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Genesis 39:8 - Resisting temptation with integrity

Genesis 39:8 - בראשית 39:8

Hebrew Text

וַיְמָאֵן וַיֹּאמֶר אֶל־אֵשֶׁת אֲדֹנָיו הֵן אֲדֹנִי לֹא־יָדַע אִתִּי מַה־בַּבָּיִת וְכֹל אֲשֶׁר־יֶשׁ־לוֹ נָתַן בְּיָדִי׃

English Translation

But he refused, and said to his master’s wife, Behold, my master knows not what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand;

Transliteration

Vayemaen vayomer el-eshet adonav hen adoni lo-yada iti ma-babayit v'chol asher-yesh-lo natan b'yadi.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְמָאֵ֓ן <b>׀</b> וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ אֶל־אֵ֣שֶׁת אֲדֹנָ֔יו הֵ֣ן אֲדֹנִ֔י לֹא־יָדַ֥ע אִתִּ֖י מַה־בַּבָּ֑יִת וְכֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־יֶשׁ־ל֖וֹ נָתַ֥ן בְּיָדִֽי׃
וַיְמָאֵ֓ן ׀ וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ אֶל־אֵ֣שֶׁת אֲדֹנָ֔יו הֵ֣ן אֲדֹנִ֔י לֹא־יָדַ֥ע אִתִּ֖י מַה־בַּבָּ֑יִת וְכֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר־יֶשׁ־ל֖וֹ נָתַ֥ן בְּיָדִֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Joseph's Refusal and Moral Strength

The verse (Bereshit 39:8) describes Joseph's refusal of Potiphar's wife's advances, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to righteousness. Rashi explains that Joseph's statement, "my master knows not what is with me in the house", emphasizes his loyalty to Potiphar, who entrusted him with complete authority. Joseph highlights that such a betrayal would violate the immense trust placed in him.

Trust and Responsibility in Jewish Thought

The Rambam (Hilchot Gezeila Va'Aveda 3:11) derives from this episode that one who is entrusted with another's property must guard it with greater care than their own. Joseph's declaration, "all that he has, he has committed to my hand", reflects this principle of ne'emanut (faithfulness) in financial and ethical matters.

The Midrashic Perspective

Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (87:6) elaborates that Joseph's refusal was rooted in his fear of Heaven. When he said "my master knows not", he was also implying that while human eyes might not see, the Divine eye observes all. This aligns with the Talmudic teaching (Sotah 36b) that Joseph saw his father's image at that moment, strengthening his moral resolve.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "וַיְמָאֵן" (he refused) appears only three times in Tanach regarding refusal of sin, emphasizing the rarity of such moral strength (Ibn Ezra).
  • The phrase "נָתַן בְּיָדִי" (committed to my hand) uses the singular "hand" rather than the plural, suggesting Joseph's complete personal responsibility (Kli Yakar).

Ethical Lessons

The Sforno notes that Joseph's response models proper conduct when facing temptation: he didn't merely refuse, but provided reasoned arguments against sinning. This teaches that moral decisions should be grounded in both emotional rejection of evil and intellectual understanding of its wrongness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing Joseph's righteousness and his refusal to sin with Potiphar's wife, highlighting his moral integrity.
📖 Yoma 35b
The verse is referenced to emphasize Joseph's self-control and his commitment to righteousness, serving as an example for others to follow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the context of Genesis 39:8?
A: Genesis 39:8 describes Yosef (Joseph) refusing the advances of Potiphar's wife. Despite being in charge of Potiphar's household, Yosef remains loyal to his master and rejects her immoral proposal. This shows Yosef's righteousness and commitment to ethical behavior, even in difficult circumstances.
Q: Why is Yosef's refusal important in Jewish tradition?
A: Yosef's refusal is a key example of moral strength and resisting temptation in Jewish tradition. The Talmud (Sotah 36b) praises Yosef for overcoming his yetzer hara (evil inclination) in this moment. His actions demonstrate the importance of integrity and loyalty, even when no one is watching.
Q: What can we learn from Yosef's response in this verse?
A: We learn the importance of resisting temptation and maintaining ethical behavior, even when it seems difficult. Yosef recognizes that his master entrusted him with everything, and betraying that trust would be wrong. Rashi explains that Yosef emphasizes his master's trust in him to highlight the severity of the sin he was being asked to commit.
Q: How does Yosef's statement show his character?
A: Yosef's statement reveals his humility, gratitude, and sense of responsibility. Despite being in a position of power, he acknowledges that everything he has comes from Hashem and his master's trust. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 87:7) highlights that Yosef's refusal ultimately leads to his rise to greatness in Egypt.
Q: How can we apply the lesson of this verse today?
A: This verse teaches us to act with honesty and resist temptation in our daily lives. Whether in business, relationships, or personal conduct, we must remember that integrity defines our character. Like Yosef, we should recognize the trust others place in us and avoid actions that would betray that trust, as the Rambam emphasizes in Hilchot De'ot (Laws of Ethical Conduct).