Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife
Genesis 39:1-23
Gen.39.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הורד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מצרימה: NOUN,prop,pl,m,abs
- ויקנהו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- פוטיפר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סריס: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פרעה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הטבחים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מצרי: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- מיד: PREP
- הישמעאלים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הורדהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמה: ADV
Parallels
- Gen.37.28 (verbal): Earlier account of Joseph being sold to passing traders (Midianites/Ishmaelites); shares vocabulary and the event of Joseph being handed over to merchants.
- Gen.37.36 (structural): Summary statement that the Midianites sold Joseph into Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh—directly parallels the identification of Potiphar as Joseph's buyer.
- Ps.105.17-19 (allusion): The psalm retells Joseph’s descent into Egypt and his sale into Potiphar’s house, interpreting the episode within God’s providential plan.
- Acts.7.9-10 (quotation): Stephen’s speech recounts the patriarchs’ jealousy and Joseph’s sale into Egypt and explicitly notes God’s presence with him, echoing the Genesis narrative.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joseph was brought down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, chief of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the hand of the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there.
- And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian man, bought him from the hand of the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there.
Gen.39.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מצליח: VERB,piel,part,0,m,sg
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אדניו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+POSS,3,m,sg
- המצרי: ADJ,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Gen.39.21 (verbal): Continues the same theme in Joseph’s narrative: 'The LORD was with him'—God’s presence and favor remain with Joseph even after he is imprisoned.
- Gen.39.23 (verbal): Explicit restatement of the cause–effect in Joseph’s life: 'The LORD was with him; and that which he did the LORD made to prosper in his hand,' echoing 39:2’s link of God's presence with Joseph’s success.
- 1 Sam.18.14 (verbal): About David: 'And David behaved himself more wisely than all... and the LORD was with him,' a parallel verbal formula tying divine presence to a servant’s success in a royal/household setting.
- Dan.1.9 (thematic): In Babylonian service God grants Daniel 'favour and compassion' with the official—a thematic parallel of God securing success and favor for a faithful servant in a foreign master's house.
- Prov.10.22 (thematic): Principle sentence: 'The blessing of the LORD makes rich,' thematically linking prosperity and well‑being to the LORD’s blessing/presence as in Gen 39:2.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master.
- And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man; and he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian.
Gen.39.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אדניו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+POSS,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מצליח: VERB,piel,part,0,m,sg
- בידו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
Parallels
- Gen.39:2 (verbal): Immediate parallel earlier in the narrative: states that the LORD was with Joseph and that the LORD made him a successful man, echoing the formula of divine presence and prosperity.
- Gen.39:23 (verbal): Repeats the same formula later regarding the prison keeper’s observation: 'the LORD was with him' and 'that which he did the LORD made to prosper,' a near-verbatim recurrence of the theme.
- Ps.1:3 (verbal): The righteous are described as a tree that 'whatever he does prospers' (or 'shall prosper'), a close verbal and conceptual parallel linking divine blessing with success in one’s actions.
- Dan.1:9 (thematic): God gives Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the official and grants him knowledge and skill—a theme of divine presence resulting in favor, competence, and advancement like Joseph’s experience.
- Josh.1:8 (thematic): Promises that meditating on and obeying God's law will make 'your way prosperous and you will have good success,' thematically paralleling the idea that the LORD’s presence brings prosperity and success.
Alternative generated candidates
- And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that all that he did the LORD made prosper in his hand.
- And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that all that he did the LORD made succeed in his hand.
Gen.39.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וימצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בעיניו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- וישרת: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- ויפקדהו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg+3,m,sg(obj)
- על: PREP
- ביתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- יש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בידו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 39:2–3 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same episode: similar language about the LORD being with Joseph, Joseph finding favor in his master's sight, serving him, and being made overseer of his house.
- Genesis 39:21–23 (thematic): Repetition of the motif: when Joseph is imprisoned the LORD is with him and he again obtains the keeper's favor, showing the recurring pattern of divine presence producing human advancement.
