Genesis 39:17

French (La Sainte Bible par Louis Segond 1910)

Alors elle lui parla ainsi: L'esclave hébreu que tu nous as amené est venu vers moi pour se jouer de moi.

What Does This Mean?

In Genesis 39:17, Potiphar's wife is speaking to others about Joseph, accusing him of coming to her to mock her. This verse highlights the false accusation against Joseph, setting the stage for the events that follow.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a new friend at school, and someone tells lies about that friend, saying they tried to do something bad. That's what's happening here. Potiphar's wife is telling lies about Joseph, saying he tried to do something wrong, but it wasn't true.

Historical Background

The book of Genesis was likely written by Moses around 1446-1406 BCE. This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, written for the Israelites to understand their heritage and God's providence. The cultural setting is that of ancient Egypt, where Joseph, a Hebrew, is falsely accused by Potiphar's wife.

Living It Out Today

In today's world, we might face situations where someone accuses us of something we didn't do. It's important to remember that truth often prevails, and staying true to our values is crucial, just like Joseph remained faithful despite the false accusation.

Topics

• truth
• accusation
• integrity
• faithfulness
• perseverance
• providence

Related Verses

• Exodus 20:16
• Proverbs 19:5
• Matthew 5:37
• Acts 6:13
• 1 Peter 2:12

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Potiphar's wife accuse Joseph?

Potiphar's wife may have accused Joseph because he rejected her advances. She used this accusation to cover up her own unfaithfulness and manipulate the situation.

What can we learn about integrity from Joseph?

Joseph's story teaches us the importance of maintaining integrity even in difficult circumstances. He refused to compromise his values, showing us how to stay true to our beliefs.

How did Joseph's situation affect his future?

Despite the false accusation, Joseph's integrity and God's providence led him to become second in command in Egypt, showing that staying true to one's values can lead to unexpected blessings.

How does this verse relate to today's issues with false accusations?

This verse reminds us that false accusations can happen, and it's important to uphold our integrity and trust in justice, even when we face unfair treatment.