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⇱ Genesis 39:11 One day, however, Joseph went into the house to attend to his work, and not a single household servant was inside.

Bible > Genesis > Chapter 39 > Verse 11
◄ Genesis 39:11 ►
New International Version
One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside.

New Living Translation
One day, however, no one else was around when he went in to do his work.

English Standard Version
But one day, when he went into the house to do his work and none of the men of the house was there in the house,

Berean Standard Bible
One day, however, Joseph went into the house to attend to his work, and not a single household servant was inside.

King James Bible
And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.

New King James Version
But it happened about this time, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house was inside,

New American Standard Bible
Now it happened one day that he went into the house to do his work, and none of the people of the household was there inside.

NASB 1995
Now it happened one day that he went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the household was there inside.

NASB 1977
Now it happened one day that he went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the household was there inside.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now it happened one day that he went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the household was there inside.

Amplified Bible
Then it happened one day that Joseph went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the men of the household was there in the house.

Christian Standard Bible
Now one day he went into the house to do his work, and none of the household servants were there.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now one day he went into the house to do his work, and none of the household servants were there.

American Standard Version
And it came to pass about this time, that he went into the house to do his work; and there was none of the men of the house there within.

Contemporary English Version
One day, Joseph went to Potiphar's house to do his work, and none of the other servants were there.

English Revised Version
And it came to pass about this time, that he went into the house to do his work; and there was none of the men of the house there within.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
One day he went into the house to do his work, and none of the household servants were there.

Good News Translation
But one day when Joseph went into the house to do his work, none of the house servants was there.

International Standard Version
One day, though, he went into the house to do his work. None of the household servants were inside,

NET Bible
One day he went into the house to do his work when none of the household servants were there in the house.

New Heart English Bible
Now it happened about this time that he went into the house to do his work, and there were none of the men of the house inside.

Webster's Bible Translation
And it came to pass, about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
One day, however, Joseph went into the house to attend to his work, and not a single household servant was inside.

World English Bible
About this time, he went into the house to do his work, and there were none of the men of the house inside.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and it comes to pass about this day, that he goes into the house to do his work, and there is none of the men of the house there in the house,

Young's Literal Translation
and it cometh to pass about this day, that he goeth into the house to do his work, and there is none of the men of the house there in the house,

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be about this day, and he will come into the house to do his work: and no man from the men of the house there in the house.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now it happened on it certain day, that Joseph went into the house, and was doing some business without any, man with him:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then it happened, on a certain day, that Joseph entered the house, and he was doing something, without any witnesses.

New American Bible
One such day, when Joseph came into the house to do his work, and none of the household servants were then in the house,

New Revised Standard Version
One day, however, when he went into the house to do his work, and while no one else was in the house,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And it came to pass one day that Joseph went in to the house to do his work; and none of the men of the household were there in the house.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
It was on one of the days, and Yoseph entered the house to do work, and there was no man of the men of the house there in the house.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it came to pass on a certain day, when he went into the house to do his work, and there was none of the men of the house there within,

Brenton Septuagint Translation
it came to pass on a certain day, that Joseph went into the house to do his business, and there was no one of the household within.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Joseph and Potiphar's Wife
…10Although Potiphar’s wife spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be near her. 11One day, however, Joseph went into the house to attend to his work, and not a single household servant was inside. 12She grabbed Joseph by his cloak and said, “Sleep with me!” But leaving his cloak in her hand, he escaped and ran outside.…

Cross References
Proverbs 7:13-23
She seizes him and kisses him; she brazenly says to him: / “I have made my peace offerings; today I have paid my vows. / So I came out to meet you; I sought you, and I have found you. ...

2 Samuel 11:2-4
One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman. / So David sent and inquired about the woman, and he was told, “This is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” / Then David sent messengers to get her, and when she came to him, he slept with her. (Now she had just purified herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned home.

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.

Matthew 5:28
But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

2 Timothy 2:22
Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

James 1:14-15
But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. / Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; / each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, / not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God;

Romans 13:14
Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.

1 Corinthians 6:18
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.

Exodus 20:14
You shall not commit adultery.

