Genesis 39:9

KJV

[There is] none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou [art] his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

KJV (with Strong's)

There is none greater {H1419} in this house {H1004} than I; neither {H3808} hath he kept back {H2820} any thing {H3972} from me but thee, because {H834} thou {H859} art his wife {H802}: how then can I do {H6213} this great {H1419} wickedness {H7451}, and sin {H2398} against God {H430}?

Complete Jewish Bible

In this house I am his equal; he hasn't withheld anything from me except yourself, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?"

Berean Standard Bible

No one in this house is greater than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?”

American Standard Version

he is not greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back anything from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 39:9 captures Joseph's profound moral conviction and unwavering commitment to God's holiness in the face of intense sexual temptation. His definitive rejection of Potiphar's wife's advances reveals a sophisticated understanding that sin, particularly adultery, is not merely a breach of human trust or societal convention but an ultimate and direct offense against the Almighty God. This pivotal moment underscores Joseph's deep-seated integrity and his recognition of divine accountability, even when no human authority is present to observe or enforce moral principles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial turning point within the narrative of Joseph's time in Egypt, specifically his service in Potiphar's household. Following his unjust sale into slavery by his brothers, Joseph's diligence and God-given favor led Potiphar to entrust him with complete oversight of his estate. The preceding verses [Genesis 39:1-6](/genesis/39-1-6 "Joseph's Rise in Potiphar's House") establish Joseph's exceptional administrative capabilities and Potiphar's complete trust, culminating in the statement that Potiphar "knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat" [Genesis 39:6](/genesis/39-6 "Potiphar's Trust in Joseph"). Immediately after this description of Joseph's prosperity and physical attractiveness, the narrative introduces the persistent and escalating temptation from Potiphar's wife [Genesis 39:7-8](/genesis/39-7-8 "Potiphar's Wife's Temptation"). Joseph's response in [Genesis 39:9](/genesis/39-9 "Joseph's Moral Stand") is his climactic and theologically rich refusal, setting the stage for his unjust imprisonment but ultimately, God's greater redemptive plan.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Joseph's experience unfolds in ancient Egypt, a polytheistic society where moral standards, particularly regarding sexual purity, often differed significantly from the emerging monotheistic ethics of Abraham's descendants. Adultery, while generally frowned upon, might not have carried the same theological weight as an offense directly against a singular, holy God. Potiphar, as "an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard," held a position of considerable power and influence, making his household a microcosm of Egyptian elite society. Joseph, an enslaved foreigner, was in a vulnerable position, subject to the whims of his master and mistress. His refusal, therefore, was not merely a moral choice but a counter-cultural act of faith, demonstrating a commitment to a divine standard that transcended the prevailing norms of his environment.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 39:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Providence**, showing how God is at work even in the most challenging and unjust circumstances of Joseph's life, preparing him for a greater purpose. It profoundly addresses the **Nature of Sin**, defining it not merely as a social transgression but as a direct affront to God's character and authority, a truth echoed by King David in [Psalm 51:4](/psalm/51-4 "David's Confession of Sin Against God"). The verse also underscores the theme of **Integrity and Faithfulness**, demonstrating that true righteousness is maintained even when unobserved by human eyes, rooted in a conscious awareness of God's omnipresence. Furthermore, Joseph's steadfastness in the face of sexual temptation foreshadows the biblical emphasis on **Sexual Purity** and the sanctity of marriage, even prior to the detailed Mosaic Law. This episode serves as a testament to Joseph's **Preparation for Leadership**, illustrating how God tests and refines His servants in obscurity before elevating them to positions of public responsibility, a pattern seen throughout the biblical narrative, from Moses in Midian to David in the wilderness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **greater (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** This word (H1419) appears twice in the verse, first describing Joseph's authority ("none greater in this house than I") and then the nature of the sin ("this great wickedness"). In its first instance, it signifies Joseph's elevated status and the immense trust Potiphar had placed in him, making him effectively the chief steward. In its second instance, it intensifies the moral gravity of the proposed act, emphasizing that the "wickedness" is not trivial but of immense spiritual consequence. The repetition underscores the profound nature of both Joseph's delegated authority and the magnitude of the sin he refuses to commit.
* **sin (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** The verb (H2398) literally means "to miss the mark," "to go astray," or "to err." In a moral and theological context, it signifies a deviation from God's perfect standard, a failure to conform to His will and character. Joseph's use of this word reveals his understanding that the proposed act is not merely a social faux pas or a betrayal of Potiphar, but a direct transgression against the divine standard. It implies a conscious choice to fall short of what God requires.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural noun (H430) refers to the supreme God, often used with the article to denote the one true God. Joseph’s declaration that he would "sin against God" demonstrates a profound theological insight. For Joseph, his ultimate accountability was not to Potiphar, or even to the societal norms of Egypt, but to the sovereign Creator of all. This elevates the understanding of sin beyond human relationships to a cosmic dimension, recognizing God as the ultimate moral authority and the one against whom all sin is ultimately directed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife:"** Joseph begins by acknowledging the exceptional trust and authority Potiphar has bestowed upon him. He is effectively in charge of everything in the household, signifying his master's complete confidence. The crucial exception, "but thee, because thou art his wife," highlights the inviolable boundary of marital fidelity. Joseph recognizes that Potiphar's wife is not an object to be possessed or used, but a sacred trust, belonging exclusively to his master through the covenant of marriage. This demonstrates Joseph's respect for human relationships and the sanctity of the marital bond, even in a pagan context.
* **"how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?"** This rhetorical question forms the climax of Joseph's refusal, revealing the depth of his moral and theological understanding. The phrase "this great wickedness" (Hebrew, _raʻ_ H7451, meaning "evil" or "bad") emphasizes the profound moral depravity of the act. More significantly, Joseph immediately links this "wickedness" to "sin against God." This is the core theological insight of the verse: Joseph understands that any moral transgression, particularly one as grievous as adultery, is not merely a personal failing or a betrayal of another human, but ultimately an affront to the holy character and moral law of the Almighty. His question implies an impossibility for a person of faith to knowingly commit such an offense against their divine Creator.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" This question is not posed to elicit an answer, but to emphasize the absolute impossibility and moral repugnance of the act from Joseph's perspective. It serves to highlight the depth of his conviction and the unshakeable nature of his moral compass. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** within Joseph's statement: he contrasts the immense trust and authority given to him by Potiphar with the singular, sacred boundary of Potiphar's wife. This contrast underscores the unique and inviolable nature of the marital bond. Furthermore, the phrase "great wickedness" coupled with "sin against God" employs **Emphasis** to magnify the gravity of the proposed transgression, elevating it from a mere human offense to a cosmic act of rebellion against the divine. This profound declaration also serves as **Foreshadowing**, revealing the deep spiritual character and integrity that will enable Joseph to navigate future trials and ultimately fulfill God's redemptive plan for his family.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joseph's resolute stand in Genesis 39:9 provides a foundational biblical understanding of sin, transcending mere human and societal implications to reveal its ultimate nature as an "offense against God Himself." His integrity, maintained even in isolation and under immense pressure, underscores the principle that true righteousness is not dependent on external observation but on an internal, conscious awareness of God's omnipresence and His holy character. This episode powerfully illustrates the call to sexual purity and the sanctity of marriage, principles that predate the Mosaic Law and reflect God's unchanging moral standards. Joseph's faithfulness in this private trial is a testament to the fact that God often prepares His servants for greater public responsibilities through such tests of character.

