Genesis 39:7

KJV

¶ And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass after {H310} these things {H1697}, that his master's {H113} wife {H802} cast {H5375} her eyes {H5869} upon Joseph {H3130}; and she said {H559}, Lie {H7901} with me.

Complete Jewish Bible

In time, the day came when his master's wife took a look at Yosef and said, "Sleep with me!"

Berean Standard Bible

and after some time his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph and said, “Sleep with me.”

American Standard Version

And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the detailed account of Joseph's rapid rise in Potiphar's household. Having been unjustly sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph's exceptional administrative skills and, more importantly, the evident favor of God upon him, led Potiphar to entrust him with the complete oversight of his entire estate. [Genesis 39:4](/genesis/39-4 "Joseph's Promotion in Potiphar's House") explicitly states that Joseph "found favor in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand." This established Joseph's position of immense responsibility and trust, a situation that ironically set the stage for the severe temptation described in [Genesis 39:7](/genesis/39-7 "Potiphar's Wife's Proposition"). The narrative emphasizes Potiphar's complete lack of concern over anything Joseph managed, save for the food he ate ([Genesis 39:6](/genesis/39-6 "Potiphar's Trust in Joseph")), underscoring the deep confidence placed in Joseph just before the moral challenge arises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Egypt, household structures were hierarchical, with the master's wife often holding significant authority within the domestic sphere, especially over servants and slaves. While adultery was condemned, the power dynamics between a mistress and a slave could create situations where a slave might feel coerced or pressured into compliance. Joseph, as a Hebrew slave, was particularly vulnerable, lacking the social standing or legal recourse that a free Egyptian might possess. His status as a foreigner further isolated him. The narrative also subtly highlights the prevalent moral laxity in Egyptian society compared to the emerging covenantal standards of the Israelites. Potiphar's wife's brazenness reflects a cultural environment where such propositions, while not necessarily condoned, might have been executed with an expectation of compliance due to power imbalances.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 39:7 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It introduces the theme of **Temptation and Moral Integrity**, showcasing how even in positions of prosperity and divine favor, one can face intense moral trials. Joseph's subsequent steadfastness, rooted in his "fear of God" ([Genesis 39:9](/genesis/39-9 "Joseph's Refusal and Fear of God")), exemplifies **Faithfulness in Adversity** and the **Sovereignty of God** working through human trials. The verse also underscores the destructive nature of **Lust and Sexual Immorality**, which, when unchecked, can lead to grave injustice and suffering, as seen in Joseph's subsequent imprisonment. This incident further develops the theme of **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God uses even the most challenging circumstances to refine character and advance His ultimate purposes, echoing the broader narrative of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite human sin and suffering, a theme pervasive throughout [the patriarchal narratives](/genesis/12 "The Call of Abraham and the Patriarchal Narratives").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **master's (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_):** This word signifies "sovereign, i.e. controller (human or divine); lord, master, owner." In the context of Genesis 39:7, it emphasizes Potiphar's authority over Joseph and his household. The fact that the proposition comes from the "master's wife" highlights a profound betrayal of trust—not only of Potiphar's marital fidelity but also of the trust he had explicitly placed in Joseph as his overseer. This dynamic elevates the moral stakes for Joseph, as his refusal could be perceived as insubordination, yet compliance would be a betrayal of his master and, more importantly, of God.
* **cast (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** Meaning "to lift" or "to bear," this verb implies a deliberate and intentional action. When applied to "eyes" (H5869), it describes more than a casual glance. It denotes a purposeful, sustained, and often predatory gaze. Potiphar's wife did not merely happen to see Joseph; she "lifted" or "fixed" her eyes upon him with a specific, lustful intent, initiating a pursuit rather than merely reacting to an attraction. This active "casting" of her eyes reveals the premeditated nature of her desire and the beginning of her campaign of seduction.
* **Lie (Hebrew, _shâkab'_):** This primitive root means "to lie down" and is used in a variety of contexts, including "for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose." In this verse, the imperative "Lie with me" unequivocally refers to sexual intercourse. The directness and bluntness of her command underscore her brazenness and her expectation of immediate compliance, likely stemming from her position of power over Joseph. It leaves no room for ambiguity, presenting Joseph with an explicit and undeniable demand for sexual immorality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass after these things,"**: This introductory phrase serves as a narrative transition, linking the preceding account of Joseph's prosperity and elevated status in Potiphar's house to the new challenge he faces. It underscores that temptation often follows periods of blessing or success, as if to test the individual's faithfulness when circumstances are favorable.
* **"that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph;"**: This clause reveals the initiation of the temptation. The phrase "cast her eyes upon" indicates a deliberate, prolonged, and lustful gaze, signifying an active pursuit driven by illicit desire. It highlights the predatory nature of her intent, as she singles out Joseph, recognizing his physical attractiveness ("goodly person, and well favoured" from [Genesis 39:6](/genesis/39-6 "Joseph's Appearance")). This gaze is the precursor to her verbal proposition, demonstrating how sin often begins with the eye and the cultivation of desire.
* **"and she said, Lie with me."**: This is the climax of the verse, a blunt, explicit, and commanding sexual proposition. The imperative "Lie with me" leaves no doubt about her intentions. It demonstrates her brazenness, her lack of moral restraint, and her expectation of compliance from Joseph, a slave under her husband's authority. This direct verbal assault marks the beginning of a sustained period of temptation that would severely test Joseph's integrity, loyalty, and faithfulness to God's moral law.

