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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 39:11 One day, however, Joseph went into the house to attend to his work, and not a single household servant was inside.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/39-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/01_Gen_39_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 39:11 - Joseph and Potiphar's Wife" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="One day, however, Joseph went into the house to attend to his work, and not a single household servant was inside." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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and <i>there was</i> none of the men of the house there within.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/39.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But it happened about this time, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house <i>was</i> inside,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/39.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now it happened one day that he went into the house to do his work, and none of the people of the household was there inside.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/39.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now it happened one day that he went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the household was there inside.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/39.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now it happened one day that he went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the household was there inside.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/39.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now it happened one day that he went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the household was there inside.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/39.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then it happened one day that Joseph went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the men of the household was there in the house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/39.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now one day he went into the house to do his work, and none of the household servants were there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/39.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now one day he went into the house to do his work, and none of the household servants were there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/39.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/39.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />One day, Joseph went to Potiphar's house to do his work, and none of the other servants were there. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/39.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/39.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />One day he went into the house to do his work, and none of the household servants were there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/39.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But one day when Joseph went into the house to do his work, none of the house servants was there. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/39.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />One day, though, he went into the house to do his work. None of the household servants were inside, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/39.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />One day, however, Joseph went into the house to attend to his work, and not a single household servant was inside.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/39.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />One day he went into the house to do his work when none of the household servants were there in the house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/39.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now it happened about this time that he went into the house to do his work, and there were none of the men of the house inside.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/39.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/39.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />About this time, he went into the house to do his work, and there were none of the men of the house inside. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/39.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and it comes to pass about this day, that he goes into the house to do his work, and there is none of the men of the house there in the house,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/39.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/39.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it will be about this day, and he will come into the house to do his work: and no man from the men of the house there in the house.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/39.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Now it happened on it certain day, that Joseph went into the house, and was doing some business without any, man with him: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/39.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then it happened, on a certain day, that Joseph entered the house, and he was doing something, without any witnesses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/39.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />One such day, when Joseph came into the house to do his work, and none of the household servants were then in the house,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/39.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />One day, however, when he went into the house to do his work, and while no one else was in the house,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/39.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And it came to pass one day that Joseph went in to the house to do his work; and none of the men of the household were there in the house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/39.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />It was on one of the days, and Yoseph entered the house to do work, and there was no man of the men of the house there in the house.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/39.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And it came to pass on a certain day, when he went into the house to do his work, and there was none of the men of the house there within,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/39.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />it came to pass on a certain day, that Joseph went into the house to do his business, and there was no one of the household within.