* [Psalm 51:4](/psalm/51-4 "David's Confession of Sin Against God"): King David, after his sin with Bathsheba, confesses, "Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight." This echoes Joseph's profound understanding that all sin is ultimately directed against God.
* [Proverbs 15:3](/proverbs/15-3 "God's Omnipresence"): "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good." This verse provides the theological basis for Joseph's conviction, highlighting God's constant awareness of human actions, regardless of human witnesses.
* [1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "Flee Sexual Immorality"): "Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body." This New Testament command reinforces the urgency and unique gravity of sexual sin, aligning with Joseph's decisive refusal.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph's unwavering integrity in Genesis 39:9 offers timeless and profound lessons for believers navigating a world rife with temptation. His example challenges us to cultivate a deep, internal conviction that all sin, whether public or private, is ultimately an offense against a holy God, fostering a profound sense of accountability to Him alone. This awareness should empower us to resist temptation, knowing that God sees all and that our ultimate allegiance is to Him, not to fleeting desires or societal pressures. Joseph's decisive "how then can I?" teaches us the importance of establishing clear moral boundaries and, when necessary, taking radical steps—even fleeing—to preserve our integrity, echoing the New Testament call to [flee fornication](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Sexual Immorality") and [resist the devil](/james/4-7 "James 4:7 - Resist the Devil"). By prioritizing God's honor above personal gratification or fear of consequences, we not only cultivate a character that glorifies Him but also position ourselves for His divine purposes, just as Joseph's faithfulness in this trial was a crucial step in his journey to becoming a savior for his family and the nation of Egypt [Genesis 41:40-43](/genesis/41-40-43 "Joseph's Exaltation in Egypt").