- Genesis 41:39–44 (structural): Later elevation of Joseph to authority under Pharaoh uses similar language and office‑transfer motif—Pharaoh sets Joseph over his house and all his people, mirroring the earlier appointment in Potiphar’s household on a larger scale.
- Daniel 1:9 (verbal): Parallel wording and theme: 'God gave Daniel favor (or compassion) in the sight of the prince of the eunuchs,' reflecting the motif of divine favor leading to promotion in a foreign master’s household.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joseph found favor in his eyes and served him, and he appointed him over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
- And Joseph found favor in his eyes and served him; and he appointed him over his house, and all that he had he gave into his hand.
Gen.39.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מאז: ADV
- הפקיד: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- בביתו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ויברך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המצרי: ADJ,m,sg,def
- בגלל: PREP
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ברכת: NOUN,f,sg,const
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ובשדה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.39:3 (verbal): Same scene earlier in the narrative: ‘the LORD was with him’ and caused all he did to prosper—links the divine presence with household prosperity.
- Gen.39:21-23 (structural): Later repetition of the theme that the LORD was with Joseph and blessed the places where he lived (prison), showing the recurring pattern of God’s favor following Joseph in every household.
- Prov.3:33 (thematic): Contrast/parallel language about the LORD blessing the dwelling of the righteous—connects the idea of divine blessing resting on a household because of a righteous person.
- Job 1:10 (thematic): God’s protection and favor over a man’s household and belongings because of the man’s righteousness echoes the notion that one person’s standing brings blessing on an entire house.
- Prov.10:22 (verbal): ‘The blessing of the LORD makes rich’ — a concise proverb that mirrors Genesis 39:5’s explicit statement that the LORD’s blessing was on all of Potiphar’s house and fields.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it was, from the time he appointed him over his house and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the house of the Egyptian because of Joseph, and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had, in the house and in the field.
- And it happened from the time he appointed him 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.
Gen.39.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעזב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- מאומה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- אם: CONJ
- הלחם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- אוכל: VERB,qal,part,1,m,sg
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יפה: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- תאר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויפה: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- מראה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.39:4 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel in the same episode: Potiphar places all his household and possessions in Joseph’s hand—same idea and similar wording about being entrusted with everything.
- Gen.29:17 (verbal): Rachel is described with a near-identical Hebrew formula ('beautiful of form and beautiful of appearance'), paralleling the phrasing used for Joseph’s physical attractiveness.
- 1 Sam.16:12 (verbal): David is likewise described as handsome/‘goodly to look upon’—a recurring biblical motif and similar language used to mark a favored, attractive youth.
- Dan.1:9 (thematic): God grants Daniel favor with the official in charge, resulting in Daniel being placed over others—parallels Joseph’s divine favor leading to Potiphar entrusting him with the household.
- Prov.31:11-12 (thematic): The ideal wife is trusted with her husband’s goods and manages them faithfully—echoes the theme of a trusted steward who oversees and cares for another’s household and resources.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand, and with him he concerned himself with nothing, except the bread that he ate. And Joseph was handsome in form and handsome in appearance.
- And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, and with him he did not concern himself with anything, except the bread that he ate. And Joseph was handsome in form and handsome in appearance.
Gen.39.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אחר: PREP
- הדברים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- ותשא: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אשת: NOUN,f,sg,cns
- אדניו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+POSS,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עיניה: NOUN,f,pl,abs+3fs
- אל: NEG
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- שכבה: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
Parallels
- Proverbs 7:6-27 (thematic): Extended portrait of a seductive woman who lies in wait and entices a young man with sexual invitation—parallels the motif of deliberate seduction and its moral danger.
- Proverbs 5:3-6 (verbal): Warning against the 'forbidden woman' whose speech and allure invite sexual sin; echoes the language of temptation and its destructive outcome.
