlikely to be granted to a slave. Thirdly, the phrase "his wrath was kindled" (H639, H2734) suggests a deep, personal offense and a swift, passionate emotional response, which often overrides rational thought and the need for thorough investigation. Potiphar's honor and the sanctity of his household were perceived to be violated, leading to an immediate, visceral reaction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's unjust suffering in Genesis 39:19, stemming from a malicious false accusation despite his blameless character and faithfulness, serves as a profound prefigurement of Jesus Christ. Like Joseph, Jesus was entirely innocent, yet He was subjected to false accusations, betrayal, and condemnation by human wrath and injustice ([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 righteousness, powerfully parallels Christ's suffering, humiliation, and death, which were also undeserved but ultimately part of God's perfect redemptive plan ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - Christ's silence before accusers")). Just as Joseph's imprisonment ultimately led to his exaltation and the salvation of many from famine, Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection led to His ultimate exaltation ([Philippians 2:8-9](/philippians/2-8-9 "Philippians 2:8-9 - Christ's humiliation and exaltation")) and the eternal salvation of all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's love and eternal life")). This narrative beautifully illustrates how God can use the deepest human injustice and suffering to accomplish His greatest divine purposes, transforming what was meant for evil into good ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's declaration of God's purpose")).

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

2 Thessalonians 2:11

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

Proverbs 18:17

¶ [He that is] first in his own cause [seemeth] just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

Job 29:16

I [was] a father to the poor: and the cause [which] I knew not I searched out.

Song Of Solomon 8:7

Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if [a] man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.

Acts 25:16

To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.

Proverbs 29:12

¶ If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants [are] wicked.

Genesis 4:5

But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.