Genesis 39:8

But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what [is] with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;

But he refused {H3985}, and said {H559} unto his master's {H113} wife {H802}, Behold, my master {H113} wotteth {H3045} not what is with me in the house {H1004}, and he hath committed {H5414} all that he hath {H3426} to my hand {H3027};

But he refused, saying to his master's wife, "Look, because my master has me, he doesn't know what's going on in this house. He has put all his possessions in my charge.

But he refused. “Look,” he said to his master’s wife, “with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in his house, and he has entrusted everything he owns to my care.

But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master knoweth not what is with me in the house, and he hath put all that he hath into my hand:

Commentary

Genesis 39:8 captures a pivotal moment in the life of Joseph, highlighting his steadfast character and unwavering integrity in the face of profound temptation. This verse immediately follows Potiphar's wife's initial advances, showing Joseph's firm refusal.

Context

By this point in the narrative, Joseph, having been sold into slavery by his brothers, has found favor in the house of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard in Egypt. The Lord was with Joseph, and he prospered, leading Potiphar to entrust him with complete oversight of his household and possessions. This level of trust in an ancient Egyptian household, especially for a slave, was extraordinary, reflecting Joseph's exceptional administrative skills and faithful service. Potiphar's wife, however, began to lust after Joseph, initiating a series of daily temptations.

Key Themes

  • Integrity and Purity: Joseph's immediate and unequivocal refusal demonstrates a profound commitment to moral purity and integrity. He valued his relationship with God and his master's trust more than fleeting pleasure or personal gain.
  • Stewardship and Loyalty: Joseph clearly articulated his understanding of the immense trust Potiphar had placed in him, giving him authority over everything except his wife. His refusal was not just about personal purity but also about loyalty to his master and honoring the stewardship he had been given. This echoes the principle of faithfulness in handling what belongs to another.
  • Resisting Temptation: This verse is a powerful example of setting boundaries and firmly saying "no" to sin. Joseph did not entertain the thought or engage in dialogue; he refused outright, recognizing the gravity of the sin.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "my master wotteth not what [is] with me in the house" uses an archaic KJV term. "Wotteth not" simply means "knows not" or "is unaware." Joseph is emphasizing that his master has given him such complete freedom and trust that he doesn't even bother to monitor what is happening in the house, except concerning his wife. This highlights the depth of Potiphar's confidence in Joseph.

Practical Application

Joseph's response in Genesis 39:8 provides a timeless model for navigating temptation. It teaches us the importance of:

  • Clear Boundaries: Define and maintain clear moral boundaries, especially in situations where trust has been extended.
  • Honoring Trust: Recognize and respect the trust placed in us by others, whether in personal relationships, professional roles, or spiritual responsibilities.
  • Prioritizing God and Conscience: Joseph's later statement in Genesis 39:9 reveals his ultimate motivation: he saw the act as a sin against God. This reminds us that true integrity stems from a fear of God and a desire to please Him, rather than merely avoiding human consequences. This commitment empowers us to resist the devil and make him flee.
Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 22:14

    ¶ The mouth of strange women [is] a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

  • Proverbs 1:10

    ¶ My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

  • Proverbs 23:26

    My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

  • Proverbs 23:28

    She also lieth in wait as [for] a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.

  • Proverbs 7:5

    That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger [which] flattereth with her words.

  • Proverbs 7:25

    Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.

  • Proverbs 7:27

    Her house [is] the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.
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