Genesis 39:12
Genesis 39:12 in Multiple Translations
She grabbed Joseph by his cloak and said, “Sleep with me!” But leaving his cloak in her hand, he escaped and ran outside.
And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.
And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.
And pulling at his coat, she said, Come to my bed; but slipping out of his coat, he went running away.
She grabbed him by his clothing, and demanded, “Sleep with me!” But leaving his clothing in her hand, he ran out of the house.
Therefore she caught him by his garmet, saying, Sleepe with me: but he left his garment in her hand and fled, and got him out.
and she catcheth him by his garment, saying, 'Lie with me;' and he leaveth his garment in her hand, and fleeth, and goeth without.
She caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me!” He left his garment in her hand, and ran outside.
And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and went out.
And she catching the skirt of his garment, said: Lie with me. But he leaving the garment in her hand, fled, and went out.
Potiphar’s wife grabbed his cloak and said, “Have sex [EUP] with me!” Joseph ran out of the house, but his cloak was still in her hand!
Then Potifar’s wife came to Joseph. She grabbed him, and she held on to his coat, and she said, “Come and sleep with me.” So Joseph quickly ran out of the house. But Potifar’s wife still had Joseph’s coat in her hand.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 39:12
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 39:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּתְפְּשֵׂ֧/הוּ
בְּ/בִגְד֛/וֹ
לֵ/אמֹ֖ר
שִׁכְבָ֣/ה
עִמִּ֑/י
וַ/יַּעֲזֹ֤ב
בִּגְד/וֹ֙
בְּ/יָדָ֔/הּ
וַ/יָּ֖נָס
וַ/יֵּצֵ֥א
הַ/חֽוּצָ/ה
וַ/תִּתְפְּשֵׂ֧/הוּ
tâphas
H8610
to capture
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
בְּ/בִגְד֛/וֹ
beged
H899
treachery
Prep | N-ms | Suff
לֵ/אמֹ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
שִׁכְבָ֣/ה
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
עִמִּ֑/י
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
וַ/יַּעֲזֹ֤ב
ʻâzab
H5800
Forsaken
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בִּגְד/וֹ֙
beged
H899
treachery
N-ms | Suff
בְּ/יָדָ֔/הּ
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
וַ/יָּ֖נָס
nûwç
H5127
to flee
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יֵּצֵ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/חֽוּצָ/ה
chûwts
H2351
outside
Art | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 39:12
וַ/תִּתְפְּשֵׂ֧/הוּ
tâphas
H8610
"to capture"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
To capture or seize something, like in 1 Kings 13:4, where a prophet grabs the king's altar. It means to take hold of or grasp something firmly.
Definition: 1) to catch, handle, lay hold, take hold of, seize, wield 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lay hold of, seize, arrest, catch 1a2) to grasp (in order to) wield, wield, use skilfully 1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be arrested, be caught, be taken, captured 1c) (Piel) to catch, grasp (with the hands)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: catch, handle, (lay, take) hold (on, over), stop, [idiom] surely, surprise, take. See also: Genesis 4:21; Jeremiah 2:8; Psalms 10:2.
בְּ/בִגְד֛/וֹ
beged
H899
"treachery"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
לֵ/אמֹ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
שִׁכְבָ֣/ה
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
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.
עִמִּ֑/י
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.
וַ/יַּעֲזֹ֤ב
ʻâzab
H5800
"Forsaken"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
בִּגְד/וֹ֙
beged
H899
"treachery"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
בְּ/יָדָ֔/הּ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
וַ/יָּ֖נָס
nûwç
H5127
"to flee"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.
Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.
וַ/יֵּצֵ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
הַ/חֽוּצָ/ה
chûwts
H2351
"outside"
Art | N-ms | Suff
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
Study Notes — Genesis 39:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife
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, 14she called her household servants. “Look,” she said, “this Hebrew has been brought to us to make sport of us. He came to me so he could sleep with me, but I screamed as loud as I could.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Proverbs 7:13–27 | She seizes him and kisses him; she brazenly says to him: “I have made my peace offerings; today I have paid my vows. So I came out to meet you; I sought you, and I have found you. I have decked my bed with coverings, with colored linen from Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, with aloes, and with cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love till morning. Let us delight in loving caresses! For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. He took with him a bag of money and will not return till the moon is full.” With her great persuasion she entices him; with her flattering lips she lures him. He follows her on impulse, like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer bounding into a trap, until an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare— not knowing it will cost him his life. Now, my sons, listen to me, and attend to the words of my mouth. Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths. For she has brought many down to death; her slain are many in number. Her house is the road to Sheol, descending to the chambers of death. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 7:26 | And I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a net, and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God escapes her, but the sinner is ensnared. |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | Proverbs 6:5 | Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. |
| 6 | Proverbs 5:8 | Keep your path far from her; do not go near the door of her house, |
| 7 | 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. |
| 8 | Mark 14:51–52 | One young man who had been following Jesus was wearing a linen cloth around his body. They caught hold of him, but he pulled free of the linen cloth and ran away naked. |
| 9 | 1 Corinthians 15:33 | Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.” |
| 10 | Genesis 39:10 | Although Potiphar’s wife spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be near her. |
Genesis 39:12 Summary
In this verse, we see Joseph being tempted by Potiphar's wife, but he chooses to run away from the situation rather than giving in to sin. This shows us that sometimes the best way to deal with temptation is to remove ourselves from the situation, as seen in 1 Corinthians 6:18. Joseph's decision to flee from temptation is an example to us of how we can prioritize our faithfulness to God and avoid sin. By studying this verse, we can learn the importance of accountability and surrounding ourselves with people who will encourage us to live a godly life, as seen in Proverbs 27:17.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joseph refuse to sleep with Potiphar's wife?