- Susanna (Daniel additions) 1:10–15 (allusion): Two older men attempt to seduce Susanna and then threaten her when she refuses; parallels the pattern of attempted sexual seduction within a household and the subsequent false accusation.
- 2 Samuel 11:2-5 (thematic): David sees Bathsheba, desires her, and sleeps with her—an account of royal/domestic sexual temptation that contrasts with Joseph's resistance to Potiphar's wife's advances.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it happened after these things that his master's wife lifted up her eyes to Joseph and said, Lie with me.
- And it happened after these things that his master’s wife lifted up her eyes to Joseph and said, Lie with me.
Gen.39.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וימאן: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- אשת: NOUN,f,sg,cns
- אדניו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+POSS,3,m,sg
- הן: PART
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתי: PRON,1,sg
- מה: PRON,int
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בידי: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff1s
Parallels
- Gen.39:9 (structural): Immediate continuation: Joseph explicitly frames refusal as avoiding a great wickedness and sinning against God, making clear his motive of piety and loyalty introduced in v.8.
- Dan.1:8 (thematic): Daniel resolves not to defile himself with the royal food—both are young exilic servants who refuse compromise to remain faithful to God and conscience while serving powerful masters.
- Job 31:1 (thematic): Job's covenant with his eyes to avoid lust parallels Joseph's determination to resist sexual temptation and preserve personal integrity.
- Exod.20:14 (thematic): The commandment 'You shall not commit adultery' provides the Pentateuchal moral backdrop for Joseph's refusal of Potiphar's wife's advances.
- 1 Cor.6:18 (thematic): Paul's exhortation to 'flee sexual immorality' echoes Joseph's action and ethical stance of avoiding sexual sin rather than rationalizing it.
Alternative generated candidates
- But he refused and said to his master's wife, See, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house, and all that he has he has given into my hand.
- But he refused and said to his master’s wife, Behold, my master does not know with me what is in the house, and all that he has he has given into my hand.
Gen.39.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- איננו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl,neg
- גדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- ממני: PREP,suff,1,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- חשך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ממני: PREP,suff,1,m,sg
- מאומה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- אם: CONJ
- אותך: PRON,2,m,sg
- באשר: CONJ
- את: PRT,acc
- אשתו: NOUN,f,sg,cs+3,m,sg
- ואיך: CONJ+ADV
- אעשה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- הרעה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הגדלה: ADJ,f,sg,def
- הזאת: DEM,f,sg,def
- וחטאתי: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- לאלהים: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Job 31:9-12 (verbal): Job explicitly denies committing adultery and frames such an act as a sin before God, echoing Joseph’s language of refusing sexual temptation as 'sinning against God.'
- 2 Samuel 11 (thematic): David’s adultery with Bathsheba (and abuse of royal power) forms a narrative contrast to Joseph’s resistance to Potiphar’s wife—same context (a ruler’s wife) but opposite moral outcome.
- Exodus 20:14 (allusion): The Decalogue’s command 'You shall not commit adultery' provides the legal/ethical background for Joseph’s refusal, grounding his objection in covenantal law.
- Proverbs 7:25-27 (thematic): The Wisdom tradition warns against turning aside to an adulterous woman who leads to ruin, paralleling Joseph’s recognition of the moral danger and need to flee temptation.
- Daniel 1:8 (structural): Daniel’s resolve not to defile himself (with royal provisions) parallels Joseph’s determined refusal to compromise integrity out of loyalty to God and his master.
Alternative generated candidates
- He is not greater in this house than I, and he has not withheld from me anything except you, because you are his wife; how then could I do this great evil and sin against God?
- He is not greater in this house than I, and he has not withheld from me anything except you, because you are his wife; and how could I do this great evil and sin against God?
