And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.
What does Genesis 39:7 mean?
Beauty either in men or women, often proves a snare both to themselves and others. This forbids pride in it, and requires constant watchfulness against the temptation that attends it.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Genesis 39:7-11 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Genesis 39:7
And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. Joseph resists the daily solicitations of his master's wife to lie with her. "None greater in this house than I." He pleads the unreserved trust his master had reposed in him. He is bound by the law of honor, the law of chastity (this great evil), and the law of piety (sin against God). Joseph uses the common name of God in addressing this Egyptian. He could employ no higher pleas than the above.
Key words
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And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.
- things
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And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.
- Joseph
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And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.
Context in Genesis 39
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Genesis 39 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as the Joseph narrative and Israel’s descent into Egypt. Genesis opens the whole Bible with creation, fall, flood, Babel, and the long patriarchal story that carries the reader from Eden to Egypt. Read this chapter with the wider themes of creation, fall, and covenant in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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A collection of passages on hope under pressure, future inheritance, resurrection expectation, and confidence in God’s final faithfulness.
Passages on lowliness, modesty, the contrast between pride and humility, and the way God exalts those who humble themselves.