Joseph refused to sleep with Potiphar's wife because he knew it was a sin against God and his master, as seen in Genesis 39:9, and he wanted to remain faithful to God and his master.
What can we learn from Joseph's actions in this verse?
We can learn from Joseph's actions that fleeing from temptation is sometimes the best option, as seen in 1 Corinthians 6:18, and that our actions have consequences, as seen in Genesis 39:13-14.
How did Joseph's decision to leave his cloak behind affect the situation?
Joseph's decision to leave his cloak behind was a result of his haste to escape the situation, and it ultimately led to Potiphar's wife falsely accusing him, as seen in Genesis 39:13-14, and this shows how quickly sin can escalate.
What does this verse teach us about the importance of accountability?
This verse teaches us that accountability is crucial in our lives, as Joseph was alone with Potiphar's wife, which led to the temptation, and this is why the Bible warns us to avoid being alone with someone who may tempt us to sin, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:22.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to flee from temptation, and how can I take steps to avoid those situations?
- How can I remain faithful to God in the face of temptation, and what are some strategies for resisting sin?
- What are some consequences of giving in to sin, and how can I learn from Joseph's example to avoid those consequences?
- In what ways can I prioritize accountability in my life, and how can I surround myself with people who will encourage me to live a godly life?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 39:12
And she caught him by his garment, saying, lie with me,.... It is very probable that before this time, as soon as ever she began to speak to him, he got away as fast as he could, and would not hear
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 39:12
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 39:12
He left his garment in her hand, which he would not strive to get from her, partly, for reverence to his mistress; partly, in detestation of her wickedness, whereby even his garment might seem to be infected; and partly, to put himself and her out of the danger of further temptation.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 39:12
Genesis 39:12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.Ver. 12. And she caught him by his garment.] By wanton touches and dalliance, mental adultery is oft committed. He that "toucheth his neighbour’ s wife, shall not be innocent," saith Solomon. This is the offensive "right hand," that must be "cut off." The harlot "caught the silly simple, and kissed him; and with an impudent face said unto him; - " "till a dart struck through his liver": cogit amare iecur. And he left his garment in her hand.] This second time is Joseph stript of his garment; before, in the violence of envy, now of lust; before, of necessity, now of choice; before, to deceive his father, now his master. Infamy and other misery he was sure to suffer, but that must not drive from duty. The Church "comes from the wilderness," that is, through troubles and afflictions, "leaning on her beloved"; choosing rather to suffer than to sin. The good heart goes in a right line to God, and will not fetch a compass, but strikes through all troubles and hazards to get to him. It will not break the hedge of ally commandment, to avoid any piece of foul way. The primitive Christians chose rather to be thrown to lions without, than left to lusts within: Ad leonem mayis quam lenonem, saith Tertullian.
I had rather go to hell pure from sin, saith Anselm, than to heaven polluted with that filth. I will rather leap into a bonfire, saith another of the fathers, than wilfully commit wickedness against God. Of the mouse of Armenia they write, that she will rather die than be defiled with any filth. Insomuch as if her hole be besmeared with dirt, she will rather choose to be taken than to be polluted. Such are, or ought to be, the servants of God; "unspotted of the world," "undefiled in the way." Mallem purus a peccato et innocens gehennam intrare, &c. Potius in ardentem rogum insiluero quam ullum peccatum in Deum commisero. - Pintus, in Dan.
Sermons on Genesis 39:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Personal Holiness - Part 1 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of taking resolute action and exercising strict control over certain aspects of our lives. He specifically mentions the need t |
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Dynamic Daniel by Greg Locke | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being careful about what we watch and listen to, as it can have a negative impact on our hearts and minds. He warns agains |
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Deliverance From Indwelling Sin ~ Romans 7:15 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker expresses their gratitude for being at the conference and their thoughts about the attendees. They emphasize the importance of relying on the Lord and s |
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Lest Madam Bubble Bewitch Them With Her Vile Suggestions by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of fleeing from temptation, using the example of Joseph who escaped from Potiphar's wife to illustrate that victory over sin often requires s |
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Dating Sermon by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the issue of young men in today's society, referring to them as "mall waifs" who spend their time playing video games and hanging out at malls |
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1 Samuel 4:13 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of trembling for the presence of God, using the story of Eli and his sons as a cautionary tale. It highlights the consequences of hidden sin a |
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The Last Days and the Lord's Coming : 7. Don't Get Drunk With Worldiness by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that time is short and devoting oneself fully to the Lord. He explains that this does not mean avoiding marriag |