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.
GENESIS 39:19KJVWhat does Genesis 39:19 mean?
Genesis 39:19 describes how Potiphar, Joseph’s master, became extremely angry after hearing his wife accuse Joseph of wrongdoing. The verse shows Potiphar’s reaction when his wife claims that Joseph, his servant, acted in a way that deeply offended her.
In this scene, Potiphar’s wife has just told him her version of what happened between her and Joseph, accusing Joseph of misconduct. Potiphar listens to her words and, as a result, his anger is stirred up. This moment sets up the next events in Joseph’s life, as Potiphar must now decide what to do in response to his wife’s accusation.
The Hebrew behind Genesis 39:19
- "Wrath" (אַף, ʾaf): This word literally means "nose" or "face," but is often used in Hebrew to describe anger, as flaring nostrils are a sign of rage. The verse says Potiphar’s "wrath" was kindled, emphasizing a strong, visible anger.
- "Kindled" (חָרָה, charah): This verb means "to burn" or "to be hot," often used for anger that flares up suddenly. The phrase paints a picture of Potiphar’s anger igniting quickly after hearing his wife’s accusation.
- "Servant" (עֶבֶד, ʿeved): The word used for Joseph here highlights his position as a slave in Potiphar’s household, which is important for understanding the power dynamics at play.
Why Genesis 39:19 matters
- This verse clarifies that Potiphar’s anger is a direct result of his wife’s words, not from witnessing anything himself, showing how much he relies on her account.
- The strong language for anger and the emphasis on Joseph’s status as a servant highlight the seriousness of the accusation and the vulnerability of Joseph’s position.
- Understanding Potiphar’s reaction helps explain why Joseph is thrown into prison in the following verses, connecting this moment to the larger story of Joseph’s trials and eventual rise.