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Genesis 39:9
Verse
Context
Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife
8But 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.9No one in this house is greater than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?”
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
How then - ואיך veeik, and how? Joseph gives two most powerful reasons for his noncompliance with the wishes of his mistress: 1. Gratitude to his master, to whom he owed all that he had. 2. His fear of God, in whose sight it would be a heinous offense, and who would not fail to punish him for it. With the kindness of his master and the displeasure of God before his eyes, how could he be capable of committing an act of transgression, which would at once have distinguished him as the most ungrateful and the most worthless of men?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?--This remonstrance, when all inferior arguments had failed, embodied the true principle of moral purity--a principle always sufficient where it exists, and alone sufficient.
John Gill Bible Commentary
There is none greater in this house than I,.... Not any of the servants of the house, he was the chief of them, who had all the rest under him; or rather, "he himself is not greater (q) in this house than I"; that is, his master was not greater than he: he had a greater propriety in the house and the things of it, and he had the original power and authority in it, but had not a greater use of it; Joseph had authority over all the servants, and everything in the house at his command, and the free use of everything his master had, excepting what follows: neither hath he kept back anything from me but thee, because thou art his wife; and is a reason not only why his master retained her for his own use, but why he should not touch her, and why she should not solicit him to it: how then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God? the words are emphatic in the original, "this! this wickedness! this great one!" adultery was reckoned a great sin among all nations, and this, had Joseph committed it, would have been greatly aggravated by the favours his master had conferred upon him; and not only a sin against himself, his soul and body, and against his master, but, above all, a sin against God, contrary to his holy nature, revealed will, and righteous law; all which prevailed upon Joseph to refuse the offer made him, which he could not comply with, in honour or with a good conscience. (q) "non ipse magnus", Montanus; "ne ipse quidem est me major", Junius & Tremellius, Munster, Fagius, Drusius, Mercerus, Cartwright.
Genesis 39:9
Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife
8But 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.9No one in this house is greater than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(A Marriage Blessed by God) 1. Build Your Home With Wisdom
By Zac Poonen5.4K1:01:53GEN 39:9PSA 4:4PSA 34:11PRO 8:13PRO 24:3PRO 29:14PRO 29:20EPH 4:26This sermon emphasizes the importance of building godly marriages and homes by focusing on the fear of the Lord, wisdom, and self-control. It highlights the need to prioritize reverence for God, control over hasty words and actions, and seeking peace in relationships. The speaker draws insights from biblical characters like Joseph and David to illustrate the impact of fearing God in overcoming temptations and building a strong foundation for marriage.
06 Purity in Sexual Matters
By Zac Poonen2.4K1:02:49GEN 39:9DEU 5:29PRO 6:23MAT 5:281CO 6:18EPH 5:31TH 4:3JAS 4:71JN 3:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the heart of God when reading the Bible, highlighting the longing and grief God expresses for His people to follow His commandments. It delves into the significance of recognizing God's personal interest in individuals and the need to seek the heart of God in Scripture to find blessings and answers to life's problems. The sermon also addresses the topic of sexual purity, urging young people to guard their hearts and minds, emphasizing the importance of fearing God in the face of temptation.
Lessons From the Pit
By Teresa Conlon2.1K48:28JosephGEN 39:9MAT 6:33The sermon is titled "Lessons from the Pit" and the speaker begins by praying for guidance and understanding from the Holy Spirit. The message focuses on the story of Joseph from the Bible, specifically the part where his brothers plot to kill him but instead throw him into a pit. The speaker explains that this pit represents a place of dealing and humbling where God puts those who need to come to the end of themselves and learn to rely on Him. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being humble and open to God's truth, even when facing difficult circumstances.
