Genesis 39:11

Genesis 39:11 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

One day, however, Joseph went into the house to attend to his work, and not a single household servant was inside.

King James Version KJV

And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.

American Standard Version ASV

And it came to pass about this time, that he went into the house to do his work; and there was none of the men of the house there within.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now one day he went into the house to do his work; and not one of the men of the house was inside.

Free Bible Version FBV

But one day he went into the house to do his work and none of the other servants were there.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then on a certaine day Ioseph entred into the house, to doe his businesse: and there was no man of the houshold in the house:

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and it cometh to pass about this day, that he goeth into the house to do his work, and there is none of the men of the house there in the house,

World English Bible WEB

About this time, he went into the house to do his work, and there were none of the men of the house inside.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And it came to pass, about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Now it happened on a certain day, that Joseph went into the house, and was doing some business without any, man with him:

Translation for Translators T4T

One day Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the other household servants were in the house.

Plain English Version PEV

One day, Joseph went into Potifar’s house to do his work, just like he always did. On that day, there weren’t any other work-men in the house.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 39:11

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 39:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יְהִי֙ כְּ/הַ/יּ֣וֹם הַ/זֶּ֔ה וַ/יָּבֹ֥א הַ/בַּ֖יְתָ/ה לַ/עֲשׂ֣וֹת מְלַאכְתּ֑/וֹ וְ/אֵ֨ין אִ֜ישׁ מֵ/אַנְשֵׁ֥י הַ/בַּ֛יִת שָׁ֖ם בַּ/בָּֽיִת

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

כְּ/הַ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 day Prep | Art | N-ms

הַ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron

וַ/יָּבֹ֥א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

הַ/בַּ֖יְתָ/ה bayith H1004 place Art | N-ms | Suff

לַ/עֲשׂ֣וֹת ʻâsâh H6213 to make Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

מְלַאכְתּ֑/וֹ mᵉlâʼkâh H4399 work N-fs | Suff

וְ/אֵ֨ין ʼayin H369 nothing Conj | Part

אִ֜ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

מֵ/אַנְשֵׁ֥י ʼîysh H376 man Prep | N-mp

הַ/בַּ֛יִת bayith H1004 place Art | N-ms

שָׁ֖ם shâm H8033 there Adv

בַּ/בָּֽיִת bayith H1004 place Prep | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 39:11

וַ/יְהִי֙ 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/הַ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Prep | Art | 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.

הַ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

וַ/יָּבֹ֥א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

הַ/בַּ֖יְתָ/ה bayith H1004 "place" Art | N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

לַ/עֲשׂ֣וֹת ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

מְלַאכְתּ֑/וֹ mᵉlâʼkâh H4399 "work" N-fs | Suff

Means work or employment, like a job or business, and is used to describe someone's occupation or the result of their labor, as seen in the Bible's description of various professions and industries.

Definition: 1) occupation, work, business 1a) occupation, business 1b) property 1c) work (something done or made) 1d) workmanship 1e) service, use 1f) public business 1f1) political 1f2) religious

Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: business, [phrase] cattle, [phrase] industrious, occupation, ([phrase] -pied), [phrase] officer, thing (made), use, (manner of) work((-man), -manship). See also: Genesis 2:2; 1 Chronicles 9:13; Psalms 73:28.

וְ/אֵ֨ין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Conj | Part

This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.

Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.

אִ֜ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

מֵ/אַנְשֵׁ֥י ʼîysh H376 "man" Prep | N-mp

הַ/בַּ֛יִת bayith H1004 "place" Art | N-ms

Definition: nm place, origin, between

שָׁ֖ם shâm H8033 "there" Adv

The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

בַּ/בָּֽיִת bayith H1004 "place" Prep | N-ms

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Study Notes — Genesis 39:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 39:11 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 39:11
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 39:11
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 39:11
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 39:11
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 39:11
Sermons on Genesis 39:11

Context — Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife

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. 13When she saw that he had left his cloak in her hand and had run out of the house,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ephesians 5:12	For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.
2	Ephesians 5:3	But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed.
3	Malachi 3:5	“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts.
4	Job 24:15	The eye of the adulterer watches for twilight. Thinking, ‘No eye will see me,’ he covers his face.
5	Proverbs 9:17	“Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is tasty!”
6	Jeremiah 23:24	“Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD.