Gen.39.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כדברה: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אל: NEG
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- לשכב: VERB,qal,inf
- אצלה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- להיות: VERB,qal,inf,NA,NA,NA
- עמה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 39:12 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: describes Joseph fleeing her, leaving his garment — the concrete outcome of his refusal in 39:10.
- Proverbs 7:6-23 (thematic): A literary depiction of persistent sexual seduction (the adulteress) that contrasts with Joseph’s resistance; both texts portray repeated enticement and its moral stakes.
- 2 Samuel 11:2-5 (thematic): David’s encounter with Bathsheba involves sexual temptation and yielding; serves as a foil to Joseph’s refusal, highlighting different responses and consequences to illicit advances.
- 1 Corinthians 10:13 (thematic): Paul’s teaching that God provides a way of escape from temptation resonates with Joseph’s ability to refuse and flee, implying divine vindication/provision in trials.
- Matthew 5:27-28 (thematic): Jesus’ instruction linking outward acts and inward desire connects to the moral issue in Genesis 39:10 — resisting not just action but also sexual temptation and intent.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not listen to her, to lie beside her, to be with her.
- And it happened, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not listen to her, to lie beside her, to be with her.
Gen.39.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כהיום: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- הביתה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- מלאכתו: NOUN,f,sg,cons+3,m,sg
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאנשי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הבית: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שם: ADV
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Genesis 39:7–10 (structural): Same episode: Potiphar’s wife repeatedly attempts to seduce Joseph and he refuses; these verses set up why Joseph goes into the house and why he must resist when alone.
- Genesis 39:12 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the scene — describes the wife seizing Joseph’s garment as he fled, a direct verbal and narrative parallel to v.11’s depiction of Joseph being alone in the house.
- 2 Samuel 11:2–4 (thematic): David sees Bathsheba and sleeps with her — a parallel theme of sexual temptation and the misuse of household access/authority leading to sexual sin.
- Proverbs 7:6–23 (thematic): Seduction narrative describing entering the seductress’s house and the secrecy of the encounter; thematically parallels the motifs of solitary access, enticement, and moral testing.
- 1 Corinthians 10:13 (thematic): Paul’s teaching about temptation and God’s faithfulness — thematically relevant to Joseph’s resistance when tempted alone, offering a theological parallel about God’s provision in trials.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it happened on such a day that he came into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the household were there in the house.
- And it happened on such a day that he went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house were there in the house.
Gen.39.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותתפשהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- בבגדו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- שכבה: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- ויעזב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בגדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- בידה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,f,sg
- וינס: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- החוצה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Gen.39:14-20 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: the garment Joseph leaves in her hand becomes the alleged proof she shows to accuse him and leads to his imprisonment.
- 1 Corinthians 6:18 (verbal): Paul's command “Flee sexual immorality” uses the same verb and ethic as Joseph’s immediate flight from sexual temptation.
- 2 Timothy 2:22 (verbal): “Flee youthful passions” echoes Joseph’s example of decisive flight from temptation rather than engagement.
- Proverbs 7:10-23 (thematic): A vivid seduction narrative in which a woman entices a man; it provides a thematic contrast (and moral warning) to Joseph’s refusal and flight.
- 2 Samuel 11:1-5 (thematic): Parallel theme of sexual temptation involving a powerful man and another’s wife/concubine; serves as a contrast case—David succumbs whereas Joseph resists.
Alternative generated candidates
- And she seized him by his garment, saying, Lie with me; and he left his garment in her hand and fled and went outside.
- And she seized him by his garment, saying, Lie with me; and he left his garment in her hand and fled and went out to the outside.
Gen.39.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כראותה: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- כי: CONJ
- עזב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בגדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+SUFF,3,m,sg
- בידה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+SUFF,3,f,sg
- וינס: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- החוצה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Daniel 13 (Susanna) (thematic): Both scenes involve a sexual assault/temptation and a subsequent false or contested accusation; in Susanna the elders accuse her of adultery after an encounter, just as Potiphar’s wife uses Joseph’s abandoned garment as evidence against him.