#### 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.

* [Proverbs 6:25-29](/proverbs/6-25-29 "Warnings Against Adultery") - Warns against the seductive gaze and the destructive consequences of adultery, echoing the danger Joseph faced.
* [1 Corinthians 10:13](/1_corinthians/10-13 "God Provides a Way of Escape") - Assures believers that God is faithful and will provide a way of escape from every temptation, a truth vividly demonstrated in Joseph's subsequent actions.
* [James 1:13-15](/james/1-13-15 "The Origin of Temptation and Sin") - Explains that temptation originates from one's own desires, not from God, which is clearly seen in Potiphar's wife's actions.

### 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
* **How does Joseph's experience in a position of trust and prosperity challenge the assumption that success exempts one from temptation?**
* **In what ways does temptation often begin subtly, perhaps with a "gaze," before escalating to an explicit proposition in our own lives?**
* **What practical steps can we take to "guard our eyes" and hearts against lust and illicit desires in a world saturated with such temptations?**
* **How does the narrative of Potiphar's wife's actions inform our understanding of the destructive power of unchecked desire and the abuse of power?**

### FAQ
**Was Joseph's attractiveness a sin?**

Answer: No, Joseph's physical attractiveness, described in [Genesis 39:6](/genesis/39-6 "Joseph's Appearance"), 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](/genesis/39 "Joseph and Potiphar's Wife").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's initial encounter with temptation in [Genesis 39:7](/genesis/39-7 "Potiphar's Wife's Proposition") 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](/hebrews/4-15 "Jesus Tempted Yet Without Sin")). 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](/hebrews/12-2 "Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")). 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](/john/3-16 "God So Loved the World")).

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 Samuel 13:11

And when she had brought [them] unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister.

Ezekiel 16:34

And the contrary is in thee from [other] women in thy whoredoms, whereas none followeth thee to commit whoredoms: and in that thou givest a reward, and no reward is given unto thee, therefore thou art contrary.

2 Peter 2:14

Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

Ezekiel 23:12

She doted upon the Assyrians [her] neighbours, captains and rulers clothed most gorgeously, horsemen riding upon horses, all of them desirable young men.

Ezekiel 23:16

And as soon as she saw them with her eyes, she doted upon them, and sent messengers unto them into Chaldea.

Ezekiel 23:5

And Aholah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians [her] neighbours,

Ezekiel 23:6

[Which were] clothed with blue, captains and rulers, all of them desirable young men, horsemen riding upon horses.