Genesis 39:17
Genesis 39:17 in Multiple Translations
Then she told him the same story: “The Hebrew slave you brought us came to me to make sport of me,
And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me:
And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, whom thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me:
Then she gave him the same story, saying, The Hebrew servant whom you have taken into our house came in to make sport of me;
Then she told him her story. It went like this: “That Hebrew slave you brought here tried to come and dishonor me.
Then she tolde him according to these words, saying, The Ebrew seruat, which thou hast brought vnto vs, came in to me, to mocke me.
And she speaketh unto him according to these words, saying, 'The Hebrew servant whom thou hast brought unto us, hath come in unto me to play with me;
She spoke to him according to these words, saying, “The Hebrew servant, whom you have brought to us, came in to me to mock me,
And she spoke to him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought to us, came in to me to mock me.
And said: The Hebrew servant, whom thou hast brought, came to me to abuse me.
Then she told him this story: “That Hebrew slave whom you brought here came into my room and tried to rape me!
Later on, Potifar came home, and his wife said the same things to him that she said to those work-men. She lied and said, “That work-man from the Hebrew tribe, the one that you brought here, he came to me, and he tried to sleep with me and make me shamed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 39:17
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 39:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תְּדַבֵּ֣ר
אֵלָ֔י/ו
כַּ/דְּבָרִ֥ים
הָ/אֵ֖לֶּה
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
בָּֽא
אֵלַ֞/י
הָ/עֶ֧בֶד
הָֽ/עִבְרִ֛י
אֲשֶׁר
הֵבֵ֥אתָ
לָּ֖/נוּ
לְ/צַ֥חֶק
בִּֽ/י
וַ/תְּדַבֵּ֣ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֵלָ֔י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
כַּ/דְּבָרִ֥ים
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Prep | N-mp
הָ/אֵ֖לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בָּֽא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֵלַ֞/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
הָ/עֶ֧בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
Art | N-ms
הָֽ/עִבְרִ֛י
ʻIbrîy
H5680
Hebrew
Art | Ngmsa
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הֵבֵ֥אתָ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
לָּ֖/נוּ
Prep | Suff
לְ/צַ֥חֶק
tsâchaq
H6711
to laugh
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
בִּֽ/י
Prep | 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 39:17
וַ/תְּדַבֵּ֣ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֵלָ֔י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
כַּ/דְּבָרִ֥ים
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Prep | N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הָ/אֵ֖לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
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.
בָּֽא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-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.
אֵלַ֞/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
הָ/עֶ֧בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
הָֽ/עִבְרִ֛י
ʻIbrîy
H5680
"Hebrew"
Art | Ngmsa
Ibriy refers to a Hebrew person, a descendant of Eber, and is first mentioned in Genesis 14:13. It describes the Israelites and their ancestors, including Abraham and his family.
Definition: Someone descended from Heber (H2268)(?), first mentioned at Gen.14.13 Also named: Hebraios (Ἑβραῖος "Hebrew" G1445) § Hebrew = "one from beyond" n pr 1) a designation of the patriarchs and the Israelites adj 2) a designation of the patriarchs and the Israelites
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: Hebrew(-ess, woman). See also: Genesis 14:13; Exodus 9:1; Jeremiah 34:9.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
הֵבֵ֥אתָ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
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.
לָּ֖/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/צַ֥חֶק
tsâchaq
H6711
"to laugh"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To laugh outright in joy or scorn, as seen in Genesis when Abraham laughed at God's promise. It implies a strong emotional response, often translated as 'laugh' or 'mock'.
Definition: 1) to laugh, mock, play 1a) (Qal) to laugh 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to jest 1b2) to sport, play, make sport, toy with, make a toy of
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: laugh, mock, play, make sport. See also: Genesis 17:17; Genesis 21:9; Judges 16:25.
בִּֽ/י
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Genesis 39:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Joseph Falsely Imprisoned
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.” 19When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, “This is what your slave did to me,” he burned with anger.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 23:1 | “You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 18:17 | When Ahab saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?” |
| 3 | Psalms 37:14 | The wicked have drawn the sword and bent the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 21:9–13 | In the letters she wrote: “Proclaim a fast and give Naboth a seat of honor among the people. But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel had instructed in the letters she had written to them. They proclaimed a fast and gave Naboth a seat of honor among the people. And the two scoundrels came in and sat opposite Naboth, and these men testified against him before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king!” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. |
| 5 | Matthew 26:65 | At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, “He has blasphemed! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. |
| 6 | Proverbs 19:5 | A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape. |
| 7 | Psalms 55:3 | at the voice of the enemy, at the pressure of the wicked. For they release disaster upon me and revile me in their anger. |
| 8 | Exodus 20:16 | You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. |
| 9 | Proverbs 19:9 | A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish. |
| 10 | Proverbs 12:19 | Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. |
Genesis 39:17 Summary
In Genesis 39:17, Potiphar's wife is lying about Joseph and saying that he tried to hurt her. This is not true, and it is a sin. We can see that sin can lead to more sin, like lying and trying to hurt others. We should try to be honest and do what is right, even when it is hard, just like Joseph did (Matthew 5:10-12, Psalm 105:17-18). We can learn from this verse to always tell the truth and be kind to others, even if they have wronged us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening in Genesis 39:17?
