Genesis 39:8 kjv

But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;

Genesis 39:8 nkjv

But he refused and said to his master's wife, "Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand.

Genesis 39:8 niv

But he refused. "With me in charge," he told her, "my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care.

Genesis 39:8 esv

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.

Genesis 39:8 nlt

But Joseph refused. "Look," he told her, "my master trusts me with everything in his entire household.

Genesis 39 verses

Genesis 39 8 Meaning

Genesis 39:8 depicts Joseph's steadfast refusal of Potiphar's wife's advances, clearly stating his commitment to his master's trust. He articulates that Potiphar, on account of Joseph's integrity and diligence, no longer concerns himself with anything in his household, having entrusted all his possessions and affairs entirely to Joseph's care. This verse underscores Joseph's high level of delegated authority and the implicit trust placed in him, which he adamantly refuses to violate.

Genesis 39 8 Context

This verse is situated within Genesis chapter 39, which chronicles Joseph's time in Potiphar's house. Following his betrayal and sale into slavery by his brothers, Joseph finds himself in Egypt, serving as a household slave to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. Despite his initial dire circumstances, "the Lord was with Joseph," causing everything he did to prosper (Gen 39:2-3). This divine blessing was evident to Potiphar, leading him to elevate Joseph rapidly. Joseph moved from a general slave to Potiphar's personal attendant, and then to the esteemed position of overseer (Hebrew: pakid) of his entire household (Gen 39:4-6). This elevation meant all of Potiphar's affairs, wealth, and responsibilities, save for his personal food, were entirely managed by Joseph. This extreme level of trust and delegated authority is the immediate context of Potiphar's wife's advances. Joseph's refusal, articulated in Gen 39:8 and further elucidated in Gen 39:9, highlights his unwavering commitment not only to human trust but also to divine law. The broader historical and cultural context is that of ancient Egypt, where adultery was considered a serious offense, often punishable by death or severe penalties. For a slave to commit adultery with his master's wife would be an extraordinary betrayal of trust and an unforgivable violation of household order and honor. Joseph's ethical stand implicitly contrasts with any moral laxity prevalent in the broader society, grounding his virtue in something beyond cultural norms – his fidelity to his master and his God.

Genesis 39 8 Word analysis

• But he refused: The Hebrew verb is va-y'ma'en (וַיְמָאֵן), a Hiphil imperfect of the root ma'an, indicating a decisive and firm rejection, not a hesitant one. Joseph actively chose not to comply.
• and said to his master's wife: A direct and articulate communication, signifying that Joseph did not simply avoid the situation but confronted it with a clear statement of his moral boundaries. The phrase "his master's wife" (אֵשֶׁת אֲדֹנָיו, e'shet a'do'nav) highlights her relationship to the very person Joseph was refusing to dishonor.
• “Behold,” (הֵן, hen): An interjection used to draw attention or emphasize a statement. It signals the importance of what Joseph is about to say, inviting her to consider the full weight of the situation.
• because of me: (בִּגְלָלִי, big'lali): This emphasizes that Joseph's faithful and honest performance is the direct reason for his master's profound trust. His actions have established his reliability.
• my master has no concern about anything in his house: The Hebrew literally means "my master does not know anything" (einenu yode'a me'umah). This isn't literal ignorance but rather a hyperbolic expression signifying complete freedom from worry or need for oversight on Potiphar's part. Joseph manages everything so effectively that Potiphar does not need to intervene or be anxious.
• and he has put all that he has in my charge: (וְכֹל אֲשֶׁר לוֹ נָתַן בְּיָדִי, v'chol asher lo natan b'yadi): The phrase "in my hand" is an idiom for "under my control" or "in my custody." This reinforces the extensive and unqualified authority delegated to Joseph, encompassing every single possession and aspect of Potiphar's household management. This total entrustment forms the basis of Joseph's loyalty argument.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "But he refused and said": This sequence highlights Joseph's active agency and vocal opposition to the immoral proposal. It was not a passive retreat but a principled stand articulated clearly. This shows courage and conviction.
• "because of me my master has no concern about anything in his house, and he has put all that he has in my charge": This complete statement lays out the immense trust Potiphar has placed in Joseph. It demonstrates Joseph's acute awareness of his elevated position and the responsibilities that came with it. His refusal is framed as a matter of preserving that profound trust and loyalty, which would be shattered by yielding to temptation. It signifies that Joseph sees his faithfulness to Potiphar as intrinsically linked to his conduct within the entire household, encompassing even this intimate request from his master's wife.

Genesis 39 8 Bonus section

The depth of trust Potiphar placed in Joseph was extraordinary for a slave in ancient times. Such high administrative roles, usually filled by family members or highly esteemed freedmen, underline not only Joseph's exceptional administrative capabilities and blessing from God (Gen 39:3, 5) but also the deep confidence Potiphar had in his character. This trust was entirely earned by Joseph's prior diligent and honest work, demonstrating that virtuous conduct has tangible benefits, even in challenging circumstances. This specific statement by Joseph acts as a profound rhetorical question to Potiphar's wife: How can he betray someone who has completely entrusted everything to him, especially concerning such a sacred boundary within the household? It implies that committing adultery with his master's wife would be the ultimate act of treachery, more grievous due to the degree of trust involved.

Genesis 39 8 Commentary

Genesis 39:8 reveals Joseph as an exemplar of integrity and faithful stewardship, a beacon in a morally ambiguous world. His firm refusal is not merely about sexual purity but profoundly rooted in an understanding of the sacred trust Potiphar has placed in him. Joseph fully grasps the implications of his exalted position as the overseer of the entire household, a trust so absolute that Potiphar "has no concern about anything." To violate Potiphar's wife would not only be an act of personal immorality but a direct betrayal of his master's peace of mind, reputation, and the very foundation of his domestic order. It demonstrates a holistic ethical perspective, where loyalty to a human master, especially one who has shown immense favour, is intertwined with personal conduct. While the verse doesn't explicitly mention God (that comes in Gen 39:9), Joseph's unwavering commitment to such a high standard of human fidelity anticipates his ultimate justification—his fear of sinning against God. This loyalty transcends his enslaved status; he could have potentially exploited his position, but instead, he cherishes the trust. His refusal is a powerful declaration of his commitment to honor the relationships he has and the responsibilities he bears. This verse sets the stage for the intense trial that follows, where Joseph's unwavering character is severely tested, yet remains unblemished.