Genesis 39:7-9
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This verse isn't just about an offer of seduction; it reveals the wife's bold, direct, and shameless nature by focusing on her immediate demand: "Lie with me." The text bypasses any subtle hints or veiled suggestions, showing her blatant disregard for propriety and her aggressive pursuit of Joseph.
And after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, “Lie with me.” But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge. He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having been promoted to a position of great trust and responsibility in Potiphar's household, Joseph is now facing a new, insidious challenge. His master's wife, captivated by his good looks and perhaps sensing his inherent integrity, begins to make persistent, unwanted advances towards him. This verse marks the escalation of her seduction attempts, moving from subtle glances to a direct, brazen proposition.
It starts with a look. Potiphar's wife didn't just see Joseph; she gazed. What does this subtle shift reveal about the nature of temptation?
The verse pinpoints the exact moment temptation takes hold: "cast her eyes upon Joseph." This wasn't a casual glance; it implies a deliberate, prolonged, and lustful stare. This action signifies the transition from simple observation to intentional desire.
The Intentional Look
This deliberate looking is the precursor to the spoken invitation, highlighting how temptation often begins not with action, but with a focused, unhealthy fixation.
Joseph's response to Potiphar's wife wasn't just a 'no.' It was a powerful defense built on integrity and a deep understanding of his responsibilities. What can we learn from his principled refusal?
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Joseph's refusal of Potiphar's wife's advances is a masterclass in principled living. He doesn't just state he won't sin; he articulates why from multiple, powerful angles.
Joseph's Defense
Joseph's response demonstrates that true righteousness isn't just avoiding bad actions, but actively upholding the values of trust, loyalty, and divine accountability.
Understand the original words
shakab · Hebrew Verb
A term of intimacy and sexual relations. In the Old Testament, it is frequently used to denote the sexual act, often occurring within the covenant of marriage but here used in the context of adultery.
ra'ah · Hebrew Noun
A word denoting moral or ethical evil. In Scripture, it signifies something that is inherently vile, morally repulsive, and contrary to the character and commands of God.
chata' · Hebrew Noun
The act of missing the mark or failing to meet God's standard of holiness. It is fundamentally an offense against God Himself, representing rebellion or transgression against His law and character.
Elohim · Hebrew Noun
The self-existent, eternal Creator and Sovereign Ruler of the universe. The use of this name highlights that all morality is ultimately defined by His character, and all human actions are accountable before Him.
The cultural context of ancient Egypt, where women had more freedom than in many other ancient Near Eastern societies, helps explain the setting for Potiphar's wife's bold advances towards Joseph.
c. 1728 BC
Joseph Sold into Slavery
Joseph, son of Jacob, is sold into slavery by his envious brothers to Ishmaelite traders who then transport him to Egypt.
c. 1728 BC
Joseph Arrives in Egypt
Joseph is sold by the Ishmaelites to Potiphar, a captain of Pharaoh's guard, who brings him into his household.
c. 1728-1717 BC
Joseph Rises to Overseer
Joseph proves himself to be a capable and trustworthy servant, and Potiphar places him in charge of his entire household and possessions.
c. 1717 BC— this verse
Potiphar's Wife's Advances
Potiphar's wife repeatedly attempts to seduce Joseph, who resists her advances, citing his loyalty to his master and his fear of God.
c. 1717 BC
Joseph Falsely Accused and Imprisoned
Potiphar's wife, enraged by Joseph's rejection, falsely accuses him of assault. Potiphar, believing his wife, has Joseph thrown into prison.
c. 1717-1712 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 shows Job's "covenant with his eyes," a similar proactive rejection of temptation and lust that Joseph embodies when he resists Potiphar's wife.
Proverbs 7:6-23This proverb vividly describes a young man drawn into sin by a 'woman of loose morals,' mirroring Joseph's temptation and highlighting the destructive path of succumbing to such desires.
1 Corinthians 6:18Paul's instruction to 'flee from sexual immorality' directly echoes Joseph's decisive action of leaving his garment and fleeing, showing this is a principle for all believers facing similar temptations.
1 Corinthians 10:13This verse assures believers that God provides a way of escape from temptation, which is exactly what Joseph experienced and utilized when he fled from Potiphar's wife.
Hebrews 11:24-25The author of Hebrews points to Joseph's refusal to sin as an act of faith, choosing to suffer affliction rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin, framing his decision within a larger theological context.
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…
pooleGenesis 39:7: "And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me."
She cast her eyes upon Joseph, in a lascivious and unchaste manner. See Job 31:1 Matthew 5:28 2 Peter 2:14 .
This verse isn't just about an offer of seduction; it reveals the wife's bold, direct, and shameless nature by focusing on her immediate demand: "Lie with me." The text bypasses any subtle hints or veiled suggestions, showing her blatant disregard for propriety and her aggressive pursuit of Joseph.
Having been promoted to a position of great trust and responsibility in Potiphar's household, Joseph is now facing a new, insidious challenge. His master's wife, captivated by his good looks and perhaps sensing his inherent integrity, begins to make persistent, unwanted advances towards him. This verse marks the escalation of her seduction attempts, moving from subtle glances to a direct, brazen proposition.
Having been promoted to a position of great trust and responsibility in Potiphar's household, Joseph is now facing a new, insidious challenge. His master's wife, captivated by his good looks and perhaps sensing his inherent integrity, begins to make persistent, unwanted advances towards him. This verse marks the escalation of her seduction attempts, moving from subtle glances to a direct, brazen proposition.
"And after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, “Lie with me.” But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that h…" — This verse isn't just about an offer of seduction; it reveals the wife's bold, direct, and shameless nature by focusing on her immediate demand: "Lie with me." The text bypasses any subtle hints or v…
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Last reviewed October 2026