In Genesis 39:17, Potiphar's wife is falsely accusing Joseph of trying to make sport of her, which is a continuation of the events that began when Joseph refused her advances and she became angry (Genesis 39:7-15).
Why is Potiphar's wife making these false accusations?
Potiphar's wife is making these accusations because she is trying to cover up her own sin and shift the blame to Joseph, as seen in her actions in Genesis 39:13-16, and also to exact revenge on Joseph for refusing her advances.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of Joseph?
This verse is a key part of the story of Joseph, as it shows how he is falsely accused and suffers as a result of his faithfulness to God, much like Jesus would later suffer falsely (Psalm 105:17-18, Matthew 5:10-12).
What can we learn from Potiphar's wife's actions in this verse?
We can learn that sin can lead to further sin, such as lying and deceit, and that it is important to be honest and truthful, as seen in Proverbs 12:22 and Colossians 3:9-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen false accusations or deceitful actions in my own life or in the lives of those around me, and how can I respond in a way that is pleasing to God?
- How can I be more like Joseph, who remained faithful to God even in the face of false accusations and suffering?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be tempted to shift the blame or make false accusations, and how can I work to overcome these tendencies?
- How can I use this verse to reflect on the importance of honesty and integrity in my own life, and to consider how I can be a positive influence on those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 39:17
And she spake unto him according to these words,.... When her husband came home she related to him the above affair, according to the purport of the above words, and in much the same manner, and to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 39:17
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 39:17
So she makes her husband accessory to the crime, that she might provoke him to the sharper revenge.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 39:17
Genesis 39:17 And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me:Ver. 17. And she spake unto him, &c.] Here "the adulteress hunteth for the precious life." Her lust, as Amnon’ s, turneth into extreme hatred. This is just the custom of a courtezan: - “ Aut te ardenter amat, aut te capitaliter odit.” - Mantuan. Heathens tell us the like of their Hippolytus; that when Phaedra, his stepmother, could not win him to her will this way, she accused him to his father Theseus, as if he had attempted her chastity: whereupon he was forced to flee his country. Likewise of Bellerophon, a young prince, with whoso beauty Sthenobaea, queen of Argives, being taken, solicited him to lie with her; which when he refused, she accused him to her husband, that he would have ravished her. This he believing, sent him with letters to Iobates, king of Lycia, to make him away; Iobates put him upon many desperate services, to have despatched him. But finding him a valiant and victorious man, he afterwards bestowed his daughter on him, with part of his kingdom. Which when Sthenobaea heard of, she hanged herself for woe. So perhaps did this housewife in the text, when she saw Joseph so highly advanced by Pharaoh. The death, howsoever, was too good for her.
Ovid, Metam. Homer, Iliad, lib. vi.
Sermons on Genesis 39:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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How to Have a Personal Revival by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a personal revival. He encourages listeners to set their faces like flint, meaning to have a determined and unwaver |
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(Exodus) Exodus 23:1-11 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of following God's laws, specifically focusing on the Sabbath day and the sabbatical year. He emphasizes the need to rest and |
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No Root, No Fruit by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Luke chapter 13 and discusses a parable told by Jesus about a fruitless tree in a vineyard. The speaker interprets this parable as a represen |
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Epistle 264 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about conducting all meetings in love to edify the body of Christ, avoiding strife and vain glory, and maintaining unity in the spirit for peace. He emphasizes |
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Epistle 309 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of seeking peace among all people, which is found in Christ and cannot be taken away by the world. He highlights the blessings for peacemakers |
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(Elijah Legacy) 4. Confronting Ahab by David Davis | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Elijah and how he obeyed the word of the Lord. Elijah was instructed by God to confront King Ahab and declare that there would b |
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O Troubler of America - When Fire Falls by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the concept of being a 'troubler' in America, drawing parallels from the story of Elisha in the book of Kings, where he was labeled a troubler for speaking |