Genesis 39:16
Genesis 39:16 in Multiple Translations
So Potiphar’s wife kept Joseph’s cloak beside her until his master came home.
And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home.
And she laid up his garment by her, until his master came home.
And she kept his coat by her, till his master came back.
She kept his clothing with her until her husband came home.
So she layde vp his garment by her, vntill her lord came home.
And she placeth his garment near her, until the coming in of his lord unto his house.
She laid up his garment by her, until his master came home.
And she laid up his garment by her until his lord came home.
For a proof therefore of her fidelity, she kept the garment, and shewed it to her husband when he returned home:
She kept the loincloth beside her until her husband, Joseph’s master, came home.
After that, Potifar’s wife put down Joseph’s coat next to her, and she waited for Potifar to come home. Potifar was Joseph’s boss.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 39:16
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 39:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תַּנַּ֥ח
בִּגְד֖/וֹ
אֶצְלָ֑/הּ
עַד
בּ֥וֹא
אֲדֹנָ֖י/ו
אֶל
בֵּיתֽ/וֹ
וַ/תַּנַּ֥ח
yânach
H3240
to rest
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs
בִּגְד֖/וֹ
beged
H899
treachery
N-ms | Suff
אֶצְלָ֑/הּ
ʼêtsel
H681
beside
Prep | Suff
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
בּ֥וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Inf-a
אֲדֹנָ֖י/ו
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-mp | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בֵּיתֽ/וֹ
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 39:16
וַ/תַּנַּ֥ח
yânach
H3240
"to rest"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs
To rest or settle down, implying a sense of calmness or stillness, as described in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to rest 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rest, settle down and remain 1a2) to repose, have rest, be quiet 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rest, give rest to, make quiet 1b2) to cause to rest, cause to alight, set down 1b3) to lay or set down, deposit, let lie, place 1b4) to let remain, leave 1b5) to leave, depart from 1b6) to abandon 1b7) to permit 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to obtain rest, be granted rest 1c2) to be left, be placed 1c3) open space (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: bestow, cast down, lay (down, up), leave (off), let alone (remain), pacify, place, put, set (down), suffer, withdraw, withhold. (The Hiphil forms with the dagesh are here referred to, in accordance with the older grammarians; but if any distinction of the kind is to be made, these should rather be referred to H5117 (נוּחַ), and the others here.) See also: Genesis 2:15; 1 Kings 13:30; Psalms 17:14.
בִּגְד֖/וֹ
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.
אֶצְלָ֑/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.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
בּ֥וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
אֲדֹנָ֖י/ו
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
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.
בֵּיתֽ/וֹ
bayith
H1004
"place"
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 39:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Joseph Falsely Imprisoned
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.
15When he heard me scream for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house.”
16So Potiphar’s wife kept Joseph’s cloak beside her until his master came home.
17Then she told him the same story: “The Hebrew slave you brought us came to me to make sport of me, 18but when I screamed for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 37:32 | Though the wicked lie in wait for the righteous, and seek to slay them, |
| 2 | Jeremiah 4:22 | “For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.” |
| 3 | Jeremiah 9:3–5 | “They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD. “Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity. |
| 4 | Psalms 37:12 | The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, |
| 5 | Titus 3:3 | For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. |
Genesis 39:16 Summary
This verse shows that Potiphar's wife was trying to trick people into believing that Joseph had done something wrong. She kept his cloak to use as fake evidence, which is similar to the way that people sometimes try to deceive others, as seen in Proverbs 12:17. But even though Joseph was treated unfairly, he still trusted in God, just like it says in Psalm 37:3-7, which reminds us to trust in God and do what is right, and He will take care of us. We can learn from Joseph's example to always try to do what is right, even when things are hard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Potiphar's wife keep Joseph's cloak?
Potiphar's wife kept Joseph's cloak as evidence to support her false claim that Joseph had tried to assault her, as seen in Genesis 39:17-18, where she tells her husband the same story, using the cloak as supposed proof.
What does this verse reveal about Potiphar's wife's character?
This verse shows that Potiphar's wife is deceitful and manipulative, as she uses Joseph's cloak to falsely accuse him, similar to the way Satan deceives and manipulates people, as described in 1 Peter 5:8.
How does this verse relate to the theme of integrity in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of integrity, as Joseph's actions demonstrate his commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult, as seen in Psalm 15:2, which describes the person who does what is right and speaks the truth from their heart.
What can we learn from Joseph's response to the situation?
We can learn from Joseph's example that even in difficult situations, we should trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Romans 8:28, which reminds us that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when faced with false accusations or difficult situations, and what can I learn from Joseph's example?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate integrity in my own life, and how can I trust in God's sovereignty in the midst of challenges?
- How can I avoid being deceived by manipulative people, and what are some biblical principles that can help me navigate difficult relationships?
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's provision and care, even when things seem uncertain or difficult, like Joseph did in this situation?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 39:16
And she laid up his garment by her,.... As a proof of what she laid to his charge, and as a testimony against him: until her lord came home; or until his lord came home, for the pronoun refers to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 39:16
And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 39:16
Genesis 39:16 And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home. Ver. 16.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 39:16
16. laid up] i.e. laid on one side, and kept ready to be produced as evidence.
Sermons on Genesis 39:16
| Sermon | Description | |
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God Doesn't Give Up on Children Who Fall by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the bondage and fear that many people experience due to past traumas and sins. He emphasizes that God's hand is a hand of love and deliveranc |
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Mr. Valiant-for-Truth by Ernest C. Reisinger | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding and embracing the doctrines of grace. He addresses young preachers and attendees of a conference who may encou |
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Knowing and Doing Good by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the importance of knowing and doing good, emphasizing that sinning knowingly and presumptuously is a heinous offense before God. He explains that to si |
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Epistle 400 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of dwelling in God's love, patience, and truth, emphasizing the eternal nature of God's Word and the need to abide in it. He encourages liv |
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Epistle 227 by George Fox | George Fox encourages believers to rejoice and sing, emphasizing that despite the darkness surrounding them, the Lord is actively working and truth is flourishing. He reminds them |
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Epistle 386 by George Fox | George Fox addresses the Monthly Meeting of Charleston, encouraging them to stand faithful in truth and righteousness, bearing fruits of holiness that lead to everlasting life. He |
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Epistle 35 by George Fox | George Fox calls upon the prophets of the Lord to stand firm in their calling and not to be discouraged by the world's disdain for prophecy. He emphasizes the importance of remaini |