Genesis 39:12

She grabbed Joseph by his cloak and said, "Sleep with me!" But leaving his cloak in her hand, he escaped and ran outside.

Study Bible

She caught him by his cloak
The Hebrew word for "caught" is "תִּתְפְּשֵׂהוּ" (tithpesehu), which implies a forceful or determined action. This indicates the aggressive nature of Potiphar's wife's attempt to seduce Joseph. The "cloak" (בִּגְדוֹ, begdo) symbolizes Joseph's status and identity within Potiphar's household. In ancient Egyptian culture, garments often signified one's role and authority. By seizing his cloak, Potiphar's wife is not only attempting to physically restrain Joseph but also to strip him of his dignity and position.

and said, 'Sleep with me!'
The directness of her command highlights the boldness and immorality of her proposition. The Hebrew phrase "שִׁכְבָה עִמִּי" (shikhvah 'immi) is a blunt and unambiguous invitation to sexual sin. This reflects the moral decay and the temptations that Joseph faced in a foreign land, away from his family and the God-fearing environment he was raised in. It serves as a reminder of the constant spiritual battles believers face and the need for steadfastness in the face of temptation.

But leaving his cloak in her hand
Joseph's decision to leave his cloak behind is a powerful testament to his integrity and commitment to righteousness. The act of leaving his cloak, despite the potential consequences, underscores his willingness to sacrifice his personal comfort and reputation to maintain his purity. This echoes the biblical principle found in 1 Corinthians 6:18, "Flee from sexual immorality." Joseph's actions serve as an example of the importance of fleeing from sin, even when it requires personal loss.

he escaped and ran outside
The Hebrew verb "וַיָּנָס" (vayanas) means "to flee" or "to escape," indicating a swift and decisive action. Joseph's immediate response to temptation was to physically remove himself from the situation, demonstrating wisdom and discernment. His flight is not an act of cowardice but of courage and faithfulness to God. Historically, this moment is pivotal, as it sets the stage for Joseph's eventual rise to power in Egypt. Spiritually, it illustrates the principle that God honors those who honor Him, even when the path is fraught with trials and misunderstandings.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
A Hebrew man, sold into slavery by his brothers, who becomes a servant in Potiphar's house in Egypt. Known for his integrity and faithfulness to God.

2. Potiphar's Wife
The unnamed wife of Potiphar, who attempts to seduce Joseph. Her actions lead to Joseph's imprisonment despite his innocence.

3. Potiphar's House
The setting of this event, where Joseph serves as a trusted overseer. It represents a place of both opportunity and temptation for Joseph.

4. The Cloak
A garment that becomes a symbol of Joseph's integrity and the false accusation against him. It is left behind as Joseph flees from temptation.

5. The Escape
Joseph's act of fleeing from Potiphar's wife, demonstrating his commitment to righteousness and his refusal to sin against God.

Teaching Points

Integrity in Temptation
Joseph's refusal to sin, even when faced with persistent temptation, serves as a model for maintaining integrity and faithfulness to God.

Fleeing from Sin
Joseph's immediate action to flee from temptation illustrates the importance of removing oneself from situations that could lead to sin.

Consequences of Righteousness
Despite doing the right thing, Joseph faces false accusations and imprisonment, reminding us that righteousness may not always lead to immediate reward.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Joseph's account encourages believers to trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem unjust or challenging.

The Power of a Good Conscience
Joseph's clear conscience before God and man empowers him to act decisively and righteously.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joseph's response to Potiphar's wife's advances demonstrate his commitment to God, and how can we apply this in our own lives when facing temptation?

2. In what ways does Joseph's account encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when we face unjust situations or false accusations?

3. How can the principle of fleeing from sin, as demonstrated by Joseph, be applied in modern contexts where temptation is prevalent?

4. What role does maintaining a good conscience play in our ability to make righteous decisions, and how can we cultivate this in our daily walk with God?

5. How do the additional scriptures (1 Corinthians 6:18, 2 Timothy 2:22, Proverbs 7:6-27) reinforce the lessons learned from Joseph's experience in Genesis 39:12?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 39:9
Joseph's declaration that he cannot sin against God by committing adultery with Potiphar's wife highlights his moral integrity and fear of God.

1 Corinthians 6:18
Paul advises believers to flee from sexual immorality, echoing Joseph's actions and reinforcing the importance of avoiding sin.

2 Timothy 2:22
Encourages believers to flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, similar to Joseph's response to temptation.

Proverbs 7:6-27
Warns against the seduction of an adulterous woman, providing a broader biblical context for understanding the dangers Joseph faced.