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Commentary on Genesis 39 verses 7–12
Here is, I. A most shameful instance of impudence and immodesty in Joseph's mistress, the shame and scandal of her sex, perfectly lost to all virtue and honour, and not to be mentioned, nor thought of, without the utmost indignation. It was well that she was an Egyptian; for we must have shared in the confusion if such folly had been found in Israel. Observe,
I. Her sin began in the eye: She cast her eyes upon Joseph (Gen 39:7), who was a goodly person, and well-favoured, Gen 39:6. Note, (1.) Remarkable beauty, either of men or women, often proves a dangerous snare both to themselves and others, which forbids pride in it and commands constant watchfulness against the temptation that attends it; favour is deceitful - deceiving. (2.) We have great need to make a covenant with our eyes (Job 31:1), lest the eye infect the heart. Joseph's mistress had a husband that ought to have been to her for a covering of the eyes from all others, Gen 20:16.
2.She was daring and shameless in the sin. With an impudent face, and a harlot's forehead, she said, Lie with me, having already, by her wanton looks and unchaste desires, committed adultery with him in her heart. Note, Where the unclean spirit gets possession and dominion in a soul, it is as with the possessed of the devils (Luk 8:27, Luk 8:29), the clothes of modesty are thrown off and the bands and fetters of shame are broken in pieces. When lust has got head, it will stick at nothing, blush at nothing; decency, and reputation, and conscience, are all sacrificed to that Baal-peor. 3. She was urgent and violent in the temptation. Often she had been denied with the strongest reasons, and yet as often renewed her vile solicitations. She spoke to him day by day, Gen 39:10. Now this was, (1.) Great wickedness in her, and showed her heart fully set to do evil. (2.) A great temptation to Joseph. The hand of Satan, no doubt, was in it, who, when he found he could not overcome him with troubles and the frowns of the world (for in them he still held fast his integrity), assaulted him with soft and charming pleasures, which have ruined more than the former, and have slain their ten-thousands.
II. Here is a most illustrious instance of virtue and resolved chastity in Joseph, who, by the grace of God, was enabled to resist and overcome this temptation; and, all things considered, his escape was, for aught I know, as great an instance of the divine power as the deliverance of the three children out of the fiery furnace.
1.The temptation he was assaulted with was very strong. Never was a more violent onset made upon the fort of chastity than this recorded here. (1.) The sin he was tempted to was uncleanness, which considering his youth, his beauty, his single state, and his plentiful living at the table of a ruler, was a sin which, one would think, might most easily beset him and betray him. (2.) The tempter was his mistress, a person of quality, whom it was his place to obey and his interest to oblige, whose favour would contribute more than any thing to his preferment, and by whose means he might arrive at the highest honours of the court. On the other hand, it was at his utmost peril if he slighted her, and made her his enemy. (3.) Opportunity makes a thief, makes an adulterer, and that favoured the temptation. The tempter was in the house with him; his business led him to be, without any suspicion, where she was; none of the family were within (Gen 39:11); there appeared no danger of its being ever discovered, or, if it should be suspected, his mistress would protect him. (4.) To all this was added importunity, frequent constant importunity, to such a degree that, at last, she laid violent hands on him.
2.His resistance of the temptation was very brave, and the victory truly honourable. The almighty grace of God enabled him to overcome this assault of the enemy,
(1.)By strength of reason; and wherever right reason may be heard, religion no doubt will carry the day. He argues from the respect he owed both to God and his master, Gen 39:8, Gen 39:9. [1.] He would not wrong his master, nor do such an irreparable injury to his honour. He considers, and urges, how kind his master had been to him, what a confidence he had reposed in him, in how many instances he had befriended him, for which he abhorred the thought of making such an ungrateful return. Note, We are bound in honour, as well as justice and gratitude, not in any thing to injure those that have a good opinion of us and place a trust in us, how secretly soever it may be done. See how he argues (Gen 39:9): "There is none greater in this house than I, therefore I will not do it." Note, Those that are great, instead of being proud of their greatness, should use it as an argument against sin. "Is none greater than I? Then I will scorn to do a wicked thing; it is below me to serve a base lust; I will not disparage myself so much." [2.] He would not offend his God. This is the chief argument with which he strengthens his aversion to the sin. How can I do this? not only, How shall I? or, How dare I? but, How can I? Id possumus, quod jure possumus - We can do that which we can do lawfully. It is good to shut out sin with the strongest bar, even that of an impossibility. He that is born of God cannot sin, Jo1 3:9. Three arguments Joseph urges upon himself. First, He considers who he was that was tempted. "I; others may perhaps take their liberty, but I cannot. I that am an Israelite in covenant with God, that profess religion, and relation to him: it is next to impossible for me to do so." Secondly, What the sin was to which he was tempted: This great wickedness. Others might look upon it as a small matter, a peccadillo, a trick of youth; but Joseph had another idea of it. In general, when at any time we are tempted to sin, we must consider the great wickedness there is in it, let sin appear sin (Rom 7:13), call it by its own name, and never go about to lessen it. Particularly let the sin of uncleanness always be looked upon as great wickedness, as an exceedingly sinful sin, that wars against the soul as much as any other. Thirdly, Against whom he was tempted to sin - against God; not only, "How shall I do it, and sin against my master, my mistress, myself, my own body and soul; but against God?" Note, Gracious souls look upon this as the worst thing in sin that it is against God, against his nature and his dominion, against his love and his design. Those that love God do for this reason hate sin.
