Old Testament
Genesis 39:16
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She kept his garment beside her until her husband returned home.
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And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home.
What Genesis 39:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Genesis 39:16, Potiphar's wife keeps Joseph's garment as evidence of his supposed wrongdoing. This act shows her deceitful nature and her attempt to manipulate the situation to her advantage. By holding onto the garment, she plans to use it to falsely accuse Joseph when her husband returns. This moment highlights the themes of temptation, betrayal, and the consequences of false accusations. Joseph, who had been faithful and honorable, becomes a victim of her lies. The garment symbolizes not only the act of seduction but also the injustice that Joseph faces. This incident sets the stage for Joseph's further trials, demonstrating how one person's sin can lead to significant repercussions for another. It serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and the dangers of succumbing to temptation, as well as the need for discernment in relationships.
How to apply Genesis 39:16 to your life
This verse teaches us about the dangers of temptation and the importance of maintaining integrity. It reminds us to be cautious of those who may manipulate situations for their own gain. We should strive to uphold our values and be aware of the potential consequences of others' actions.
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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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 39:16 mean?
Genesis 39:16 describes how Potiphar's wife kept Joseph's garment as evidence to falsely accuse him of wrongdoing. This act illustrates her deceitful intentions and highlights the themes of temptation and betrayal.
What is the significance of the garment in Genesis 39:16?
The garment in Genesis 39:16 symbolizes both the seduction attempt by Potiphar's wife and the injustice Joseph faces. It serves as a physical representation of her manipulation and the false accusations that lead to Joseph's suffering.
How does Genesis 39:16 relate to the theme of integrity?
Genesis 39:16 highlights the importance of integrity by showing how Joseph, despite being falsely accused, remains honorable. It serves as a reminder to uphold one's values in the face of temptation and manipulation.
What lessons can we learn from Genesis 39:16?
From Genesis 39:16, we learn about the dangers of temptation and the need for integrity. It teaches us to be vigilant against manipulation and to consider the potential consequences of others' actions.
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