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/39-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=10008" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/39.htm">Joseph and Potiphar's Wife</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">10</span>Although Potiphar’s wife spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be near her. <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: kə·hay·yō·wm (Prep-k, Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">One day,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">however,</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">Joseph went</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: hab·bay·ṯāh (Art:: N-ms:: 3fs) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">into the house</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: la·‘ă·śō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">to attend to</a> <a href="/hebrew/4399.htm" title="4399: mə·laḵ·tōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- From the same as mal'ak; properly, deputyship, i.e. Ministry; generally, employment or work; also property.">his work,</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: wə·’ên (Conj-w:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">and not</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">a single</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: hab·ba·yiṯ (Art:: N-ms) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">household</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: mê·’an·šê (Prep-m:: N-mpc) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">servant</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">was</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bab·bā·yiṯ (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">inside.</a> </span><span class="reftext">12</span>She grabbed Joseph by his cloak and said, “Sleep with me!” But leaving his cloak in her hand, he escaped and ran outside.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/7-13.htm">Proverbs 7:13-23</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/11-2.htm">2 Samuel 11:2-4</a></span><br />One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman. / So David sent and inquired about the woman, and he was told, “This is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” / Then David sent messengers to get her, and when she came to him, he slept with her. (Now she had just purified herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned home.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-13.htm">1 Corinthians 10:13</a></span><br />No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-28.htm">Matthew 5:28</a></span><br />But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-22.htm">2 Timothy 2:22</a></span><br />Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-14.htm">James 1:14-15</a></span><br />But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. / Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a></span><br />Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:3-5</a></span><br />For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; / each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, / not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-14.htm">Romans 13:14</a></span><br />Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-18.htm">1 Corinthians 6:18</a></span><br />Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/20-14.htm">Exodus 20:14</a></span><br />You shall not commit adultery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-23.htm">Proverbs 6:23-29</a></span><br />For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life, / to keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress. / Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/31-1.htm">Job 31:1</a></span><br />“I have made a covenant with my eyes. How then could I gaze with desire at a virgin?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-9.htm">Psalm 119:9</a></span><br />How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/5-3.htm">Proverbs 5:3-8</a></span><br />Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil, / in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword. / Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to Sheol. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="hdg">none of the men.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/24-15.htm">Job 24:15</a></b></br> The eye also of the adulterer waiteth for the twilight, saying, No eye shall see me: and disguiseth <i>his</i> face.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/9-17.htm">Proverbs 9:17</a></b></br> Stolen waters are sweet, and bread <i>eaten</i> in secret is pleasant.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/23-24.htm">Jeremiah 23:24</a></b></br> Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_peter/3-12.htm">Attend</a> <a href="/genesis/24-33.htm">Business</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-11.htm">Duties</a> <a href="/genesis/39-9.htm">House</a> <a href="/genesis/39-5.htm">Household</a> <a href="/genesis/31-34.htm">Inside</a> <a href="/genesis/39-10.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/33-6.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/genesis/39-7.htm">Time</a> <a href="/genesis/33-18.htm">Within</a> <a href="/genesis/30-26.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/40-4.htm">Attend</a> <a href="/genesis/46-33.htm">Business</a> <a href="/exodus/18-20.htm">Duties</a> <a href="/genesis/39-12.htm">House</a> <a href="/genesis/39-14.htm">Household</a> <a href="/genesis/41-21.htm">Inside</a> <a href="/genesis/39-20.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/39-14.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/genesis/40-1.htm">Time</a> <a href="/genesis/40-13.htm">Within</a> <a href="/exodus/1-11.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 39</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/39-1.htm">Joseph is bought by Potiphar, and preferred in the family.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/39-7.htm">He resists temptation by Potiphar's Wife.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/39-13.htm">He is falsely accused by her.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/39-20.htm">He is cast into prison.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/39-21.htm">God is with him there, and he is advanced by the keeper of prison.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/39.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/39.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>One day, however,</b><br>This phrase sets the scene for a specific event in Joseph's life, indicating a turning point. The use of "however" suggests a contrast to previous events, highlighting the unexpected nature of what is about to occur. Joseph's life is marked by divine providence, and this moment is pivotal in God's plan for him.<p><b>Joseph went into the house</b><br>Joseph, a Hebrew slave in Egypt, had been entrusted with significant responsibilities in Potiphar's household. His entry into the house signifies his diligence and commitment to his duties. This setting is crucial as it becomes the backdrop for a significant moral test. The house, a place of both opportunity and temptation, reflects the dual nature of Joseph's circumstances.<p><b>to attend to his work,</b><br>Joseph's work ethic is emphasized here, showcasing his integrity and dedication. Despite being a slave, he serves faithfully, which is a testament to his character. This diligence is a recurring theme in Joseph's life, aligning with <a href="/proverbs/22-29.htm">Proverbs 22:29</a>, which speaks of skilled work leading to positions of honor.<p><b>and not a single household servant was inside.</b><br>The absence of other servants sets the stage for the ensuing temptation. This detail highlights the isolation Joseph faces, making him vulnerable to Potiphar's wife's advances. The lack of witnesses underscores the gravity of the situation, as Joseph's integrity is tested in private. This moment foreshadows the trials of Jesus, who also faced temptation alone in the wilderness (<a href="/matthew/4.htm">Matthew 4:1-11</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a></b><br>A Hebrew man sold into slavery by his brothers, now serving in the house of Potiphar, an Egyptian officer. Joseph is known for his integrity and faithfulness to God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/potiphar's_house.htm">Potiphar's House</a></b><br>The setting of this event, where Joseph is entrusted with significant responsibility due to his trustworthy nature and God's favor upon him.