Genesis 39:14

she called her household servants. "Look," she said, "this Hebrew has been brought to us to make sport of us. He came to me so he could sleep with me, but I screamed as loud as I could.

Study Bible

she called her household servants
In ancient Egyptian households, servants played a crucial role in maintaining the daily operations. Potiphar's wife calling the servants indicates her attempt to gather witnesses to support her false accusation against Joseph. This reflects the hierarchical structure of ancient societies where servants were often privy to the private affairs of their masters. The presence of servants also highlights the social dynamics and power imbalances within the household.

“Look,” she said
The use of "Look" serves as an attention-grabbing device, emphasizing the urgency and seriousness of her claim. It suggests an attempt to manipulate the perception of the servants by framing the situation dramatically. This aligns with the narrative technique of using direct speech to convey immediacy and emotional intensity.

“this Hebrew has been brought to us
Referring to Joseph as "this Hebrew" underscores his outsider status in Egyptian society. The term "Hebrew" is often used in the Old Testament to denote a foreigner or someone from the lineage of Eber, an ancestor of Abraham. This highlights the ethnic and cultural tensions present in the narrative, as Joseph's identity is used against him. It also foreshadows the broader theme of Israel's eventual enslavement in Egypt.

to make sport of us
The phrase "to make sport of us" implies mockery or humiliation. Potiphar's wife accuses Joseph of intending to demean or ridicule the household, which is a serious charge in a culture that valued honor and reputation. This accusation is a strategic move to portray Joseph as a threat to the social order and to justify her actions against him.

He came to me so he could sleep with me
This false accusation of attempted rape is a pivotal moment in the narrative. It reflects the recurring biblical theme of sexual temptation and integrity, as seen in other stories such as David and Bathsheba. Joseph's resistance to Potiphar's wife is a testament to his moral character and fear of God, contrasting with the deceit and manipulation of Potiphar's wife.

but I screamed as loud as I could
The claim of screaming is intended to provide evidence of resistance and to paint Joseph as the aggressor. In ancient legal contexts, a woman's scream could be used as a defense to prove non-consent. This detail is crucial for Potiphar's wife to establish her innocence and to shift the blame onto Joseph. It also serves to heighten the drama and tension in the narrative, setting the stage for Joseph's unjust imprisonment.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
A Hebrew slave in Egypt, known for his integrity and faithfulness to God. He is the central figure in this account, falsely accused by Potiphar's wife.

2. Potiphar's Wife
The unnamed wife of Potiphar, who attempts to seduce Joseph and, upon his refusal, falsely accuses him of trying to assault her.

3. Potiphar
An Egyptian officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, who has entrusted his household to Joseph's care.

4. Household Servants
The servants of Potiphar's household, who are called by Potiphar's wife to witness her false accusation against Joseph.

5. Egypt
The setting of this account, where Joseph is living as a slave after being sold by his brothers.

Teaching Points

Integrity in Adversity
Joseph's refusal to sin with Potiphar's wife demonstrates the importance of maintaining integrity, even when faced with temptation and false accusations.

The Cost of Righteousness
Sometimes doing the right thing can lead to suffering or unjust treatment, as seen in Joseph's imprisonment following his refusal to sin.

God's Sovereignty in Trials
Despite the false accusations and resulting imprisonment, God was with Joseph, using these events to fulfill His greater plan.

The Power of False Accusations
Potiphar's wife's actions remind us of the destructive power of lies and the importance of truthfulness.

Trusting God's Justice
While human justice may fail, as it did for Joseph, believers can trust in God's ultimate justice and timing.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joseph's response to Potiphar's wife's advances reflect his character and faith in God?

2. In what ways can we maintain our integrity when faced with false accusations or misunderstandings?

3. How does Joseph's account encourage us to trust in God's plan, even when we face unjust treatment?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are truthful and avoid bearing false witness against others?

5. How can we find comfort in God's sovereignty and justice when we experience trials similar to Joseph's?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 37
Joseph's journey to Egypt begins with his brothers selling him into slavery, setting the stage for his time in Potiphar's house.

Exodus 20:16
The commandment against bearing false witness connects to Potiphar's wife's false accusation against Joseph.

Proverbs 6:16-19
Lists things the Lord hates, including a lying tongue and a false witness, which relate to the actions of Potiphar's wife.

1 Peter 2:19-20
Discusses enduring unjust suffering, which parallels Joseph's experience of being falsely accused and imprisoned.