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Book of Genesis - Chapter 39 - Verse 8

39:8
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;

Meaning

Joseph's refusal to comply with his master's wife's advances in this verse from Genesis 39:8-9 demonstrates his unwavering commitment to integrity and loyalty. Despite being tempted by the master's wife, Joseph remains faithful to his responsibilities and is determined to honor his master's trust. By rejecting her advances and reminding her of his position of trust within the household, Joseph shows a strong moral character and a deep respect for his master's possessions and reputation. This verse serves as a powerful example of the importance of staying true to one's principles and responsibilities, even in the face of temptation or pressure. Joseph's steadfastness in this situation ultimately leads to his unjust imprisonment but also sets the stage for his eventual rise to power in Egypt. Through this act of resistance, Joseph exemplifies the biblical values of honesty, loyalty, and commitment to duty.

Theological Overview

In this verse from Genesis, we see Joseph refusing the advances of his master's wife. The phrase "my master wotteth not what is with me in the house" can be interpreted as Joseph reminding her that he has been entrusted with everything in the household by his master. This can be seen as a display of Joseph's integrity and loyalty to his master, as well as a rejection of temptation. The use of the word "wotteth" may be unfamiliar to modern readers, but it simply means "knows" or "is aware of" in old English. Joseph's response demonstrates his commitment to honoring his responsibilities and staying true to his values, even in the face of temptation. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remaining faithful and obedient, even in challenging circumstances.

American Standard Version

But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master knoweth not what is with me in the house, and he hath put all that he hath into my hand:
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