King James Version

What Does Genesis 39:11 Mean?

Genesis 39:11 in the King James Version says “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 o...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Genesis 39:11 · KJV

Context

9

There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

10

And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.

11

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.

12

And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.

13

And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth,

Read Genesis 39 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there w... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What theological truths about Joseph and Potiphar's Wife emerge from this passage?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַֽיְהִי֙1 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּהַיּ֣וֹם2 of 13

“And it came to pass about this time”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּ֔ה3 of 13
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וַיָּבֹ֥א4 of 13

“that Joseph went”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בַּבָּֽיִת׃5 of 13

“of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

לַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת6 of 13

“to do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מְלַאכְתּ֑וֹ7 of 13

“his business”

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

וְאֵ֨ין8 of 13
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מֵֽאַנְשֵׁ֥י9 of 13

“and there was none of the men”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מֵֽאַנְשֵׁ֥י10 of 13

“and there was none of the men”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

בַּבָּֽיִת׃11 of 13

“of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

שָׁ֖ם12 of 13
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

בַּבָּֽיִת׃13 of 13

“of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 39:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 39:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 5:12Malachi 3:5Jeremiah 23:24Ephesians 5:3Job 24:15Proverbs 9:17

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