(Through the Bible) Exodus 1-5
By Chuck Smith1.8K1:23:21ExpositionalGEN 50:26EXO 2:15EXO 4:1EXO 4:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not just a passive observer of our struggles and suffering. He takes action to deliver His people from their hardships. The preacher also highlights the importance of not getting too attached to material possessions, as they can easily be taken away. Instead, our focus should be on the things of the Spirit and God's eternal kingdom. The sermon references the story of Moses and the Israelites in Egypt, where they faced oppression and hardship, but ultimately God delivered them.
(Genesis) 55 - Joseph - Tested and Triumphant
By S. Lewis Johnson1.4K50:22JosephGEN 39:3GEN 39:9In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joseph from the Bible. He highlights the pattern of humiliation and exaltation in Joseph's life, emphasizing that many of us face similar tests. The preacher encourages the congregation to follow Joseph's example and resist the temptation to sin against God, even in difficult situations. He also urges those who do not know Jesus to recognize their need for salvation and turn to Him for eternal life. The sermon concludes with a reminder to arrange our lives in a way that allows us to stand before God with a clean conscience.
Dynamic Daniel
By Greg Locke1.1K43:05GEN 39:9GEN 39:12NUM 24:3DAN 1:8AMO 3:3MAT 6:331CO 15:33In 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 against filling our lives with worldly influences, such as Hollywood and smut, which can lead to a lack of regard for God and His Word. The preacher shares the tragic story of Cassie Bernal, a teenager who lost her life due to the influence of the media she consumed. He urges listeners to fellowship with God and seek His power in order to live a pure and purposeful life. The sermon also includes a powerful testimony of a young man who overcame physical challenges and received a standing ovation, illustrating the impact of God's power and the importance of faith.
Young People, Accept God's Training
By Zac Poonen78659:47GEN 39:9HEB 11:24This sermon emphasizes the importance of making hard decisions and taking the path of faithfulness and discipline in various spheres of life. Drawing examples from biblical figures like Joseph, Moses, and David, the speaker encourages young people to reject the allure of worldly honor, sinful pleasures, and wealth, and instead choose the path of serving God wholeheartedly. The message underscores the significance of standing firm in faith, making sacrifices, and being disciplined in order to fulfill God's plan for their lives.
Two Types of Fear
By Zac Poonen60457:20GEN 39:9JOB 31:1PSA 34:11PRO 9:10ECC 12:13ISA 11:3MAT 10:282CO 5:10HEB 5:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of the fear of God, contrasting it with earthly fears and the need to maintain a healthy fear of God in our lives. It highlights biblical examples like Joseph and Job who demonstrated a deep reverence for God, leading to righteous living and overcoming temptations. The speaker urges listeners to prioritize pleasing God in all aspects of life, preparing for the judgment seat of Christ, and cultivating a godly fear that guides their decisions and actions.
Special Rules for Young Men
By J.C. Ryle0Spiritual DiligenceHolinessGEN 39:9PRO 15:3ISA 58:131CO 5:6J.C. Ryle emphasizes the importance of young men committing to a life of holiness and diligence in their Christian walk. He urges them to break off every known sin, avoid occasions of sin, and remember that God's eye is always upon them. Ryle highlights the necessity of prayer and regular church attendance as vital practices for spiritual growth. He warns against the dangers of neglecting these responsibilities, as they can lead to a life of regret and spiritual decline. Ultimately, he calls young men to dedicate their lives to God, promising that true happiness and fulfillment come from serving Him.
The Character of God
By Timothy Dwight0GEN 39:9JOB 1:8JOB 42:1PSA 119:68PSA 139:23PSA 145:9EZK 48:35HAB 1:13ACT 14:17JAS 1:171JN 3:3Timothy Dwight preaches on the story of Job, a righteous man who faced immense suffering and accusations from his friends. Despite his trials, Job maintained his integrity and eventually humbled himself before God. The sermon emphasizes that clear and just views of God's character naturally lead to humility and repentance in individuals. It highlights the importance of realizing God's presence, sovereignty, and goodness, which should evoke abasing and penitential thoughts about ourselves, acknowledging our dependence on Him and our obligation to obey His commands.
Joseph Saw God in the Room!
By Thomas Brooks0God's OmnipresenceThe Nature of SinGEN 39:9PSA 139:7PRO 15:3Thomas Brooks emphasizes the omnipresence of God, illustrating that sin committed in His sight is a profound affront to His holiness. He draws parallels between the actions of Ahasuerus and the awareness of God's ever-watchful eye, urging believers to recognize that no sin can be hidden from Him. Brooks highlights the example of Joseph, who refrained from sin because he saw God in the room, contrasting this with the temptation faced by Potiphar's wife. The sermon calls for a deep awareness of God's presence to deter wicked intentions and encourages believers to live in a manner that honors His omniscience. Ultimately, Brooks urges the congregation to keep their focus on God, who sees all things at all times.
Legal Religion: Principles of Fear
By Charles Finney0Selfishness vs. SelflessnessTrue Faith vs. LegalismGEN 39:9EXO 32:26PSA 51:13ACT 20:35ROM 8:1Charles Finney addresses the concept of 'Legal Religion' by emphasizing that many individuals approach their faith out of fear and self-interest rather than genuine love for God. He contrasts the legalist, who performs religious duties out of obligation and fear of punishment, with the true believer, who seeks to honor God and serve others selflessly. Finney challenges listeners to examine their motivations, urging them to move beyond a self-centered faith to one that actively seeks to rid the world of sin and promote holiness. He calls for a deeper understanding of true Christianity, which is characterized by love, self-denial, and a desire to do good for others. Ultimately, he implores his audience to determine which side they are on: the Lord's side or the side of selfishness.
Genesis 39:2
By Chuck Smith0God's PresenceOvercoming TemptationGEN 37:28GEN 39:2GEN 39:9GEN 39:21GEN 41:38GEN 50:20PSA 51:4ROM 6:11PHP 4:132TI 2:22Chuck Smith emphasizes that 'The Lord was with Joseph' throughout his life, showcasing how God's presence guided him from his youth, through slavery, temptation, imprisonment, and ultimately to power in Egypt. Despite facing hatred, betrayal, and false accusations, Joseph remained steadfast, recognizing that sin is ultimately against God. His ability to resist temptation and see adversity as a means for growth illustrates the profound impact of God's companionship. Smith encourages believers to be aware of God's presence in their lives, as it leads to victory and purpose in all circumstances.
Sin Avoided by Considerations of God.
By Edward Payson0GEN 39:9PSA 51:4ISA 1:18ROM 6:231CO 6:192CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:8JAS 4:71JN 1:9Edward Payson preaches on the importance of not sinning against God, emphasizing the reasons and motivations behind why one should resist temptation and avoid offending the Almighty. He delves into the infinite excellence, holiness, goodness, justice, wisdom, truth, mercy, and condescension of God, highlighting the folly and ingratitude of sinning against such a perfect Being. Payson also discusses God's roles as Creator, Preserver, Benefactor, Sovereign, Judge, and the Father of Jesus Christ, underscoring the significance of repentance, faith in Christ, and living a life that honors God in response to His grace and mercy.
The Spiritual Conflict
By J.C. Philpot0GEN 39:9JER 2:13JHN 3:6ROM 8:162CO 5:17GAL 5:17GAL 6:131TH 5:232TH 2:4J.C. Philpot preaches about the internal conflict between the flesh and the spirit, highlighting the opposing desires and actions of these two principles within believers. He emphasizes the struggle of not being able to do spiritually what one desires due to the flesh's opposition, as well as the mercy of not being able to do naturally what one would, preventing complete vileness. Philpot delves into the detailed workings of the flesh and the spirit, illustrating the constant battle and collision between these two opposing forces in the believer's heart. He concludes by pointing to the grace of God for all that is spiritual and the self-condemnation for the sinfulness within, leading to humility, self-abhorrence, and a reliance on God's mercy and guidance.
