Old Testament

Genesis 39:17

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Potiphar's wife accuses Joseph of trying to humiliate her.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written
Around 1400 BC
Genre
Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience
The Israelites in the wilderness
CBTClear Bible Translation

Then she repeated the same story to him, saying, "That Hebrew slave you brought into our home came to me to humiliate me.

KJVKing James Version

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:

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Potiphar's wife accuses Joseph of trying to humiliate her. She refers to him as a 'Hebrew slave,' emphasizing his status and her own power. This accusation is part of her attempt to manipulate the situation after Joseph rejected her advances. By framing Joseph as a threat, she seeks to justify her actions and shift blame away from herself. This moment highlights the themes of false accusations and the misuse of power. Potiphar's wife uses her influence to control the narrative, showing how easily truth can be distorted. Joseph, who remains innocent, faces severe consequences due to her lies. This story serves as a reminder of the dangers of jealousy and the lengths some will go to protect their reputation, even at the expense of others. It also illustrates the importance of integrity and standing firm in one's values, even when faced with unjust treatment.

How to apply Genesis 39:17 to your life

This verse teaches us the importance of maintaining integrity in the face of false accusations. It encourages us to stand firm in our values and not succumb to pressure or manipulation. We should also be cautious about how we speak of others, ensuring our words reflect truth and justice.

Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Genesis 39:17 mean?

Genesis 39:17 describes Potiphar's wife accusing Joseph of trying to humiliate her after he rejected her advances. This accusation highlights her attempt to manipulate the situation and shift blame onto Joseph, showcasing themes of false accusations and the misuse of power.

What is the significance of the term 'Hebrew slave' in Genesis 39:17?

In Genesis 39:17, Potiphar's wife uses the term 'Hebrew slave' to emphasize Joseph's low status and her own power. This language serves to dehumanize Joseph and justify her false accusations against him.

What themes are present in Genesis 39:17?

Genesis 39:17 presents themes of false accusations, abuse of power, integrity, jealousy, and manipulation. These themes illustrate the dangers of jealousy and the impact of lies on innocent individuals.

What can we learn from Genesis 39:17 about integrity?

Genesis 39:17 teaches the importance of maintaining integrity in the face of false accusations. It encourages individuals to stand firm in their values and resist manipulation, highlighting the need for truth in our words about others.

The Book of Genesis
Book Summary

The Book of Genesis

Genesis 1: Creation

God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.

Premium

Unlock the full Genesis summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Genesis — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 50 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Genesis summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.