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Genesis 39:16

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And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home.

And she laid up {H3240} his garment {H899} by her {H681}, until his lord {H113} came {H935} home {H1004}.

She put the robe aside until his master came home.

So Potiphar’s wife kept Joseph’s cloak beside her until his master came home.

And she laid up his garment by her, until his master came home.

Commentary

Genesis 39:16 (KJV) states, "And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home." This verse is a pivotal moment in the dramatic narrative of Joseph's time in Egypt, immediately following his escape from the attempted seduction by Potiphar's wife.

Context

This verse occurs within the detailed account of Joseph's service in Potiphar's household. Having been sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph quickly rose to a position of trust and authority due to God's blessing upon him. Potiphar's wife, however, repeatedly sought to entice Joseph into sin. Joseph consistently refused, citing his loyalty to Potiphar and, more importantly, his reverence for God (as seen in Genesis 39:9). On the day this verse describes, she seized him, but Joseph fled, leaving his outer garment in her hand. This verse reveals her malicious intent to use the garment as "evidence" against him, setting the stage for a false accusation.

Key Themes

  • False Accusation and Deception: Potiphar's wife deliberately keeps Joseph's garment, intending to present it as proof of his alleged assault. This highlights her cunning and deceptive character, illustrating how truth can be twisted for malicious purposes.
  • Fabricated Evidence: The garment serves as the central piece of "evidence" in her upcoming accusation. It's a stark reminder of how physical objects can be manipulated to create a false narrative, leading to a miscarriage of justice.
  • Joseph's Integrity Vindicated (Later): While this verse describes a moment of injustice, Joseph's flight in the previous verse underscores his unwavering commitment to purity and integrity, even when it led to severe consequences. His actions, despite the immediate outcome, speak to a profound moral character.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "garment" here is בֶּגֶד (beged), a common term for an article of clothing. In this context, its significance is less about its etymology and more about its narrative function. It transforms from an ordinary piece of apparel into a critical piece of "proof" in a legal sense, albeit one that is entirely fabricated. This garment becomes a symbol of the injustice Joseph would face, yet paradoxically, it also serves as silent testimony to his flight from sin.

Significance and Application

Genesis 39:16 teaches us about the harsh realities of living righteously in a fallen world. Joseph's experience is a powerful testament to:

  • The Cost of Righteousness: Sometimes, doing what is right, especially when resisting temptation, can lead to unfair suffering and false accusations. Joseph's subsequent imprisonment (Genesis 39:20) is a direct consequence of his integrity.
  • Trusting God Amidst Injustice: Despite the immediate setback and false accusation, God remained with Joseph (Genesis 39:21). This verse reminds believers that even when unjustly treated, God's sovereign plan is at work, and He can use difficult circumstances for a greater purpose.
  • The Nature of Deception: It highlights how quickly and cunningly deception can be woven, often using partial truths or manipulated facts. This calls believers to discernment and to stand firm against such schemes.

This verse, though brief, is crucial for understanding the escalating trials Joseph faced, which ultimately prepared him for his divine destiny as a deliverer for his family and for Egypt.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 37:32 (4 votes)

    The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

  • Jeremiah 9:3 (3 votes)

    And they bend their tongues [like] their bow [for] lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 9:5 (3 votes)

    And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, [and] weary themselves to commit iniquity.

  • Jeremiah 4:22 (3 votes)

    For my people [is] foolish, they have not known me; they [are] sottish children, and they have none understanding: they [are] wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.

  • Titus 3:3 (3 votes)

    For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

  • Psalms 37:12 (3 votes)

    The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.