But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;

GENESIS 39:8KJV
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Genesis 39:8 (KJV)

What does Genesis 39:8 mean?

Genesis 39:8 shows Joseph refusing the advances of his master’s wife, explaining that his master trusts him so completely that he does not even keep track of what Joseph manages in the household, having put everything under Joseph’s care. Joseph’s answer highlights both his loyalty and the great responsibility given to him.

In this scene, Joseph is speaking directly to Potiphar’s wife after she tries to seduce him. Joseph points out that Potiphar (his master) does not concern himself with the details of the house because he relies fully on Joseph’s honesty and management. This sets the stage for Joseph’s reasoning: betraying this trust would be a serious wrong, not just against Potiphar but also against the trust placed in him.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 39:8

  • "Refused" (מָאֵן, ma'en): This word carries a strong sense of outright rejection or denial, not just hesitation. Joseph’s response is decisive, showing clear moral resolve.
  • "Wotteth" (יָדַע, yada‘): This verb means “to know.” Here it emphasizes that Potiphar is so confident in Joseph that he does not even need to know the details of what Joseph does, underlining the depth of trust.
  • "Committed" (נָתַן, natan): This word means “to give” or “to place.” Potiphar has actively entrusted everything to Joseph, not just passively letting him manage things.
  • "Hand" (יָד, yad): In Hebrew, “hand” often symbolizes authority or control. Potiphar has placed all he owns under Joseph’s authority, not just in his physical care.

Why Genesis 39:8 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Joseph’s refusal is rooted in loyalty and gratitude for the trust placed in him, not just fear or self-preservation.
  • The verse shows the depth of Joseph’s responsibility and the high position he held, which makes the coming betrayal and accusation even more dramatic.
  • Understanding the strong language of refusal and trust helps explain why Joseph’s later suffering is so unjust, and why his character is highlighted throughout the story.

Where else these words appear

“refused” Hebrew H3985 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 37:35 And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.
  • 1 Samuel 28:23 But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he hearkened unto their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed.
  • Proverbs 21:25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

“hath” Hebrew H3426 · used in 129 verses

  • Genesis 18:24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
  • 1 Samuel 23:23 See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.
  • Psalms 135:17 They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.