Old Testament
Genesis 39:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When he heard me raise my voice and scream, he abandoned his garment beside me and ran out of the house."
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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.
What Genesis 39:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Genesis 39:15, the context revolves around Joseph, who was a servant in Potiphar's house. Potiphar's wife attempted to seduce Joseph, but he refused her advances, demonstrating his integrity and commitment to doing what is right. When she tried to force him into a compromising situation, Joseph fled, leaving behind his garment. This act of fleeing signifies his desire to avoid sin and maintain his moral standing. The phrase 'he abandoned his garment beside me and ran out of the house' illustrates the urgency of his escape and the lengths he was willing to go to uphold his values. This moment highlights the struggle between temptation and righteousness, showcasing Joseph's character and the consequences of moral choices. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of resisting temptation and the need to act swiftly in the face of moral challenges. Joseph's actions ultimately lead to significant events in his life, reinforcing the idea that integrity and faithfulness can lead to divine favor, even in difficult circumstances.
How to apply Genesis 39:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to flee from situations that may lead us into temptation. Just as Joseph ran from Potiphar's wife, we should be proactive in avoiding environments or relationships that compromise our values. It reminds us that maintaining integrity often requires decisive action, even if it means facing immediate consequences.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
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Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph and Potiphar's Wife (Genesis 39:7–20)
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Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 39:15 mean?
Genesis 39:15 describes the moment when Joseph fled from Potiphar's wife after she attempted to seduce him. His quick escape, leaving behind his garment, illustrates his commitment to integrity and his refusal to give in to temptation.
What is the significance of Joseph's garment in Genesis 39:15?
Joseph's garment symbolizes his integrity and the urgency of his escape from temptation. By leaving it behind, he demonstrates his determination to avoid sin, even at the cost of losing something valuable.
How does Genesis 39:15 relate to resisting temptation?
Genesis 39:15 serves as a practical example of how to resist temptation by taking immediate action. Joseph's decision to flee rather than engage with Potiphar's wife illustrates the need to avoid compromising situations.
What lessons can we learn from Genesis 39:15?
From Genesis 39:15, we learn the importance of integrity and the need to act quickly when faced with temptation. It encourages us to proactively avoid situations that may lead us to compromise our values.
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