Proverbs 6:23-29
For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life, / to keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress. / Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. ...

Job 31:1
“I have made a covenant with my eyes. How then could I gaze with desire at a virgin?

Psalm 119:9
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.

Proverbs 5:3-8
Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil, / in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword. / Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to Sheol. ...


Job 24:15
The eye also of the adulterer waiteth for the twilight, saying, No eye shall see me: and disguiseth his face.

Proverbs 9:17
Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.

Jeremiah 23:24
Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

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Attend Business Duties House Household Inside Joseph Servants Time Within Work
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Attend Business Duties House Household Inside Joseph Servants Time Within Work
Genesis 39
1. Joseph is bought by Potiphar, and preferred in the family.
7. He resists temptation by Potiphar's Wife.
13. He is falsely accused by her.
20. He is cast into prison.
21. God is with him there, and he is advanced by the keeper of prison.














One day, however,
This phrase sets the scene for a specific event in Joseph's life, indicating a turning point. The use of "however" suggests a contrast to previous events, highlighting the unexpected nature of what is about to occur. Joseph's life is marked by divine providence, and this moment is pivotal in God's plan for him.

Joseph went into the house
Joseph, a Hebrew slave in Egypt, had been entrusted with significant responsibilities in Potiphar's household. His entry into the house signifies his diligence and commitment to his duties. This setting is crucial as it becomes the backdrop for a significant moral test. The house, a place of both opportunity and temptation, reflects the dual nature of Joseph's circumstances.

to attend to his work,
Joseph's work ethic is emphasized here, showcasing his integrity and dedication. Despite being a slave, he serves faithfully, which is a testament to his character. This diligence is a recurring theme in Joseph's life, aligning with Proverbs 22:29, which speaks of skilled work leading to positions of honor.

and not a single household servant was inside.
The absence of other servants sets the stage for the ensuing temptation. This detail highlights the isolation Joseph faces, making him vulnerable to Potiphar's wife's advances. The lack of witnesses underscores the gravity of the situation, as Joseph's integrity is tested in private. This moment foreshadows the trials of Jesus, who also faced temptation alone in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joseph
A Hebrew man sold into slavery by his brothers, now serving in the house of Potiphar, an Egyptian officer. Joseph is known for his integrity and faithfulness to God.

2. Potiphar's House
The setting of this event, where Joseph is entrusted with significant responsibility due to his trustworthy nature and God's favor upon him.

3. Potiphar's Wife
Although not mentioned directly in this verse, she plays a crucial role in the surrounding account, attempting to seduce Joseph and later falsely accusing him.

4. The Household Servants
Their absence is significant in this verse, setting the stage for the temptation and false accusation that follows.

5. The Event
Joseph enters the house to perform his duties, unaware that he is alone, which leads to a pivotal moment of temptation and testing of his character.
Teaching Points
Integrity in Isolation
Joseph's situation reminds us that true integrity is demonstrated not only in public but also in private, when no one else is watching.

The Importance of Fleeing Temptation
Joseph's response to temptation is a model for us; he physically removes himself from the situation, illustrating the importance of taking decisive action against sin.

God's Presence in Trials
Despite the absence of others, God is with Joseph, providing strength and guidance. We can trust in God's presence and support during our own trials.

Consequences of False Accusations
Joseph's account highlights the reality of suffering unjustly, yet it also shows that God can use such situations for His greater purpose.

Faithfulness Leads to Favor
Joseph's faithfulness to God and his duties leads to favor, even in difficult circumstances. Our faithfulness can similarly lead to God's blessings in our lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Genesis 39:11?

2. How does Joseph's response in Genesis 39:11 demonstrate integrity and faithfulness to God?

3. What can we learn from Joseph's actions about resisting temptation in our lives?

4. How does Genesis 39:11 connect with 1 Corinthians 10:13 on overcoming temptation?

5. In what ways can we apply Joseph's example to our daily decision-making?

6. How does Joseph's situation in Genesis 39:11 reflect the importance of personal boundaries?

7. Why did Joseph enter the house when no one else was present in Genesis 39:11?

8. How does Genesis 39:11 reflect on the theme of temptation and integrity?

9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Genesis 39:11?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 39?

