Genesis 39:10
And as she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not listen to her, to lie beside her or to be with her.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text emphasizes that Joseph "would not listen... to lie beside her or to be with her," highlighting his active avoidance. This wasn't just a passive refusal, but a conscious decision to withdraw from her presence altogether, showing that staying away from temptation is as crucial as resisting it when it's direct.
Joseph has recently been promoted by his master Potiphar, becoming overseer of his entire household. Potiphar's wife, however, begins to lust after Joseph, and she repeatedly tries to seduce him, even when Joseph clearly resists and explains his refusal is based on his fear of God and loyalty to his master. This relentless pressure from his mistress sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation.
Potiphar's wife didn't just try once; she persisted. How does the verse show Joseph’s consistent refusal?
Joseph's story highlights that resisting temptation isn't a one-time event, but a continuous, daily effort.
Joseph didn't just say 'no' to the act; he refused even to be 'with her.' What does this tell us about avoiding temptation?
Joseph's refusal went beyond just avoiding the specific act of sin. He actively chose to remove himself from the situation, demonstrating a crucial principle of spiritual warfare.
c. 1729–1713 BC
Joseph sold into slavery
Joseph, son of Jacob, is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt.
c. 1713–1706 BC— this verse
Joseph serves Potiphar
Joseph is purchased by Potiphar, an official of Pharaoh. Due to his integrity and God's favor, Joseph rises to become overseer of Potiphar's household.
c. 1706 BC
Joseph falsely accused
Potiphar's wife attempts to seduce Joseph. When he refuses, she falsely accuses him of assault.
c. 1706 BC
Joseph imprisoned
Imprisoned by Potiphar, Joseph is cast into a dungeon where the king's prisoners are held.
c. 1706–1698 BC
Joseph in prison
Despite his unjust imprisonment, Joseph finds favor with the prison keeper and is eventually put in charge of all the prisoners.
This passage warns against straying toward the adulterous woman's house, emphasizing the need to keep distance from temptation, just as Joseph did by avoiding his mistress's company.
1 Corinthians 10:13This verse speaks to God's faithfulness in providing a way of escape from temptation, directly reflecting Joseph's reliance on God's grace to resist the persistent advances of Potiphar's wife.
Colossians 3:5This passage calls to put to death any longing for earthly things, including sexual immorality, which directly parallels Joseph's firm resolve to mortify his desires and refuse his mistress.
Daniel 3:16-18Similar to Joseph's refusal to compromise his faith for comfort or safety, Daniel and his companions stood firm in their convictions even when facing severe consequences, demonstrating unwavering integrity.
1 Timothy 6:10The love of money is identified as a root of all kinds of evil; similarly, unchecked lust, as seen with Potiphar's wife, is a powerful destructive force that Joseph actively resisted.
calvinGenesis 39:1-23: "And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither."
And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.
Fuit autem ex eo tempore, quo p…
pulpitGenesis 39:10: "And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her."
Verse 10. - And it came to pass, as she spake - or, though she spake (Kalisch) - to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her (a euphemistic expression), or (which is not in the original, and may be omitted) to be with her.
The text emphasizes that Joseph "would not listen... to lie beside her or to be with her," highlighting his active avoidance. This wasn't just a passive refusal, but a conscious decision to withdraw from her presence altogether, showing that staying away from temptation is as crucial as resisting it when it's direct.
Joseph has recently been promoted by his master Potiphar, becoming overseer of his entire household. Potiphar's wife, however, begins to lust after Joseph, and she repeatedly tries to seduce him, even when Joseph clearly resists and explains his refusal is based on his fear of God and loyalty to his master. This relentless pressure from his mistress sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation.
Joseph has recently been promoted by his master Potiphar, becoming overseer of his entire household. Potiphar's wife, however, begins to lust after Joseph, and she repeatedly tries to seduce him, even when Joseph clearly resists and explains his refusal is based on his fear of God and loyalty to his master. This relentless pressure from his mistress sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation.
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"And as she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not listen to her, to lie beside her or to be with her." — The text emphasizes that Joseph "would not listen... to lie beside her or to be with her," highlighting his active avoidance. This wasn't just a passive refusal, but a conscious decision to withdraw…
