39:1 Potiphar See note on 37:36.

39:2 Yahweh was with Joseph This phrase occurs four times in this chapter (vv. 2, 3, 21, 23). The repetition reinforces the providential storyline.

he was in the house of Joseph was not made to labor in the fields, which suggests that Potiphar discerned abilities that made him more suitable for household management.

39:3 his master observed that Yahweh was with him Although Potiphar likely doesn’t know about Yahweh, Joseph’s God, he perceives that Joseph is divinely enabled.

39:4 he appointed him over his house The Hebrew phrase used here, al betho—which may be literally rendered “over his house”—and the remainder of the verse indicates that Joseph oversaw everything owned by Potiphar.

39:6 well built and handsome This detail sometimes signals trouble in ot narratives; many biblical characters noted for their beauty undergo severe hardship or failure (see 1 Sam 9:2; 2 Sam 14:25). Here it may hint at the problems that will arise in connection with Joseph’s attractiveness.

39:7 Lie with me In addition to the issue of adultery, having sexual relations with the wife or concubine of one’s superior was viewed as a usurpation of power (see note on 2 Sam 3:7). Sex with Potiphar’s wife would constitute an attempt to gain control over his master’s property and would likely have led to Joseph’s execution.

39:8 he refused Joseph’s refusal is immediate and direct. He does not react angrily, knowing his place, but he allows for no flirtatious conversation.

39:10 to be with her This detail probably indicates that Joseph not only refuses to have sex with Potiphar’s wife, but also refuses even to be in her presence.

39:12 she seized him by his garment His outer garment or cloak, similar to the one his father gave him (see Gen 37:3 and note).

39:14 she called to the men of The actions of Potiphar’s wife may reflect dread. If Potiphar discovered the truth, she could be severely punished and divorced. However, since the narrator notes that none of the servants were in the house at the time of the attempted seduction (v. 11), her actions do not seem to be motivated by self-defense—rather, they were spiteful.

39:16 his master This phrase reveals the loyalties of both the accused and the accuser. Joseph has had Potiphar’s best interests in mind for roughly 11 years (see note on 40:1), but Potiphar’s wife views her husband as no more than the master of slaves like Joseph.

39:17 The Hebrew slave The Egyptians were suspicious of foreigners, so Potiphar’s wife highlights Joseph’s ethnicity as well as his status.

39:19 he became very angry The text does not state the object of Potiphar’s anger, perhaps suggesting that Potiphar may have been suspicious of his wife.

39:20 prison Joseph’s punishment is distinctly Egyptian; incarceration is attested to in Egyptian documents, but does not appear in other ancient Near Eastern law codes.

39:21 loyal love The Hebrew word used here, chesed, often refers to general kindness (20:13; 21:23). When used in contexts of providential favor regarding Israel and the descendants of Abraham, it indicates a love that is due to loyalty to the divine covenant promises.

Chesed Word Study