- 2 Samuel 13:12–19 (thematic): The Amnon–Tamar episode: sexual violence and its aftermath (Tamar’s torn garment, public disgrace). Parallels Joseph’s flight and the central role of clothing as testimony/evidence in a sexual-crime context.
- Gen 37:23–24 (verbal): Shared imagery of a distinctive garment (coat/kethōneth) left/removed and functioning as a marker of identity and injustice—Joseph’s coat taken by his brothers vs. Joseph’s garment left behind when he flees Potiphar’s wife.
- Judges 19:25–26 (thematic): A brutal episode of sexual violence and the victim’s exposure and vulnerability. The narrative parallels emphasize sexual assault, flight/abandonment, and the social/legal consequences that follow.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it was, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled outside,
- And it happened, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled outside.
Gen.39.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותקרא: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לאנשי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,const
- ביתה: NOUN,m,sg,suff-3,f,sg
- ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- ראו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- הביא: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,sg
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עברי: ADJ,m,sg
- לצחק: VERB,qal,inf
- בנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לשכב: VERB,qal,inf
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- ואקרא: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,f,sg
- בקול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.39:17-20 (verbal): Immediate literary parallel in the same episode: Potiphar’s wife repeats the accusation to her husband, using the same claim that Joseph tried to lie with her, and her words lead directly to Joseph’s imprisonment.
- Daniel 13 (Susanna) (thematic): (Deuterocanonical) Susanna is falsely accused of sexual misconduct after resisting advances; the pattern of a spurned woman accusing an innocent man and the motif of false testimony closely parallels Joseph’s case.
- Daniel 6 (thematic): Jealous officials conspire to bring false charges against Daniel to remove him from favor; like Joseph, Daniel is the victim of malicious testimony engineered by rivals and suffers as a result.
- Matt.26:59-61 (thematic): Chief priests and elders produce false witnesses against Jesus to secure his condemnation; thematically parallels the use of fabricated sexual accusations and false testimony to destroy an innocent person.
- Ps.35:11 (thematic): “Malicious witnesses rise up” (v.11) — the psalmist’s complaint about false witnesses echoes the motif in Gen 39 of people summoned to bear false testimony against a righteous sufferer.
Alternative generated candidates
- she called to the men of her household and spoke to them, saying, See, he has brought us a Hebrew man to mock us; he came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice.
- And she called to the men of her house and spoke to them, saying, See, he has brought in to us a Hebrew man to make sport of us; he came to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice.
Gen.39.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כשמעו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- הרימתי: VERB,hif,perf,1,_,sg
- קולי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1
- ואקרא: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,_,sg
- ויעזב: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בגדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3m
- אצלי: PREP+1
- וינס: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- החוצה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Genesis 39:12 (verbal): Nearly identical wording within the same scene: Joseph leaves his garment in her hand and flees—same verbal description of the act of fleeing and the abandoned garment.
- Genesis 39:18 (verbal): Later in the narrative Potiphar’s wife presents Joseph’s garment as evidence to accuse him—directly tied to the garment left behind in the flight described in the verse.
- 2 Samuel 13:17–18 (thematic): After Amnon’s assault on Tamar garments figure in the aftermath (tearing of robes, public shame); parallels the motif of clothing as sign of sexual violation and social consequence.
- 1 Corinthians 6:18 (thematic): Paul’s injunction “flee sexual immorality” echoes Joseph’s concrete action of fleeing temptation—both present flight as the proper response to sexual solicitation.
- Matthew 5:29–30 (thematic): Jesus’ call to drastic avoidance of sin (remove the offending member) parallels the principle illustrated by Joseph’s decisive flight to avoid yielding to sexual temptation.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it was, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment beside me and fled and went outside.
- And it happened, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me and fled and went out outside.