(2.)By stedfastness of resolution. The grace of God enabled him to overcome the temptation by avoiding the tempter. [1.] He hearkened not to her, so much as to be with her, Gen 39:10. Note, Those that would be kept from harm must keep themselves out of harm's way. Avoid it, pass not by it. Nay, [2.] When she laid hold of him, he left his garment in her hand, Gen 39:12. He would not stay so much as to parley with the temptation, but flew out from it with the utmost abhorrence; he left his garment, as one escaping for his life. Note, It is better to lose a good coat than a good conscience.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 39:7 marks a pivotal moment in Joseph's narrative, introducing the profound moral crucible he faced within Potiphar's household. Following a period of remarkable divine blessing and his ascent to a position of significant trust and authority, Joseph is confronted by a direct and illicit sexual proposition from his master's wife. This verse initiates a severe test of Joseph's unwavering character, integrity, and steadfast faithfulness to God amidst the corrupting influences of a foreign and pagan environment.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Genesis 39:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten the dramatic tension and underscore the moral stakes. Foreshadowing is prominent, as this initial proposition sets the stage for a prolonged period of temptation and the subsequent unjust accusation and imprisonment of Joseph, which ultimately leads to his rise in Egypt. The verse also utilizes Contrast between Joseph's evident moral purity and the brazen immorality of Potiphar's wife, highlighting the stark difference in character. Her "casting her eyes" upon Joseph functions as a form of Symbolism, where the eyes represent not just physical sight but also the seat of desire and the initiation of sinful intent. Furthermore, there is an element of Irony in the situation: Joseph, a slave, demonstrates a higher moral standard and greater integrity than his master's wife, a woman of power and privilege, subverting typical social expectations and emphasizing that true nobility lies in character, not status.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 39:7 introduces a profound theological challenge, demonstrating that divine blessing and elevation do not exempt individuals from intense moral trials. It underscores the pervasive nature of sin, particularly sexual lust, and how it can manifest even in positions of power and privilege. The verse initiates a narrative that powerfully illustrates the importance of personal integrity, the fear of God as a bulwark against temptation, and the reality that faithfulness can lead to suffering, yet it remains the path of righteousness. Joseph's response, though not explicitly stated in this verse, is implicitly foreshadowed by his character and God's favor upon him, setting up a profound example of resisting sin.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 39:7 offers profound insights into the nature of temptation and the call to moral integrity for believers today. It reminds us that trials are an inevitable part of the human experience, capable of striking even during seasons of success and divine favor. Joseph's experience teaches us that temptation often begins with the eyes and the cultivation of illicit desire, highlighting the critical importance of guarding our senses and our hearts against ungodly influences. His subsequent firm refusal, though not in this verse, serves as a powerful model for how to respond to direct propositions to sin: with clear, principled boundaries rooted in a deep reverence for God and loyalty to those we serve. This narrative underscores the reality that true strength lies not in succumbing to pressure, but in standing firm on God's moral law, even when it comes at a personal cost. It challenges us to reflect on our own vulnerabilities and to proactively cultivate a spiritual resilience that enables us to flee from temptation and honor God in all circumstances.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Was Joseph's attractiveness a sin?
Answer: No, Joseph's physical attractiveness, described in Genesis 39:6, was a natural attribute and not inherently sinful. The sin lay entirely with Potiphar's wife, whose "casting her eyes" upon him and subsequent explicit proposition were driven by her own unchecked lust and sinful desires, not by Joseph's appearance itself. The Bible often describes physical beauty as a gift from God, but it is the human response to it—whether in lust or appreciation—that determines its moral implications.
Why did Potiphar's wife make such a direct proposition?
Answer: Her directness likely stemmed from a combination of factors. Firstly, her unchecked lust and moral depravity drove her actions. Secondly, her position as the mistress of a powerful household afforded her significant authority and privilege, leading her to believe she could command a slave like Joseph with impunity. She probably assumed Joseph would comply due to his subservient status and her power over him, perhaps also reflecting a cultural context where the powerful might exploit the vulnerable with less fear of immediate consequence. Her boldness underscores the depth of her sinful desire and her disregard for marital fidelity and the well-being of others.
Does this verse suggest that success leads to temptation?
Answer: Not necessarily that success causes temptation, but that success and prosperity often introduce new forms of testing and vulnerability. Joseph's elevated position meant he was more visible, more accessible, and perhaps perceived by Potiphar's wife as an easy target due to his isolation as a foreign slave. While temptation can arise in any circumstance, periods of blessing are not immune to moral trials; in fact, they can sometimes present unique challenges that test one's character and faithfulness in new ways, as seen here in Genesis 39.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's initial encounter with temptation in Genesis 39:7 and his subsequent steadfast refusal, despite the immense pressure and unjust suffering it brought, powerfully foreshadows the perfect obedience and moral purity of Jesus Christ. Joseph, though righteous, was a man susceptible to temptation, yet he resisted sin out of reverence for God and loyalty to his master. Christ, however, is the ultimate example of one who was "in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). Joseph's integrity, even when it led to his unjust imprisonment, points to Christ's willingness to suffer for righteousness' sake, ultimately enduring the cross "for the joy that was set before him" (Hebrews 12:2). While Joseph's resistance preserved his own purity, Christ's perfect resistance and subsequent sacrifice secured eternal purity and redemption for all who believe, demonstrating His ultimate triumph over sin and temptation, and fulfilling the righteous standard that Joseph, though admirable, could only imperfectly reflect. He is the true "goodly person" who perfectly resisted every lure, not for personal gain, but to bring about the salvation of the world (John 3:16).