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's understanding of sin as being "against God" impact your own view of personal transgressions, even those considered private?**
* **In what areas of your life are you most tempted to compromise your integrity, and how can Joseph's example of decisive refusal inform your response?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "flee" temptation and establish clear boundaries in your life, as Joseph did?**
* **How does the awareness of God's omnipresence strengthen your resolve to maintain faithfulness, even when no human eyes are watching?**

### FAQ

**Why is Joseph's understanding that sin is "against God" so significant?**

Answer: Joseph's declaration elevates sin beyond a mere social transgression or betrayal of human trust. It reveals a profound theological insight: all sin, regardless of its immediate victim or visible consequences, is fundamentally an act of rebellion against God's holy character, His commands, and His supreme authority. This perspective underscores the ultimate gravity of sin, shifting accountability from human judgment to divine judgment, and emphasizing God's omnipresence and moral sovereignty. It means that even seemingly "private" sins are deeply offensive to the Creator.

**Did Potiphar's wife face any consequences for her actions?**

Answer: The biblical narrative does not explicitly detail any direct, immediate consequences for Potiphar's wife. Her actions, however, led directly to Joseph's unjust imprisonment [Genesis 39:19-20](/genesis/39-19-20 "Joseph Imprisoned"), which, ironically, became a crucial step in God's overarching plan to elevate Joseph to power and preserve his family during a severe famine. The focus of the narrative remains on Joseph's faithfulness and God's sovereign providence, rather than on the detailed retribution for his accuser.

**How does Joseph's resistance to temptation compare to other biblical figures?**

Answer: Joseph's resistance is a remarkable example of steadfastness, particularly unique because it occurs in a foreign land without the immediate support of his family or the formal Mosaic Law. His proactive stance and clear theological reasoning ("sin against God") set him apart. This contrasts sharply with figures like King David, who succumbed to similar temptations with Bathsheba, leading to severe consequences for himself and his kingdom [2 Samuel 11](/2_samuel/11 "2 Samuel 11 - David and Bathsheba"), or Samson, whose moral failures and lack of self-control ultimately led to his downfall and death [Judges 16:1-21](/judges/16-1-21 "Samson and Delilah"). Joseph's integrity under intense, prolonged pressure makes him a powerful and enduring model of moral purity and faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's unwavering integrity in [Genesis 39:9](/genesis/39-9 "Joseph's Integrity in Temptation"), his resolute refusal to compromise despite intense temptation, and his subsequent suffering for righteousness' sake, powerfully foreshadow the perfect obedience and sinless life of Jesus Christ. While Joseph was a man of integrity, he was still a fallen human; Christ, however, was "without sin" [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Christ Tempted Yet Without Sin"), facing every conceivable temptation yet never yielding to evil. Joseph's profound declaration that sin is "against God" finds its ultimate and complete resolution in Christ, whose atoning sacrifice on the cross fully satisfied God's righteous wrath against all sin, bearing the full weight of humanity's rebellion against the Father [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ Made Sin for Us"). Just as Joseph was unjustly imprisoned but ultimately exalted to save many from physical death, Christ suffered unjustly, died, and was resurrected, becoming the ultimate Savior who delivers all who trust in Him from the power and eternal penalty of sin, leading them to eternal life and reconciliation with God [Romans 5:8-10](/romans/5-8-10 "God's Love in Christ's Death").

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 12:13

And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.

Genesis 20:6

And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.

Genesis 42:18

And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; [for] I fear God:

1 John 3:9

Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

Luke 12:48

But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Galatians 5:19

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Galatians 5:21

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.