Genesis 39 11

Genesis 39:11 kjv

And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.

Genesis 39:11 nkjv

But it happened about this time, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house was inside,

Genesis 39:11 niv

One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside.

Genesis 39:11 esv

But one day, when he went into the house to do his work and none of the men of the house was there in the house,

Genesis 39:11 nlt

One day, however, no one else was around when he went in to do his work.

Genesis 39 verses

Genesis 39 11 meaning

Genesis 39:11 describes the calculated setting for Potiphar's wife's intense final attempt to seduce Joseph. It details that Joseph entered the house at a particular time to carry out his daily duties as overseer, unaware that the residence had been deliberately cleared of all other male servants, creating a secluded environment ripe for temptation. This moment highlights Joseph's faithfulness in his work and the deliberate, cunning nature of the seduction attempt against him.

Genesis 39 11 Context

Genesis chapter 39 marks a turning point in Joseph's life. Sold into slavery by his brothers, he finds himself in Egypt, working in the household of Potiphar, a high-ranking officer of Pharaoh. Through diligence and God's favor, Joseph quickly rises to become the overseer of Potiphar's entire estate. This rapid ascent places him in a position of significant trust and authority, but it also brings him into dangerous proximity with Potiphar's wife. Verses 7-10 describe her persistent daily solicitations of Joseph and his firm refusals, grounded in his loyalty to Potiphar and, more importantly, his reverence for God. Verse 11 sets the stage for the climactic encounter, revealing that her efforts escalated to a calculated ambush, exploiting Joseph's regular duties to create an opportunity for a private confrontation. The historical context for the original audience, living in a patriarchal society, would highlight the social pressures and expectations within large households, where the master's word was law, and the wife of the master wielded significant indirect power. However, it also emphasizes Joseph's distinct ethical stance in contrast to common pagan behaviors.

Genesis 39 11 Word analysis

• Now it happened about this time (וַיְהִי כְּהַיּוֹם הַזֶּה - vayhī kəhayyōm hazzêh):

  • Word Level: The phrase literally means "And it was like that day." This indicates not merely an unspecified point in time, but a culmination, a specific day that marked a critical development following repeated earlier temptations (Gen 39:10: "she spoke to Joseph day after day"). It implies the persistence of Potiphar's wife's predatory efforts.
  • Significance: This suggests a deliberate, strategic planning by Potiphar's wife, indicating her unwavering resolve to accomplish her wicked desire. From a divine perspective, it's also the appointed moment for Joseph's integrity to be maximally tested, revealing his steadfast character under severe pressure.
  • Cultural/Context: Daily life in large Egyptian households involved routine; such regularity made a setup like this possible.

• that he went into the house (וַיָּבֹא הַבַּיְתָה - vayyāvō habbaytâ):

  • Word Level: Habaytâ (into the house) implies entering the inner dwelling, the residential part of the estate.
  • Significance: Joseph entered innocently, as part of his regular duties as the house manager, unaware of the snare laid for him. This underscores his blamelessness and focus on his responsibilities, setting up a sharp contrast with the wife's corrupt intent. He was fulfilling his assigned work in an enclosed space, often containing valuables, hence requiring privacy or restricted access for certain tasks.

• to do his work (לַעֲשׂוֹת מְלַאכְתּוֹ - la‘ăśōṯ məlaḵtô):

  • Word Level: Məlaḵtô refers to his specific assigned task, duty, or business. It indicates productive labor.
  • Significance: Joseph was performing his legitimate, virtuous work. This contrasts with idleness, which often provides opportunity for sin (e.g., David and Bathsheba, 2 Sam 11:2). His diligence highlights his exceptional character even in slavery. His commitment to his duties made him vulnerable in this specific instance, as his entry was necessary and expected.
  • Polemics: This detail indirectly rebukes cultures where those in positions of authority or privilege might indulge in laziness or licentiousness. Joseph's dedication to honest labor, even as a slave, demonstrates the dignity of work, a concept valued in biblical thought.

• and none of the men of the house was there inside (וְאֵין אִישׁ מֵאַנְשֵׁי הַבַּיִת שָׁם בַּבָּיִת - wə’ên ’îš mē’anšê habbayiṯ šām babayiṯ):

  • Word Level: Anšey habbayit (men of the house) refers to male household servants, eunuchs, or other staff. The repetition of babbayit (in the house) emphasizes the complete absence of male witnesses within the specific private quarters.
  • Significance: This is the critical detail revealing Potiphar's wife's elaborate preparation. She meticulously planned this moment, ensuring no other males (who could witness, intervene, or report) were present. Her intent was to achieve absolute privacy for her wicked deed. This "absence of men" creates the perceived perfect environment for a hidden sin.
  • Cultural Context: Large Egyptian estates employed many servants for various tasks (cooks, stablehands, guards, scribes, etc.). Clearing them from the inner part of the house would have required a specific directive or clever arrangement by the mistress. This act was calculated.
  • Biblical Truth: This secrecy contrasts sharply with God's omnipresence. While no human eyes might have been present, the divine eye sees all. It underlines the foolishness of trying to hide sin from God (Ps 90:8). This premeditated removal of witnesses serves as an indirect polemic against the idea that "hidden" sins are truly hidden or inconsequential, a common temptation in pagan contexts that might appeal to "invisible" or less ethical deities.