King James Version

What Does Genesis 39:17 Mean?

Genesis 39:17 in the King James Version says “And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in un...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 39 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Genesis 39:17 · KJV

Context

15

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.

16

And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home.

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:

18

And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out.

19

And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.

Read Genesis 39 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought... 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 does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַתְּדַבֵּ֣ר1 of 14

“And she spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלָ֔יו2 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כַּדְּבָרִ֥ים3 of 14

“unto him according to these words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הָאֵ֖לֶּה4 of 14
H428

these or those

לֵאמֹ֑ר5 of 14

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֵבֵ֥אתָ6 of 14

“unto us came in”

H935

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

אֵלַ֞י7 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעֶ֧בֶד8 of 14

“servant”

H5650

a servant

הָֽעִבְרִ֛י9 of 14

“The Hebrew”

H5680

an eberite (i.e., hebrew) or descendant of eber

אֲשֶׁר10 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הֵבֵ֥אתָ11 of 14

“unto us came in”

H935

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

לָּ֖נוּ12 of 14
H0
לְצַ֥חֶק13 of 14

“unto me to mock”

H6711

to laugh outright (in merriment or scorn); by implication, to sport

בִּֽי׃14 of 14
H0

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 39:17 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 39:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 23:1Psalms 55:3Proverbs 12:19Psalms 37:14Genesis 39:141 Kings 18:17

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