Genesis 39:17 Meaning and Explanation
“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 us:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →She tells Potiphar that the Hebrew servant attempted to assault her.
The Context of Genesis 39:17
She accuses Joseph to Potiphar, implying his poor judgment in hiring him.
What Does Genesis 39:17 Mean?
Potiphar's wife frames her accusation as a complaint about a servant Potiphar brought into his household. By saying 'which thou hast brought unto us,' she suggests Potiphar's poor judgment in hiring Joseph. Her story portrays Joseph as corrupting the household, not merely as an individual offender.
The word 'mock' adds an insult component—Joseph did not merely attempt an act but did so to mock and shame the household. This escalates Joseph's supposed crime from mere lust to deliberate disrespect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 39:17
What does Genesis 39:17 mean?
She tells Potiphar that the Hebrew servant attempted to assault her.
What is the context of Genesis 39:17?
She accuses Joseph to Potiphar, implying his poor judgment in hiring him.