Gen.39.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותנח: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- בגדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- אצלה: PREP+3fs
- עד: PREP
- בוא: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- אדניו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+POSS,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- ביתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.39:12 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same episode — the wife seizes Joseph's garment as he flees (same action, same wording in Hebrew narrative).
- Gen.37:23-24 (structural): Garment used as decisive physical evidence: Joseph's brothers strip off his coat and present the bloodied garment to Jacob as proof of his supposed death (garment-as-sign motif).
- Gen.38:15-18 (thematic): Sexual encounter and exchange of tokens/objects as proof: Tamar and Judah involve deceptive sexual encounter and the taking/retaining of personal items as evidence of the encounter (parallels use of objects to establish or deny sexual contact).
- 1 Cor.6:18 (thematic): New Testament moral parallel — 'Flee sexual immorality.' Joseph's decisive flight from Potiphar's wife illustrates the ethical imperative echoed in Paul to flee sexual temptation.
- Dan.6:4-17 (structural): False accusation plotted by rivals leads to imprisonment despite the accused's innocence (conspiracy in court and subsequent incarceration parallels Joseph's wrongful arrest and imprisonment after the woman's charge).
Alternative generated candidates
- And she laid his garment beside her until his master came to his house.
- And she laid his garment beside her until his master came to his house.
Gen.39.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותדבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- כדברים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- האלה: DEM,pl
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- העבד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- העברי: ADJ,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הבאת: VERB,hifil,perf,2,m,sg
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- לצחק: INF,qal
- בי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Gen.39:14-15 (verbal): Same episode: the woman directly solicits Joseph with the words 'lie with me,' which immediately precedes and motivates her later accusation in v.17.
- Gen.39:19-20 (structural): Immediate outcome of the accusation: the servants present the garment as 'evidence' and Joseph is imprisoned—shows the narrative sequence of seduction, false charge, and punishment.
- Ps.35:11 (thematic): ‘False witnesses rise up’ — a lament about slander and fabricated testimony against the righteous, thematically parallel to Potiphar’s wife's false charge.
- Matt.26:59-61 (structural): Chief priests and elders produce false witnesses to accuse Jesus—parallel use of fabricated testimony to remove an innocent person.
- Acts 6:11-13 (allusion): False witnesses brought against Stephen to stir up the people and council, echoing the tactic of false accusation used against Joseph.
Alternative generated candidates
- And she spoke to him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant whom you brought to us came in to me to mock me;
- And she spoke to him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant whom you brought to us came to me to make sport of me.
Gen.39.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כהרימי: VERB,hiphil,perf,1,com,sg
- קולי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- ואקרא: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,com,sg
- ויעזב: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בגדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3m
- אצלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- וינס: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- החוצה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 6:18 (thematic): Paul's command “Flee sexual immorality” parallels Joseph's concrete action of fleeing sexual temptation, presenting Joseph as an archetype of sexual purity and avoidance of sin.
- 2 Timothy 2:22 (verbal): Paul's exhortation to “flee youthful passions” uses the same basic verb/action (to flee) as Genesis 39: Joseph's immediate flight echoes this ethical imperative to avoid temptation.
- Proverbs 7:10–23 (thematic): The seduction scene in Proverbs (the adulteress luring the young man) thematically contrasts with Joseph's resistance and flight, highlighting different responses to sexual enticement.
- Genesis 37:23–24, 31–32 (structural): The motif of a distinctive garment as a narrative token/relic recurs: Joseph's coat is seized and used deceptively by his brothers, and in Gen 39 his garment is left behind and becomes material evidence in a false charge.
- 2 Samuel 13:12–20 (thematic): Amnon's assault of Tamar and the aftermath (her torn/soiled clothing, public shame) parallels the household sexual-violence theme and underscores contrasting outcomes—Tamar's victimization versus Joseph's successful escape.
Alternative generated candidates
- and it was, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment beside me and fled outside.
- And it happened, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me and fled outside.