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/potiphar's_wife.htm">Potiphar's Wife</a></b><br>Although not mentioned directly in this verse, she plays a crucial role in the surrounding account, attempting to seduce Joseph and later falsely accusing him.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_household_servants.htm">The Household Servants</a></b><br>Their absence is significant in this verse, setting the stage for the temptation and false accusation that follows.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_event.htm">The Event</a></b><br>Joseph enters the house to perform his duties, unaware that he is alone, which leads to a pivotal moment of temptation and testing of his character.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_isolation.htm">Integrity in Isolation</a></b><br>Joseph's situation reminds us that true integrity is demonstrated not only in public but also in private, when no one else is watching.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_fleeing_temptation.htm">The Importance of Fleeing Temptation</a></b><br>Joseph's response to temptation is a model for us; he physically removes himself from the situation, illustrating the importance of taking decisive action against sin.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_presence_in_trials.htm">God's Presence in Trials</a></b><br>Despite the absence of others, God is with Joseph, providing strength and guidance. We can trust in God's presence and support during our own trials.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_false_accusations.htm">Consequences of False Accusations</a></b><br>Joseph's account highlights the reality of suffering unjustly, yet it also shows that God can use such situations for His greater purpose.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_leads_to_favor.htm">Faithfulness Leads to Favor</a></b><br>Joseph's faithfulness to God and his duties leads to favor, even in difficult circumstances. Our faithfulness can similarly lead to God's blessings in our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_39.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 39</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_clothing_proving_guilt_in_egypt.htm">In Genesis 39:11–14, is there any archaeological or historical evidence supporting the practice of using clothing to prove guilt or innocence in ancient Egypt?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/joseph's_response_to_potiphar's_wife.htm">How did Joseph respond to Potiphar's wife's advances?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_plot_of_chosen_generation.htm">Why was Joseph imprisoned in Egypt?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_advise_peace_in_a_pagan_land.htm">In Jeremiah 29:4-7, how can God instruct his people to settle peacefully in a pagan land while other passages command separation from foreign nations?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/39.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 11, 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And it came to pass about this time</span> (literally, <span class="accented">at this day, i.e.</span> it one day happened), <span class="cmt_word">that Joseph went into the house to do his business</span> (<span class="accented">i.e.</span> to attend to his accustomed duties); <span class="cmt_word">and there was none of the men of the house there within</span> (or, in the hour). <span class="cmt_word">And she caught him by his garment</span> (this was probably the long loose robe or mantle, with short sleeves, used in Oriental full dress), <span class="cmt_word">saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out</span> - literally, <span class="accented">and went forth into the place without</span>, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> out of the house and into the street. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/39-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">One day,</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּהַיּ֣וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(kə·hay·yō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">however,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְהִי֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[Joseph] went</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּבֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḇō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">into the house</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבַּ֖יְתָה</span> <span class="translit">(hab·bay·ṯāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to attend to</span><br /><span class="heb">לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his work,</span><br /><span class="heb">מְלַאכְתּ֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(mə·laḵ·tōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4399.htm">Strong's 4399: </a> </span><span class="str2">Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֵ֨ין</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a single</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֜ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">household</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבַּ֛יִת</span> <span class="translit">(hab·ba·yiṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">servant</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵאַנְשֵׁ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(mê·’an·šê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[was]</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(šām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> </span><span class="str2">There, then, thither</span><br /><br /><span class="word">inside.</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּבָּֽיִת׃</span> <span class="translit">(bab·bā·yiṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/39-11.htm">Genesis 39:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/39-11.htm">Genesis 39:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/39-11.htm">Genesis 39:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/39-11.htm">Genesis 39:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/39-11.htm">Genesis 39:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/39-11.htm">Genesis 39:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/39-11.htm">Genesis 39:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/39-11.htm">Genesis 39:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/39-11.htm">Genesis 39:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/39-11.htm">Genesis 39:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/39-11.htm">OT Law: Genesis 39:11 About this time he went into (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/39-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 39:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 39:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/39-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 39:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 39:12" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>