Genesis 39:18 - and as I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment by me, and ran outside.”

Generated Verse: Genesis 39:18

What does "Genesis 39:18" mean?


This verse from Genesis 39:18 is part of the story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife. Let's break down its meaning:

Context: Potiphar's wife is falsely accusing Joseph of attempted sexual assault after he refused her advances.

"and as I lifted up my voice and cried...": This suggests that Potiphar's wife claims she screamed when Joseph allegedly tried to assault her. The cry is meant to sound as if she was in distress and fighting him off.

"he left his garment by me, and ran outside.": This is the core of her fabricated evidence. She claims that Joseph, in his haste to escape after trying to force himself on her, left his clothing behind. The implication is that the garment is proof of his guilt. The fact he ran indicates that he was guilty and afraid of being caught.

In essence, Potiphar's wife is using this verse to paint a picture of Joseph as an aggressor and herself as a victim. She hopes that the combination of her distressed cries and the physical evidence of the garment will convince her husband of Joseph's guilt.

The important point to remember is that the Bible (and specifically the earlier verses in the chapter) indicates this is a false accusation. Joseph did not attempt to assault her; he was trying to escape her advances.

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