Gen.39.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כשמע: CONJ
- אדניו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+POSS,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- אשתו: NOUN,f,sg,cs+3,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- דברה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- כדברים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- האלה: DEM,pl
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- ויחר: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,sg
- אפו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,suff3ms
Parallels
- Ps.105:17-18 (allusion): The psalm retells Joseph’s experience of being put in custody (‘he was laid in iron’), alluding to the same imprisonment that follows Potiphar’s wife’s false accusation.
- 1 Kgs.21:10-13 (thematic): Jezebel arranges false witnesses to accuse Naboth so he can be punished and removed — a parallel case of a malicious woman’s accusation producing unjust action by the ruler.
- Dan.6:4-16 (thematic): Conspirators manipulate a lawful command to entrap Daniel and secure his punishment despite his innocence, paralleling the pattern of false accusation and imprisonment against a righteous man.
- Matt.26:59-61 (structural): At Jesus’ trial false witnesses are brought against him with fabricated testimony; structurally similar to Potiphar’s wife’s contrived charge and the resulting legal/disciplinary consequence.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it was, when his master heard the words of his wife that she spoke to him, saying, According to these words did your servant to me, that his anger burned.
- And it happened, when his master heard the words of his wife that she spoke to him, saying, According to these words your servant did to me, that his anger burned.
Gen.39.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- ויתנהו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg,obj3ms
- אל: NEG
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הסהר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מקום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אסירי: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אסורים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שם: ADV
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- הסהר: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Psalm 105:18 (quotation): Explicitly recalls Joseph’s suffering and confinement: “They hurt his feet with fetters; he was laid in irons,” echoing the report that Joseph was put in the king’s prison.
- Genesis 40:3 (structural): Direct narrative continuation of the same scene: Joseph is in the prison and the keeper assigns him responsibility over the other prisoners.
- Genesis 37:24 (thematic): Earlier episode of confinement—Joseph’s brothers cast him into a pit—shares the motif of betrayal and physical confinement that leads to Joseph’s removal from freedom.
- Acts 7:9–10 (allusion): Stephen’s retelling of Israel’s history mentions Joseph’s imprisonment and God’s presence with him, alluding to the Genesis account of Joseph being placed in prison.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joseph's master took him and put him into the house of the prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined, and he was there in the house of the prison.
- And Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison-house, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined; and he was there in the prison-house.
Gen.39.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויט: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- חסד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הסהר: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Genesis 39:2 (verbal): Same phrasing earlier in the chapter: 'The LORD was with Joseph,' indicating divine presence and blessing in Potiphar's house.
- Genesis 39:23 (verbal): Reiterates the cause-and-effect formula—'Because the LORD was with him... the LORD made all that he did prosper'—connecting God's presence with Joseph's success in prison.
- Psalm 105:17-19 (allusion): The psalm retells Joseph's sojourn in prison and God's providential care, echoing the theme of God's presence and eventual deliverance.
- Acts 7:9-10 (quotation): Stephen's retelling of Joseph's story: God was with him, delivered him from afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom—directly echoing Gen 39's language about divine favor in captivity.
- Daniel 1:9 (thematic): Parallel motif and language: 'God had brought Daniel into favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs'—similar idea of divine favor granted before an official in a foreign context.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love, and gave him favor in the eyes of the chief of the house of the prison.
- And the LORD was with Joseph and extended to him steadfast love, and gave him favor in the eyes of the chief of the prison-house.
Gen.39.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הסהר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- האסירם: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- הסהר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשים: VERB,qal,inf
- שם: ADV
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Gen.39.4 (structural): Potiphar entrusts Joseph with authority over his household — a prior instance of Joseph being placed in charge and entrusted with responsibility (parallels the prison appointment).
- Gen.39.21 (verbal): Immediate context: stresses that the LORD was with Joseph and that the keeper of the prison put Joseph in charge — closely repeats the language and explains the divine backing for his authority.