Genesis 39:11 Summary

Genesis 39:11 tells us that Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the other servants were around. This verse shows that Joseph was a diligent worker and trusted God, even when he was alone. Just like Joseph, we can trust God to be with us, even when we feel alone, and we can use our daily tasks as opportunities to glorify Him, as encouraged in Colossians 3:23-24. By prioritizing our work and trusting in God's presence, we can, like Joseph, demonstrate our commitment to our faith and values.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Joseph doing in the house when no one else was around?

According to Genesis 39:11, Joseph went into the house to attend to his work, and not a single household servant was inside, which set the stage for a test of his integrity.

Why is it significant that Joseph was alone in the house with Potiphar's wife?

Being alone with Potiphar's wife created an opportunity for temptation, as seen in the events that unfolded in Genesis 39:12, and it highlights Joseph's commitment to his faith and values, as expressed in Genesis 39:9.

How does this verse relate to Joseph's character and faith?

This verse showcases Joseph's diligence in his work and his trust in God, even when faced with challenging situations, much like the trust exhibited by Daniel in Daniel 6:10, and it sets the stage for the trials he would face in the subsequent verses.

What can we learn from Joseph's actions in this verse?

We can learn the importance of being faithful in our daily tasks and trusting in God's presence, even when we feel alone or tempted, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-4 and Proverbs 3:5-6.

Reflection Questions

What are some situations in my life where I feel like I am alone, and how can I trust God in those moments?
How can I, like Joseph, prioritize my work and responsibilities while also being mindful of potential temptations and challenges?
What are some ways I can demonstrate my commitment to my faith and values, even when it's difficult or unpopular, as Joseph did in Genesis 39:9?
How can I use my daily tasks and responsibilities as opportunities to glorify God and exhibit my trust in Him, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 39:11

And it came to pass about this time,.... About a week, or a month, or rather a year, as Aben Ezra thinks, after she first began her solicitations to him.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 39:11

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 39:11

About this time, or, upon a certain day, which she thought convenient for the reason following. To do his business, that which belonged to his charge; to cast up his accounts, as the Chaldee renders it, which requiring privacy, gave her this opportunity. There was none of the men within, to wit, in that part of the house where Joseph was.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 39:11

Genesis 39:11 And it came to pass about this time, that [Joseph] went into the house to do his business; and [there was] none of the men of the house there within.Ver. 11. To do his business.] To look up his bills of account, saith the Chaldee. Idleness is the devil’ s opportunity, the hour of temptation. But let a man be never so busy about his lawful employments, he is to expect assaults. As he is not idle, so neither is Satan: but walks about, and spreads his snares for us in all places, and businesses; speaking a good word also in temptations that come from the flesh, which are therefore called "his messengers," and by giving place to them, we "give place to the devil." And there was none of the men of the house there within.] Josephus saith that they were all gone forth to a feast; and she only left at home, as feigning herself sick. Sick she was, as likewise Amnon, with the lust of concupiscence, which the apostle calls ðáèïò, a disease, such as those which the physicians say are corruptio totius substantiae; the body and soul are both tainted and rotted by it. Other diseases consume only the matter of the body, but this, the holiness and honour of the body. Other sicknesses sanctify us, but this profanes us, and lets the devil into our hearts. Behemoth lieth in the fens; that is, the devil in sensual hearts; as Gul. Paris. applieth it. And when the waters of the sanctuary flowed, the miry places could not be healed. Quod sanitas in corpore, sanctitas in corde. - Bern.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 39:11

11. About this time — The time, or day, definite in the writer’s mind as that on which this event occurred.

Sermons on Genesis 39:11

	Sermon	Description
	(Genesis) Genesis 39:11-20 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the unfortunate events that befall Joseph, a young man who faces numerous challenges and injustices. Joseph was initially favored by his fathe
	John 1:3 by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches about the creation of all things by Christ, emphasizing that nothing was made without Him, including visible and invisible creations, while distinguishing
	A Godly Example by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a good example, especially to young people. He mentions a survey conducted in American jails, which found that over
	What Guys Think About Modesty by c.j. Mahaney by Compilations	This sermon addresses the daily battle against sin and temptation faced by men, emphasizing the need for women to understand and support their struggle for purity. It highlights th
	Sex and the Single Person by John Piper	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of enslavement to worldly desires and emphasizes the need to be free from such bondage. He highlights the prevalence of sexual tempt
	Filled With the Spirit by William Fitch	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's grace and mercy. He emphasizes that God chooses to be gracious and show mercy to whomever He desires. The preacher descr
	06 Purity in Sexual Matters by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the heart of God when reading the Bible, highlighting the longing and grief God expresses for His people to follow His comman