Genesis 39:10

Genesis 39:10 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Although Potiphar’s wife spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be near her.

King James Version KJV

And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.

American Standard Version ASV

And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And day after day she went on requesting Joseph to come to her and be her lover, but he would not give ear to her.

Free Bible Version FBV

Day after day she persisted in asking him, but he refused to sleep with her and tried to avoid her.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And albeit she spake to Ioseph day by day, yet he hearkened not vnto her, to lye with her, or to be in her company.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And it cometh to pass at her speaking unto Joseph day [by] day, that he hath not hearkened unto her, to lie near her, to be with her;

World English Bible WEB

As she spoke to Joseph day by day, he didn’t listen to her, to lie by her, or to be with her.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And it came to pass, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not to her, to lie by her, or to be with her.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

With such words as these day by day, both the woman was importunate with the young man, and he refused the adultery.

Translation for Translators T4T

She kept on asking Joseph day after day to have sex [EUP] with her, but he refused. He would not even go near her.

Plain English Version PEV

But Potifar’s wife did not stop. Every day, she kept on asking Joseph to sleep with her. But Joseph didn’t listen to her. He didn’t sleep with her, and he tried to be far away from her.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 39:10

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 39:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יְהִ֕י כְּ/דַבְּרָ֥/הּ אֶל יוֹסֵ֖ף י֣וֹם י֑וֹם וְ/לֹא שָׁמַ֥ע אֵלֶ֛י/הָ לִ/שְׁכַּ֥ב אֶצְלָ֖/הּ לִ/הְי֥וֹת עִמָּֽ/הּ

וַ/יְהִ֕י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

כְּ/דַבְּרָ֥/הּ dâbar H1696 to speak Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

יוֹסֵ֖ף Yôwçêph H3130 Joseph N-proper

י֣וֹם yôwm H3117 day N-ms

י֑וֹם yôwm H3117 day N-ms

וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

שָׁמַ֥ע shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אֵלֶ֛י/הָ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

לִ/שְׁכַּ֥ב shâkab H7901 to lie down Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

אֶצְלָ֖/הּ ʼêtsel H681 beside Prep | Suff

לִ/הְי֥וֹת hâyâh H1961 to be Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

עִמָּֽ/הּ ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 39:10

וַ/יְהִ֕י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

כְּ/דַבְּרָ֥/הּ dâbar H1696 "to speak" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

יוֹסֵ֖ף Yôwçêph H3130 "Joseph" N-proper

Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah

Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.

י֣וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

י֑וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" N-ms

וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

שָׁמַ֥ע shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound

Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

אֵלֶ֛י/הָ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

לִ/שְׁכַּ֥ב shâkab H7901 "to lie down" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.

Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid

Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.

אֶצְלָ֖/הּ ʼêtsel H681 "beside" Prep | Suff

Beside or near, this preposition indicates proximity or closeness to something or someone. It is often translated as at, by, or near in the King James Version, and is used to describe physical or spatial relationships in the Bible.

Definition: 1) beside, by, near, nearness, joining, proximity subst 2) (BDB) 2a) conjunction, proximity 2b) beside, in proximity, contiguous to, from beside

Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: at, (hard) by, (from) (beside), near (unto), toward, with. See also H1018 (בֵּית הָאֵצֶל). See also: Genesis 39:10; 2 Chronicles 9:18; Proverbs 7:8.

לִ/הְי֥וֹת hâyâh H1961 "to be" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

עִמָּֽ/הּ ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.

Study Notes — Genesis 39:10

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 39:10 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 39:10
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 39:10
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 39:10
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 39:10
Sermons on Genesis 39:10

Context — Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife

8But he refused. “Look,” he said to his master’s wife, “with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in his house, and he has entrusted everything he owns to my care. 9No one in this house is greater than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?”

10Although Potiphar’s wife spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be near her.

11One day, however, Joseph went into the house to attend to his work, and not a single household servant was inside. 12She grabbed Joseph by his cloak and said, “Sleep with me!” But leaving his cloak in her hand, he escaped and ran outside.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Peter 2:11	Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul.
2	Genesis 39:8	But he refused. “Look,” he said to his master’s wife, “with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in his house, and he has entrusted everything he owns to my care.
3	1 Thessalonians 5:22	Abstain from every form of evil.
4	Proverbs 5:3	Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil,
5	Proverbs 7:5	that they may keep you from the adulteress, from the stranger with seductive words.
6	Proverbs 5:8	Keep your path far from her; do not go near the door of her house,
7	2 Timothy 2:22	Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
8	Proverbs 6:25–26	Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. For the levy of the prostitute is poverty, and the adulteress preys upon your very life.
9	Proverbs 23:27	For a prostitute is a deep pit, and an adulteress is a narrow well.
10	1 Corinthians 15:33	Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

Genesis 39:10 Summary

[This verse shows that Joseph was a man of strong character who chose to do what was right, even when it was hard. He refused to give in to the temptation of Potiphar's wife, and instead chose to obey God and honor his master. This is an example to us of the importance of living a life of integrity and purity, as encouraged in verses like Proverbs 4:23 and Matthew 5:8. By choosing to do what is right, even when it is difficult, we can demonstrate our commitment to God and trust in His guidance and protection.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Joseph's response to Potiphar's wife's daily advances?