- Gen.41.41-44 (thematic): Pharaoh elevates Joseph to second-in-command over all Egypt — development of the theme of Joseph’s rise from servant/prisoner to high authority.
- Ps.105:17-22 (allusion): The psalm recounts Joseph’s sale, affliction, imprisonment and God’s favor that raised him from prison to rule, echoing the motif of divine vindication and promotion.
- Acts 7:9-10 (allusion): Stephen’s retelling of Israel’s history mentions Joseph’s being sold and later delivered and exalted — New Testament summary that parallels the arc from imprisonment to rise in status.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the chief of the house of the prison put into Joseph's hand all the prisoners who were in the house of the prison; and whatever was done there, he was the one who did it.
- And the chief of the prison-house gave into Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison-house; and all that was being done there, he was the one doing it.
Gen.39.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אין: PART,neg
- שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הסהר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ראה: VERB,qal,imperat,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- מאומה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בידו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- באשר: CONJ
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- ואשר: CONJ+PRON,rel
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מצליח: VERB,piel,part,0,m,sg
Parallels
- Gen.39:3 (verbal): Same narrative statement earlier in Joseph story: Potiphar saw that the LORD was with Joseph, and everything he did prospered — nearly identical language and idea.
- Gen.39:21 (verbal): Close parallel within the prison episode (Hebrew/numbering variants): the prison keeper did not attend to anything under his hand because the LORD was with Joseph, and the LORD made whatever he did to prosper.
- 1 Sam.18:14 (thematic): About David: 'the LORD was with him' and he prospered in all his ways — theme of divine presence bringing success in a leader’s responsibilities.
- Prov.16:3 (thematic): 'Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.' Connects the idea that success/prosperity of one's undertakings comes from entrusting them to God.
- Deut.8:18 (thematic): Affirms that it is the LORD who gives the power to get wealth — echoes the theological affirmation that prosperity is enabled by God's presence and gift.
Alternative generated candidates
- The chief of the house of the prison paid no attention to anything at all that was in Joseph's hand, because the LORD was with him, and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper.
- The chief of the prison-house did not see to anything at all in his hand, because the LORD was with him; and whatever he was doing, the LORD made succeed.
And Joseph was brought down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an official of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian man, bought him from the hand of the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there. And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that all that he did the LORD made to prosper in his hand. And Joseph found favor in his eyes and served him, and he appointed him over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. And it happened from the time he appointed him in his house and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house because of Joseph, and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had, in the house and in the field. And he left all that was his in Joseph’s hand, and with him there he did not concern himself with anything, except the bread that he ate. And Joseph was handsome in form and handsome in appearance. And it happened after these things that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph and said, Lie with me. But he refused and said to his master’s wife, Behold, my master does not know with me what is in the house, and all that he has he has put into my hand.
He is not greater in this house than I, and he has not withheld from me anything except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do this great evil and sin against God? And it happened, as she spoke to Joseph day after day, that he did not listen to her, to lie beside her or to be with her. And it happened on this day that he came into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house were there in the house. And she seized him by his garment, saying, Lie with me; and he left his garment in her hand and fled and went outside. And it happened, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled outside,
she called to the men of her household and spoke to them, saying, See, he brought in to us a Hebrew man to mock us; he came to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a great voice. And it happened, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment beside me and fled and went outside. And she laid his garment beside her until his master came home. And she spoke to him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew slave whom you brought to us came to me to mock me. And it happened, as I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment beside me and fled outside. And it happened, when his master heard the words of his wife that she spoke to him, saying, According to these words your servant did to me, that his anger burned. And Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison-house, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined; and he was there in the prison-house. And the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him and gave him favor in the eyes of the chief of the prison-house. And the chief of the prison-house put into Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison-house; and whatever they did there, he was the one doing it.
The chief of the prison-house paid no attention to anything that was in his hand, because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper.