Berean Study Bible Joseph and Potiphar’s WifeSold by his brothers, Joseph was carried from Canaan into Egypt, beginning a period of suffering that would place him at the center of God’s provision for his family. Act 7:9 Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him… where an Egyptian named Potiphar, Potiphar was a wealthy and influential Egyptian whose household became Joseph’s first place of service in Egypt. Gen 37:36 Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar… an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, As a senior royal official responsible for Pharaoh’s security, Potiphar belonged to the highest levels of Egyptian administration. Gen 40:4 The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph,… bought him from the Ishmaelites The Ishmaelite traders treated Joseph as property, completing the sale that separated him from his family. Gen 37:28 So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers… who had taken him there. Though Joseph’s brothers and the traders acted from human motives, his arrival in Egypt set in motion the events that would preserve Jacob’s household from famine. Gen 45:7 God sent me before you to preserve you as a remnant… And the LORD was with Joseph, Though Joseph had been taken from his family and sold into slavery, God had not abandoned him. The Lord’s faithful presence remained with the son of Jacob even in Egypt. Act 7:9 Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him… and he became a successful man, Joseph’s advancement came through God’s blessing. His ability, diligence, and favor became evident despite the lowly circumstances into which he had been placed. Jos 1:8 This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth;… serving in the household of his Egyptian master. In Potiphar’s house, Joseph served under Egyptian authority and proved trustworthy in the responsibilities given to him. His years of service prepared him for the greater authority God would later entrust to him. Psa 105:17 He sent a man before them—Joseph, sold as a slave. When his master saw Potiphar, Pharaoh’s officer and captain of the guard, recognized Joseph’s unusual success in managing his household. Joseph’s work brought visible benefit to his master, making God’s favor evident even in slavery. Gen 26:28 “We can plainly see that the LORD has been with you,”… that the LORD was with him Though Joseph had been taken from his family and sold into Egypt, the LORD had not abandoned him. Potiphar perceived that Joseph’s conduct and results were not explained by natural ability alone. The LORD’s presence with Joseph foreshadows Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” 1Sa 18:14 and he continued to prosper in all his ways,… and made him prosper Joseph’s advancement came through God’s blessing. His competence, trustworthiness, and success in service brought order and increase to Potiphar’s estate. 2Ch 26:5 He sought God throughout the days of Zechariah… in all he did, God’s favor extended throughout Joseph’s responsibilities. Even under unjust circumstances, Joseph faithfully carried out his duties, and the LORD directed the outcome. 2Ch 31:21 He acted with all his heart in every work that he began… Joseph found favor in his sight Though sold as a slave in Egypt, Joseph continued to experience the Lord’s care. Potiphar recognized Joseph’s character and the success that attended his work. Est 5:2 As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court,… and became his personal attendant. Joseph was brought into close service to Potiphar, a position requiring trust, reliability, and skill in managing daily affairs. 2Ki 3:11 But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD… Potiphar put him in charge of his household Joseph’s authority expanded to oversight of Potiphar’s servants, property, and operations. His service in this prominent Egyptian household prepared him for greater responsibilities to come. Psa 105:21 He made him master of his household, … and entrusted him with everything he owned. Potiphar placed his estate under Joseph’s administration, retaining only ownership itself. Joseph’s faithfulness and the Lord’s blessing made him worthy of such confidence. Luk 12:44 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge… From the time that he put Joseph in charge of his household and all he owned, Joseph’s advancement from slave to overseer came through his faithful service and God’s favor. Potiphar recognized Joseph’s ability and integrity, entrusting him with the management of his entire estate. Psa 105:21 He made him master of his household, … the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s household on account of him. God’s favor on Joseph affected even the household of a foreign official. Potiphar’s prosperity came not merely from Joseph’s skill but from the LORD’s blessing resting on Joseph. 2Sa 6:11 Thus the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom… The LORD’s blessing was on everything he owned, both in his house and in his field. The blessing extended to every part of Potiphar’s property, including his domestic affairs and agricultural production. Joseph’s presence brought visible prosperity to all that had been placed under his care. Gen 26:12-14 Now Isaac sowed seed in the land, and that very year… So Potiphar left all that he owned in Joseph’s care; Joseph had proved so capable and trustworthy that Potiphar placed his household and possessions under his supervision. As captain of the guard, Potiphar held an important position in Egypt, yet he relied on Joseph to manage the practical affairs of his estate. Psa 105:21 He made him master of his household, … he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Potiphar was free from the daily burdens of overseeing his property because Joseph handled them faithfully. His only personal concern was his own provision, showing the extent of his confidence in Joseph’s stewardship. 2Ki 22:7 But they need not account for the money… Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, Joseph’s appearance becomes important in the events that follow. His strength and attractiveness draw the attention of Potiphar’s wife and set the stage for a severe test of his character and loyalty. 1Sa 16:12 So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in.… and after some time Joseph had served long enough in Potiphar’s house to establish a reputation for faithfulness and competence. During this period, God’s blessing on Joseph became evident in the prosperity of his master’s household. Jos 23:1 A long time after the LORD had given Israel rest… his master’s wife Though unnamed, Potiphar’s wife becomes the source of Joseph’s greatest personal trial in Egypt. Her position in the household gave her influence, but her actions violated her marriage and threatened Joseph’s standing and safety. Pro 6:29 So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife;… cast her eyes upon Joseph Joseph’s appearance had been noted as handsome, and her attention became a deliberate pursuit rather than a passing attraction. Her desire placed Joseph in a situation where obedience to God and loyalty to his master would carry a serious cost. Mat 5:28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman… and said, “Sleep with me.” Her direct demand was a clear invitation to adultery. Joseph’s response would reveal that he regarded such sin as both a betrayal of Potiphar’s trust and an offense against God. 2Sa 13:11 And when she had brought them to him to eat, he took hold… But he refused. Joseph would not betray the trust placed in him or sin against God. Though far from his family and living in a foreign land, he remained faithful in private as well as in public. Mat 4:10 “Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus told him. “For it is written:… “Look,” he said to his master’s wife, Joseph answered her plainly and respectfully, explaining why her request was wrong. Pro 5:20 Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress… “with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in his house, Potiphar had given Joseph full oversight of his household because Joseph had proved dependable and capable. Luk 12:42-44 And the Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise…… and he has entrusted everything he owns to my care. Joseph recognized that Potiphar’s confidence created a serious obligation. His authority in the house did not give him freedom to violate his master’s marriage or misuse what had been placed under his care. Gen 24:2 So Abraham instructed the chief servant of his household… No one in this house is greater than I am. Though Joseph remained a slave, Potiphar had entrusted him with authority over the entire household. His rise from servitude to stewardship showed both Potiphar’s confidence in him and Joseph’s proven faithfulness. Psa 105:21-22 He made him master of his household, … He has withheld nothing from me except you, Potiphar placed his property and household affairs under Joseph’s care, but his wife remained outside Joseph’s authority. Joseph recognized the clear boundary established by his master. Luk 16:10-12 Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful… because you are his wife. Marriage bound her exclusively to Potiphar. Joseph honored that covenant and refused to treat her as available to him. Exo 20:17 You shall not covet your neighbor’s house.… So how could I do such a great evil Joseph regarded adultery as a serious moral wrong, not merely a private failure or a violation of social custom. Accepting her invitation would betray Potiphar’s trust and corrupt the order of the household. Job 31:9-12 If my heart has been enticed by my neighbor’s wife,… and sin against God?” Joseph understood that his conduct stood before God’s authority. His refusal came from loyalty to God, whose standards governed his actions even when no human witness was present. Psa 51:4 Against You, You only, have I sinned… Although Potiphar’s wife spoke to Joseph day after day, Joseph faced sustained pressure within Potiphar’s household. Her position as the wife of his master made refusal dangerous, yet Joseph would not compromise his loyalty to God or betray the trust placed in him. Jdg 16:16 Finally, after she had pressed him daily with her words… he refused to go to bed with her His refusal upheld the moral boundaries God established for marriage. Joseph recognized that adultery would be a grave sin against both Potiphar and God, regardless of the personal cost. Pro 1:10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not yield to them. or even be near her. Joseph took practical steps to avoid situations that would invite further temptation or false accusation. His deliberate distance showed wisdom and guarded the integrity of his conduct. Pro 5:8 Keep your path far from her; do not go near the door… One day, however, “One day, however,” marks a decisive turning point in Joseph’s service in Potiphar’s household. What followed exposed both the danger of his position and the strength of his character. 2Sa 11:2-4 One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around… Joseph went into the house He entered as part of his regular responsibilities, having been entrusted with the management of his master’s affairs. 2Sa 13:7-9 Then David sent word to Tamar at the palace:… to attend to his work, Joseph was carrying out his assigned duties faithfully, not seeking trouble or placing himself in a compromising situation. Col 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being,… and not a single household servant was inside. With no witnesses present, Potiphar’s wife had the privacy she desired for her attempted seduction. Joseph’s integrity would be tested where no human observer could defend or commend him. 2Sa 13:10-11 Then Amnon said to Tamar, “Bring the food… She grabbed Joseph by his cloak Potiphar’s wife acted forcefully, seeking to compel Joseph into sin. His cloak marked him as a trusted servant with authority in Potiphar’s house, and taking hold of it became part of her attempt to control him. Pro 7:13 She seizes him and kisses him; she brazenly says to him: and said, “Sleep with me!” Her demand was direct and persistent. Joseph faced temptation from the wife of the man who had entrusted him with the household, yet he would not betray either Potiphar’s trust or God’s command. Gen 38:16 Not realizing that she was his daughter-in-law,… But leaving his cloak in her hand, Joseph chose escape over preserving his garment or protecting himself from suspicion. The cloak she retained would later become the false evidence used against him. Mrk 14:51-52 One young man who had been following Jesus… he escaped and ran outside. Joseph immediately removed himself from the situation. Though his flight led to false accusation and imprisonment, he refused to yield to sin. Pro 6:5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter……
Joseph Falsely ImprisonedPotiphar’s wife kept Joseph’s garment and used it to support the false charge she was preparing against him. What had been left behind in his escape became the visible evidence she presented to others. Gen 37:31-33 Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a young goat,… and had run out of the house, Joseph chose immediate escape rather than remain in a situation that invited sin and further danger. Though his obedience would lead to suffering, his flight showed that he refused her advances. 1Co 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin… she called her household servants. Potiphar’s wife quickly summoned the servants to establish witnesses for her accusation and to control the account before Joseph could speak for himself. The household staff would have understood the danger of being drawn into a charge involving their master’s wife. Act 6:11 Then they prompted some men to say, “We heard Stephen speak… “Look,” she said, She seized their attention and presented the matter as an urgent offense against the entire household. Pro 7:13 She seizes him and kisses him; she brazenly says to him: “this Hebrew has been brought to us She identified Joseph by his foreign background rather than by his position of trust in Potiphar’s house, turning his outsider status into grounds for suspicion. Exo 2:6 When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold,… to make sport of us. She portrayed Joseph as a threat to the honor of the household, claiming that his presence had brought shame rather than service. Jdg 16:25 And while their hearts were merry, they said… He came to me so he could sleep with me, Her charge reversed the truth. Joseph had refused her repeated advances and fled rather than sin against God or betray Potiphar. 2Sa 13:11-14 And when she had brought them to him to eat, he took hold… but I screamed as loud as I could. By claiming that she cried out, she supplied what appeared to be evidence of resistance and sought to make Joseph appear guilty before the servants. Exo 22:23 If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress… When he heard me scream for help, Potiphar’s wife falsely portrays Joseph as an attacker. A cry from a woman in a prominent Egyptian household would have summoned attention and carried serious weight against a foreign slave. Deu 22:27 When he found her in the field, the betrothed woman… he left his cloak beside me The garment she had seized while Joseph fled becomes the supposed evidence of her story. Joseph had left it behind because he refused her advances and escaped the situation. Mrk 14:51-52 One young man who had been following Jesus… and ran out of the house.” Her account reverses the truth: Joseph ran because of his loyalty to God, while she used his flight to conceal her own wrongdoing. Her accusation led directly to Joseph’s imprisonment. 1Co 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin… So Potiphar’s wife kept Joseph’s cloak beside her Joseph’s cloak became the false evidence she intended to use against him. Its presence recalls the garment his brothers used to deceive Jacob, again marking a sudden reversal in Joseph’s circumstances through the sin of others. 1Sa 24:4-6 So David’s men said to him, “This is the day…”… until his master came home. She waited deliberately for Potiphar’s return so that she could present her accusation directly. In a household where a servant’s loyalty was essential, her charge placed Joseph in grave danger and set the course for his imprisonment. Pro 7:19-20 For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey.… Then she told him the same story: Potiphar’s wife repeated the false account she had prepared after Joseph fled from her presence, using his garment as supposed evidence. 1Ki 21:10-13 But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify,… “The Hebrew slave you brought us She spoke of Joseph with contempt and blamed Potiphar for bringing a foreign slave into their household. Gen 41:12 Now a young Hebrew was there with us, a servant… came to me She portrayed Joseph as the aggressor, though he had consistently refused her advances and fled rather than sin against God or his master. 