Genesis 39:8 - But he refused, and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, my master doesn’t know what is with me in the house, and he has put all that he has into my hand.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Genesis 39:8" mean?
This verse (Genesis 39:8) is part of the story of Joseph in Egypt, specifically his encounter with Potiphar's wife. Let's break down its meaning:
"But he refused...": This immediately tells us that Potiphar's wife had made a proposition to Joseph, likely of a sexual nature. The verse describes Joseph's response to that proposition.
"and said to his master’s wife...": This establishes the context of his refusal - he's speaking directly to his master's wife, the person who is tempting him.
“Behold, my master doesn’t know what is with me in the house...": Joseph is highlighting the immense trust Potiphar, his master, has placed in him. "Doesn't know what is with me" essentially means Potiphar is completely unaware of what Joseph does or what belongings are in his possession. Potiphar trusts Joseph implicitly.
"...and he has put all that he has into my hand.": This further emphasizes Potiphar's trust and the authority Joseph has been given. Potiphar has entrusted Joseph with the management of his entire household and all his possessions. Joseph is in charge of everything.
In essence, Joseph is saying:
"My master trusts me completely. He has no idea what goes on here, and he's given me control over everything he owns."
The significance of this verse is twofold:
1. It highlights Joseph's integrity and loyalty. He recognizes the position of trust he has been given and refuses to betray that trust, even when faced with temptation. He respects Potiphar and his position in the household.
2. It sets the stage for the moral dilemma Joseph faces. He understands the gravity of the situation and the implications of his actions. He is aware that giving in to Potiphar's wife would be a profound betrayal of Potiphar's trust.
This verse is a crucial component of the story, underscoring Joseph's character and the high stakes of the situation. It emphasizes the moral conflict he experiences and makes his subsequent refusal all the more admirable.
Genesis 39:8 - But he refused, and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, my master doesn’t know what is with me in the house, and he has put all that he has into my hand.
What does "Genesis 39:8" mean?
This verse (Genesis 39:8) is part of the story of Joseph in Egypt, specifically his encounter with Potiphar's wife. Let's break down its meaning:
"But he refused...": This immediately tells us that Potiphar's wife had made a proposition to Joseph, likely of a sexual nature. The verse describes Joseph's response to that proposition.
"and said to his master’s wife...": This establishes the context of his refusal - he's speaking directly to his master's wife, the person who is tempting him.
“Behold, my master doesn’t know what is with me in the house...": Joseph is highlighting the immense trust Potiphar, his master, has placed in him. "Doesn't know what is with me" essentially means Potiphar is completely unaware of what Joseph does or what belongings are in his possession. Potiphar trusts Joseph implicitly.
"...and he has put all that he has into my hand.": This further emphasizes Potiphar's trust and the authority Joseph has been given. Potiphar has entrusted Joseph with the management of his entire household and all his possessions. Joseph is in charge of everything.
In essence, Joseph is saying:
"My master trusts me completely. He has no idea what goes on here, and he's given me control over everything he owns."
The significance of this verse is twofold:
1. It highlights Joseph's integrity and loyalty. He recognizes the position of trust he has been given and refuses to betray that trust, even when faced with temptation. He respects Potiphar and his position in the household.
2. It sets the stage for the moral dilemma Joseph faces. He understands the gravity of the situation and the implications of his actions. He is aware that giving in to Potiphar's wife would be a profound betrayal of Potiphar's trust.
This verse is a crucial component of the story, underscoring Joseph's character and the high stakes of the situation. It emphasizes the moral conflict he experiences and makes his subsequent refusal all the more admirable.