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Genesis 39:17

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And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me:

And she spake {H1696} unto him according to these words {H1697}, saying {H559}, The Hebrew {H5680} servant {H5650}, which thou hast brought {H935} unto us, came in {H935} unto me to mock {H6711} me:

Then she said to him, "This Hebrew slave you brought us came in to make a fool of me.

Then she told him the same story: “The Hebrew slave you brought us came to me to make sport of me,

And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, whom thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me:

Commentary

Commentary on Genesis 39:17 (KJV)

Genesis 39:17 records a pivotal moment in the life of Joseph, where Potiphar's wife escalates her malicious deception against him. Having failed to seduce Joseph, she now fabricates a story to her husband, Potiphar, to justify her anger and protect her own reputation.

Context

This verse is the climax of Potiphar's wife's scheme. Joseph, a Hebrew servant in the high-ranking Egyptian household of Potiphar, had consistently rejected her persistent sexual advances, citing his loyalty to his master and, more importantly, his reverence for God (Genesis 39:8-9). Frustrated by his unwavering integrity, she grabbed his garment as he fled, leaving her with "evidence" of his supposed transgression (Genesis 39:12). In the preceding verses (Genesis 39:13-16), she had already presented her false narrative to the household servants. Now, she repeats this lie to her husband, framing Joseph's escape from temptation as an act of insolence and aggression, a "mockery."

Key Themes

  • False Accusation and Slander: This verse powerfully illustrates the destructive nature of false witness and slander. Potiphar's wife deliberately distorts the truth, transforming Joseph's righteousness into an offense, driven by her own thwarted desires and desire for revenge.
  • Integrity Under Pressure: Despite Joseph's moral purity and his refusal to sin, he faces severe punishment. This highlights the reality that faithfulness does not always prevent suffering, but it preserves one's character. Joseph's commitment to God remained steadfast even when it led to injustice.
  • The Vulnerability of the Oppressed: As a "Hebrew servant," Joseph was in a precarious position. His word held little weight against that of his master's wife, underscoring the social hierarchy and lack of legal recourse for enslaved people in ancient Egypt.
  • God's Sovereignty Amidst Injustice: While this moment seems like a devastating setback for Joseph, it is part of God's larger plan to elevate him and ultimately save his family and many others from famine. God's presence remained with Joseph even in prison (Genesis 39:21).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "mock" is tsachaq (צָחַק). While it can mean "to laugh" or "to play," it often carries connotations of inappropriate jesting, sexual play, or even mocking/insulting. In this context, Potiphar's wife uses it to imply that Joseph's entry was not just an attempt at sexual assault but a deliberate act of contempt and disrespect towards her and her husband's household. She frames his refusal as an aggressive, taunting gesture, further demonizing him in her husband's eyes.

Practical Application

Genesis 39:17 offers several timeless lessons:

  • Stand Firm in Integrity: Joseph's experience reminds us that doing what is right may not always yield immediate rewards or prevent hardship. However, maintaining integrity, especially in the face of temptation, is a foundational aspect of Christian living.
  • Dealing with Slander: We may encounter situations where our good intentions or actions are twisted and used against us. Like Joseph, we are called to trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty, even when facing unjust suffering.
  • Recognizing Deception: The narrative serves as a warning against the dangers of deceit and the power of a lie to inflict damage, even on the innocent.

Ultimately, this verse, though dark, sets the stage for Joseph's journey through suffering, which God uses for a greater purpose, demonstrating His faithfulness to those who walk uprightly.

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

  • Exodus 23:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.

  • 1 Kings 21:9 (2 votes)

    And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people:

  • 1 Kings 21:13 (2 votes)

    And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, [even] against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died.

  • Proverbs 19:5 (2 votes)

    ¶ A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaketh lies shall not escape.

  • Proverbs 19:9 (2 votes)

    ¶ A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaketh lies shall perish.

  • Proverbs 12:19 (2 votes)

    ¶ The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue [is] but for a moment.

  • Psalms 37:14 (2 votes)

    The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, [and] to slay such as be of upright conversation.