11. In Genesis 39:11–14, is there any archaeological or historical evidence supporting the practice of using clothing to prove guilt or innocence in ancient Egypt?

12. How did Joseph respond to Potiphar's wife's advances?

13. Why was Joseph imprisoned in Egypt?

14. In Jeremiah 29:4-7, how can God instruct his people to settle peacefully in a pagan land while other passages command separation from foreign nations?
What Does Genesis 39:11 Mean
One day, however

• Scripture notes, “One day, however…”. The phrase signals an ordinary day suddenly charged with spiritual significance, much like David’s “one evening” in 2 Samuel 11:2.

• Temptation often strikes without warning; vigilance must remain constant (1 Peter 5:8; 1 Corinthians 10:12).

• God’s providence governs even the timing of such moments (Genesis 50:20), assuring us that every test fits within His sovereign plan.

Joseph went into the house

• Joseph enters the very place where Potiphar’s wife has previously tried to lure him (Genesis 39:7–10).

• Faithful believers cannot always avoid places where sin lurks, but they can guard their hearts (Psalm 119:11; John 17:15).

• Joseph’s continued presence in the house shows commitment to duty rather than cowardly flight from responsibility (Luke 16:10).

• His situation foreshadows later saints who must work in worldly settings yet remain untainted (Philippians 2:15).

to attend to his work

• The text highlights Joseph’s diligence: he “went into the house to attend to his work”.

• Work itself is honorable and God-given (Genesis 2:15; Colossians 3:23).

• Joseph’s integrity contrasts with the predatory intentions of Potiphar’s wife, underscoring that temptation often targets those who serve faithfully (Job 1:8–12).

• Doing right does not exempt us from trials; it may invite them (2 Timothy 3:12).

and not a single household servant was inside

• Isolation intensifies temptation. Potiphar’s wife deliberately engineered privacy (Proverbs 7:18–20).

• Joseph now faces a test of character with no human witnesses, but “the eyes of the LORD are in every place” (Proverbs 15:3).

• The verse exposes the enemy’s tactic: remove accountability, then press for sin (Ecclesiastes 4:10; Ephesians 5:11).

• Joseph’s subsequent flight (v. 12) models the New Testament command to “flee sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18) and confirms that the way of escape promised in 1 Corinthians 10:13 is real and practical.

summary

Genesis 39:11 sets the stage for a sudden, high-stakes temptation. On an ordinary day Joseph faithfully steps into his assigned work, only to find himself alone with a persistent seductress. The verse teaches that:

• Everyday obedience can intersect with extraordinary testing.

• Faithful service does not shield us from temptation but equips us to overcome it.

• Isolation demands heightened vigilance, yet God always sees and provides a way out.

The narrative urges believers to stay diligent, keep accountable, and trust the Lord who watches over every “one day, however” in life.

Verses 11, 12. - And it came to pass about this time (literally, at this day, i.e. it one day happened), that Joseph went into the house to do his business (i.e. to attend to his accustomed duties); and there was none of the men of the house there within (or, in the hour). And she caught him by his garment (this was probably the long loose robe or mantle, with short sleeves, used in Oriental full dress), saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out - literally, and went forth into the place without, i.e. out of the house and into the street.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
One day,
כְּהַיּ֣וֹם (kə·hay·yō·wm)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

however,
וַיְהִי֙ (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

[Joseph] went
וַיָּבֹ֥א (way·yā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

into the house
הַבַּ֖יְתָה (hab·bay·ṯāh)
Article | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

to attend to
לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213: To do, make

his work,
מְלַאכְתּ֑וֹ (mə·laḵ·tōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4399: Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property

and not
וְאֵ֨ין (wə·’ên)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

a single
אִ֜ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

household
הַבַּ֛יִת (hab·ba·yiṯ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

servant
מֵאַנְשֵׁ֥י (mê·’an·šê)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

[was]
שָׁ֖ם (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

inside.
בַּבָּֽיִת׃ (bab·bā·yiṯ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house


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OT Law: Genesis 39:11 About this time he went into (Gen. Ge Gn)