Our Daily Homily - Genesis Part 2
By F.B. Meyer0Divine ProvidenceFaith in AdversityGEN 39:9GEN 40:7GEN 41:16GEN 42:30GEN 43:21GEN 44:28GEN 45:5GEN 46:3GEN 47:25GEN 50:20F.B. Meyer emphasizes the resilience and faith of Joseph in the face of adversity, contrasting his virtuous choices with the failures of his brothers. He highlights how God uses trials to strengthen character and how Joseph's unwavering faith and willingness to serve others, even in prison, exemplify true strength. Meyer encourages believers to trust in God's providence, asserting that even harsh circumstances can lead to divine purposes. He concludes with the assurance that God orchestrates events for good, urging listeners to maintain faith amid life's challenges.
Practical Lessons From the Story of Joseph
By J.R. Miller0God's ProvidenceIntegrity in TrialsGEN 37:19GEN 39:6GEN 39:9GEN 41:14GEN 41:30GEN 41:46GEN 50:20PSA 37:5PRO 24:11J.R. Miller explores the life of Joseph, emphasizing God's providence in his journey from being a favored son to a slave and then a prisoner, ultimately rising to power in Egypt. He highlights the importance of maintaining integrity and faith in God during trials, as Joseph did when faced with betrayal and false accusations. Miller also discusses the lessons learned from Joseph's experiences, such as the significance of loving goodbyes, the unpredictability of life, and the need for compassion towards others in distress. The sermon encourages believers to trust in God's timing and purpose, even when circumstances seem dire.
The Nature and Necessity of True Repentance
By Samuel Davies0GEN 39:9PSA 51:10PRO 28:13EZK 16:63MAT 11:15ACT 17:22ROM 6:14Samuel Davies preaches about the importance of repentance as a universal command from God, emphasizing the need for genuine, heartfelt repentance that extends to the heart and practice of individuals. He highlights that true repentance involves a deep sense of the intrinsic evil of sin, a sorrow for sin as an offense against God, and a belief in Jesus Christ for forgiveness. Davies explains that repentance must include reformation, a turning away from known sins, and a humble hope of forgiveness through Christ's merits. He urges all, regardless of status or location, to repent now, as it is a present duty that cannot be delayed.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
How then - ואיך veeik, and how? Joseph gives two most powerful reasons for his noncompliance with the wishes of his mistress: 1. Gratitude to his master, to whom he owed all that he had. 2. His fear of God, in whose sight it would be a heinous offense, and who would not fail to punish him for it. With the kindness of his master and the displeasure of God before his eyes, how could he be capable of committing an act of transgression, which would at once have distinguished him as the most ungrateful and the most worthless of men?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?--This remonstrance, when all inferior arguments had failed, embodied the true principle of moral purity--a principle always sufficient where it exists, and alone sufficient.
John Gill Bible Commentary
There is none greater in this house than I,.... Not any of the servants of the house, he was the chief of them, who had all the rest under him; or rather, "he himself is not greater (q) in this house than I"; that is, his master was not greater than he: he had a greater propriety in the house and the things of it, and he had the original power and authority in it, but had not a greater use of it; Joseph had authority over all the servants, and everything in the house at his command, and the free use of everything his master had, excepting what follows: neither hath he kept back anything from me but thee, because thou art his wife; and is a reason not only why his master retained her for his own use, but why he should not touch her, and why she should not solicit him to it: how then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God? the words are emphatic in the original, "this! this wickedness! this great one!" adultery was reckoned a great sin among all nations, and this, had Joseph committed it, would have been greatly aggravated by the favours his master had conferred upon him; and not only a sin against himself, his soul and body, and against his master, but, above all, a sin against God, contrary to his holy nature, revealed will, and righteous law; all which prevailed upon Joseph to refuse the offer made him, which he could not comply with, in honour or with a good conscience. (q) "non ipse magnus", Montanus; "ne ipse quidem est me major", Junius & Tremellius, Munster, Fagius, Drusius, Mercerus, Cartwright.