Joseph refused to give in to her demands, choosing instead to obey God and honor his master, as seen in Genesis 39:9 where he says, 'how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?'

Why did Joseph avoid being near Potiphar's wife?

Joseph avoided her because he knew that being near her would put him in a situation where he might be tempted to sin, demonstrating his commitment to living a life of integrity and purity, as encouraged in Proverbs 4:23

How does Joseph's actions in this verse demonstrate his character?

Joseph's refusal to give in to Potiphar's wife's demands shows his strong moral character and commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult, as seen in Genesis 39:8 where he says, 'my master does not concern himself with anything in his house, and he has entrusted everything he owns to my care'

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I am being tempted to compromise my values, and how can I, like Joseph, stand firm in my commitment to God?
How can I demonstrate integrity and purity in my daily interactions, even when it is challenging or unpopular?
What role does self-discipline play in living a life of obedience to God, and how can I cultivate this quality in my own life?
In what ways can I, like Joseph, trust God to guide and protect me, even in difficult situations?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 39:10

And it came to pass, that as she spake to Joseph day by day,.... Continually, incessantly, hoping in time to prevail upon him to comply with her desires; so that the temptation, as it was strong, and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 39:10

And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 39:10

He avoided her company and familiar conversation, as evil in itself, the present circumstances considered, and as an occasion of further evil. See 5:8 .

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 39:10

Genesis 39:10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, [or] to be with her.Ver. 10. And it came to pass, as she spake, &c.] A violent temptation valiantly withstood and vanquished; and that by the force of the fear of God, that powerful grace where it may bear sway. Alexander, Scipio, Pompey, tempted with the exquisiteness and variety of choicest beauties, forbare that villany; not for conscience’ sake, or fear of God, whom they knew not, but lest thereby they should stop the current of their victories, and obscure the glory of their remarkable valour. But what saith Cyprian? As it is the greatest pleasure to have overcome pleasure, so there is no such victory as that that is gotten over a man’ s lusts. This none but a Joseph fearing God can do. For "the fear of the Lord is pure," saith David: it "is to hate evil," not forbear it only, saith Solomon; and he instanceth in inward evils, as pride, arrogancy, &c., so unchaste thoughts, lustful vipers, and hankerings after strange flesh. These the fear of God purgeth upon and represseth; not suffering a man to sin, though he could do it so closely and covertly that the world should be never the wiser. Lo, this is chastity: and it differs herein from continency, which is the best we can say for those heathens aforementioned. The continent person refrains the outward act of uncleanness, either for love of praise or fear of punishment, but not without grief; for inwardly he is scalded with boiling lust. Whereas the chaste man, like St Paul’ s virgin, is "holy both in body and in spirit"; and this with delight, out of fear of God and love of virtue. Now, if upon such a ground we can refuse proffered pleasures and preferments, resolving rather to lie in the dust with Joseph than to rise by wicked principles, the trial is as sound as if we had endured the tortures of the rack. As she spake to Joseph day by day.] Satan will not be said with a little, nor sit down by a light repulse. A man must give him a peremptory denial (απαρνησασθω) again and again, as our Saviour did; and yet the tempter departed not, but for a season. He is called Beelzebub, that is, the Master Fly, because he is impudent as a fly, and soon returns to the bait from which he was beaten. He will be egging us again and again to the same sin, and try every way to overturn us. Many times he tempts by extremes, as he did Mr John Knox, on his deathbed; first, to despair, by setting before him his sins; and, when foiled there, afterwards to presumption, and challenging of heaven as his due, for his many good works, and zeal in the Scottish Reformation. So he dealt here by Joseph.

Sermons on Genesis 39:10

	Sermon	Description
	(Through the Bible) Genesis 39-41 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the purposes of God in his own life and how God prepared him for his ministry. He also discusses the story of Joseph and how God gave him in
	Discipline - Orientation 9 J, Mcrostie by Jonathan McRostie	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of discipline and perseverance in the work of the Lord. He encourages the audience to be steadfast and unmovable, always aboun
	Discipline Pt. 2 - George Verwer by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons	George Verwer emphasizes the critical need for discipline in our speech and actions, warning against trivial conversations that do not glorify God. He challenges listeners to refle
	(1 Peter - Part 21): As Strangers & Pilgrims, Abstain From Fleshly Lusts by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that as Christians, we are pilgrims journeying home and our only real enemies are within us. God has changed the external world and protecte
	Surrender or Else by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose behind our actions and decisions. He challenges listeners to consider why they are in their curre
	Flee the Lusts of the Flesh - Escape for Your Life by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a righteous and pure life. He encourages listeners to flee from bad talk, foul mouthing, and stealing, and instead,
	(Fury of Fire) 02 - a Fury of Fire & the Vengeance of God by Milton Green	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. He encourages the listeners to examine their beliefs and teac