2Sa 13:11 And when she had brought them to him to eat, he took hold… to make sport of me, She accused Joseph of dishonoring her, reversing the truth in order to protect herself and secure his punishment. Jdg 16:25 And while their hearts were merry, they said… but when I screamed for help, Potiphar’s wife continued her false account, presenting herself as the injured party. In an Egyptian household, such a cry would summon servants and carry serious weight against a slave. Her accusation reversed the truth: Joseph had resisted her advances and fled to avoid sin. Psa 18:6 In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried… he left his cloak beside me The garment Joseph left behind became the physical evidence she used to support her lie. Though it proved only that he had fled, she treated it as proof of an attempted assault. Once again, a garment associated with Joseph was used to deceive others about him. Gen 37:31-33 Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a young goat,… and ran out of the house.” Joseph did run from the house, but not because he was guilty. He chose immediate escape rather than remain in a situation that invited sin and danger. His faithfulness cost him his freedom, yet God would use the injustice against him to carry forward His purpose. 1Co 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin… When his master heard the story his wife told him, Potiphar heard his wife’s accusation against Joseph in a setting where a slave had little ability to defend himself against the word of his master’s wife. Her charge threatened both Potiphar’s honor and the order of his household. Est 1:12 Queen Vashti, however, refused to come at the king’s… saying, “This is what your slave did to me,” By calling Joseph “your slave,” she emphasized his low status and portrayed him as a dangerous offender. The accusation was false, but it placed Joseph’s life and future in Potiphar’s hands. Pro 30:10 Do not slander a servant to his master, … he burned with anger. Potiphar responded with indignation, yet Joseph was imprisoned rather than executed. His confinement became the next stage in God’s purpose, placing him where he would later serve and rise within Egypt. Jdg 14:19 Then the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him,… So Joseph’s master took him Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, acted on his wife’s accusation against Joseph. As a slave, Joseph had little standing to defend himself against the charge brought by his master’s household. Act 12:4 He arrested him and put him in prison, handing him over… and had him thrown into the prison Joseph was confined in a prison connected with the royal administration, likely under Potiphar’s authority. Though innocent, he suffered the consequences of a false accusation. Act 16:23-24 And after striking them with many blows, they threw them… where the king’s prisoners were confined. This prison held men charged in matters connected to Pharaoh’s court. Its setting would later place Joseph in contact with Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker. 2Ki 25:27-29 On the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month… While Joseph was there in the prison, Joseph’s unjust confinement became part of God’s purpose in preparing him for the responsibilities he would later receive in Egypt. Psa 105:17-19 He sent a man before them—Joseph, sold as a slave.… the LORD was with him Though Joseph was confined in an Egyptian prison, he was not abandoned. God remained present and continued to direct his circumstances according to His purpose. 1Sa 18:12 So Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David… and extended kindness to him, God showed Joseph covenant faithfulness in a place of humiliation and uncertainty, sustaining him and providing what he needed. 2Sa 9:3 So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of the house… granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. As in Potiphar’s house, Joseph’s character and ability became evident to those over him. God used the warden’s goodwill to raise Joseph from confinement into a position of responsibility within the prison. Dan 1:9 Now God had granted Daniel favor and compassion… And the warden put all the prisoners under Joseph’s care, Though imprisoned unjustly, Joseph again proved trustworthy and capable. As in Potiphar’s household, those over him recognized his integrity and placed substantial responsibility in his hands. God’s favor did not remove Joseph from hardship immediately, but made him effective within it and prepared him for greater authority. Gen 40:4 The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph,… so that he was responsible for all that was done in the prison. Joseph oversaw the prison’s daily affairs and the care of its inmates, relieving the warden of direct supervision. His faithfulness in this confined and difficult setting demonstrated the administrative ability and dependability that would later mark his service in Egypt. Luk 16:10 Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful… The warden did not concern himself with anything under Joseph’s care, Joseph had proven faithful even in prison, and the warden entrusted him with responsibility for its daily affairs. As in Potiphar’s household, Joseph’s character and ability led those over him to place confidence in his stewardship. 2Ki 22:7 But they need not account for the money… because the LORD was with Joseph Though Joseph remained unjustly imprisoned, God had not abandoned him. The Lord’s presence sustained him, gave him favor with those in authority, and continued to direct his life toward the purpose He had ordained. 1Sa 18:14 and he continued to prosper in all his ways,… and gave him success in whatever he did. Joseph’s effectiveness came from God’s blessing rather than favorable circumstances. His success in prison prepared him for the greater authority he would later receive in Egypt. 2Ch 26:5 He sought God throughout the days of Zechariah… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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