Genesis 39:8

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 39:8](/genesis/39-8 "Joseph refuses Potiphar's wife") captures Joseph's unwavering integrity and profound loyalty in the face of intense temptation. Immediately following Potiphar's wife's advances, Joseph firmly refuses, articulating his deep respect for his master's trust and the extensive authority he had been granted over the household, highlighting his commitment to moral purity.

### CONTEXT
By this point in the narrative, Joseph, having been [sold into slavery by his brothers](/genesis/37-28 "Joseph sold into slavery in Genesis 37:28"), had found remarkable favor in the house of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard in Egypt. The Lord's blessing on Joseph led to his prosperity, prompting Potiphar to entrust him with complete oversight of his household and possessions. This extraordinary level of trust for a slave in ancient Egypt underscored Joseph's exceptional administrative skills and faithful service. However, this position of authority also exposed Joseph to daily temptations from Potiphar's wife, who began to lust after him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 39:8](/genesis/39-8 "Joseph refuses Potiphar's wife") opens with Joseph's decisive "But he refused," indicating an immediate and unequivocal rejection of Potiphar's wife's advances. This firm stance is crucial, demonstrating Joseph's proactive resistance rather than passive avoidance. His refusal is not merely a reaction but a principled assertion of his moral boundaries.

Joseph's explanation to his master's wife reveals the depth of his understanding of his role and the trust placed in him:

* **"my master wotteth not what [is] with me in the house"**: The archaic KJV phrase "wotteth not" simply means "knows not" or "is unaware." Joseph emphasizes that Potiphar has such complete confidence in him that he does not scrutinize or monitor the daily affairs of his household. This highlights the extraordinary freedom and responsibility Joseph enjoyed, a testament to his proven faithfulness.
* **"and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand"**: This phrase underscores the immense scope of Joseph's authority. Potiphar had delegated virtually everything to Joseph's management, from the household staff to all his possessions. This level of stewardship meant Joseph was effectively the de facto head of the household, second only to Potiphar himself. Joseph's refusal, therefore, was not just about personal purity but also about honoring the sacred trust and extensive stewardship that had been bestowed upon him. He understood that abusing this trust, especially by defiling his master's marriage, would be a profound betrayal of the very foundation of his authority.

This verse sets the stage for Joseph's fuller explanation in [Genesis 39:9](/genesis/39-9 "Joseph's full reasoning against sin"), where he explicitly frames the temptation as a sin against God, revealing the ultimate source of his integrity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Presence and Prosperity:** The narrative consistently emphasizes that "the Lord was with Joseph" ([Genesis 39:2](/genesis/39-2 "The Lord was with Joseph"), [Genesis 39:3](/genesis/39-3 "Joseph prospers")), which is the ultimate reason for his success and his ability to resist temptation. His integrity is a fruit of God's presence in his life.
* **Stewardship and Faithfulness:** Joseph exemplifies faithful stewardship. He recognizes that all he manages belongs to Potiphar, and he is accountable for it. This aligns with the biblical principle of [faithfulness in handling what belongs to another](/luke/16-10 "Read about faithfulness in little things in Luke 16:10"), and how being faithful in little things prepares one for greater responsibilities.
* **Integrity and Moral Purity:** Joseph's immediate and unequivocal refusal demonstrates a profound commitment to moral purity. He valued his relationship with God and his master's trust more than fleeting pleasure or personal gain, embodying true integrity.
* **Resisting Temptation:** This verse provides a powerful model for confronting temptation. Joseph did not entertain the thought or engage in dialogue; he refused outright, recognizing the gravity of the sin. His later statement in [Genesis 39:9](/genesis/39-9 "Joseph's full reasoning against sin") reveals his ultimate motivation: he saw the act as a sin against God, reminding us that true integrity stems from a fear of God and a desire to please Him, which empowers us to [resist the devil and make him flee](/james/4-7 "Learn about resisting the devil in James 4:7").

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph's response in [Genesis 39:8](/genesis/39-8 "Joseph refuses Potiphar's wife") offers a timeless paradigm for navigating temptation in our own lives. It teaches us the critical importance of establishing and maintaining clear moral boundaries, especially in situations where trust has been extended. We are called to recognize and honor the trust placed in us by others, whether in personal relationships, professional roles, or spiritual responsibilities, understanding that our actions reflect on our character and our walk with God. Ultimately, Joseph's integrity stemmed from prioritizing God and a clear conscience above personal desire, reminding us that true strength in resisting sin comes from a deep-seated desire to please God rather than merely avoiding human consequences.

### FAQ

**Why was Joseph so quick and firm in his refusal?**

Answer: Joseph's immediate and firm refusal stemmed from a combination of deeply held principles: profound integrity, unwavering loyalty to his master who had placed immense trust in him, and most importantly, a fear of God. As he explains in the subsequent verse, he viewed such an act as a great wickedness and a sin against God. His quick response indicates a pre-established commitment to moral purity and a clear understanding of right and wrong.

**What does "wotteth not" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Wotteth not" is an archaic English phrase from the King James Version, meaning "knows not" or "is unaware." In [Genesis 39:8](/genesis/39-8 "Joseph refuses Potiphar's wife"), Joseph uses it to emphasize the extent of Potiphar's trust in him. Potiphar had given Joseph such complete freedom and authority over his household that he didn't even bother to monitor what was happening, except concerning his wife. This highlights the depth of Potiphar's confidence in Joseph's stewardship.

**How did Joseph gain such a position of trust as a slave?**

Answer: Joseph's rise to such a position of trust was attributed to the Lord's presence and blessing upon him. The text repeatedly states, "the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man" ([Genesis 39:2](/genesis/39-2 "The Lord was with Joseph")). Potiphar observed that "the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand" ([Genesis 39:3](/genesis/39-3 "Joseph prospers")), leading him to recognize Joseph's exceptional administrative skills, diligence, and faithfulness. This divine favor, coupled with Joseph's demonstrated competence, earned him Potiphar's complete confidence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's steadfast refusal of temptation in [Genesis 39:8](/genesis/39-8 "Joseph refuses Potiphar's wife") foreshadows Christ in several profound ways. Like Joseph, who was unjustly sold and served faithfully despite his circumstances, Christ perfectly obeyed His Father's will, even unto death. Joseph’s unwavering integrity in the face of sexual temptation, rooted in his loyalty to his master and, more deeply, to God, mirrors Christ's perfect righteousness and His absolute victory over all temptation in the wilderness and throughout His life. Christ, the ultimate faithful steward, was entrusted with all things by the Father, and He never betrayed that trust, perfectly upholding God's law and demonstrating the ultimate standard of purity and obedience, thereby securing salvation for His people.

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.