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Genesis 39:9 - Resisting temptation honors God

Genesis 39:9 - בראשית 39:9

Hebrew Text

אֵינֶנּוּ גָדוֹל בַּבַּיִת הַזֶּה מִמֶּנִּי וְלֹא־חָשַׂךְ מִמֶּנִּי מְאוּמָה כִּי אִם־אוֹתָךְ בַּאֲשֶׁר אַתְּ־אִשְׁתּוֹ וְאֵיךְ אֶעֱשֶׂה הָרָעָה הַגְּדֹלָה הַזֹּאת וְחָטָאתִי לֵאלֹהִים׃

English Translation

there is none greater in this house than I; neither has he kept back anything from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

Transliteration

Eynenu gadol babayit hazeh mimeni velo-chasach mimeni me'uma ki im-otach ba'asher at-ishto ve'eich e'eseh hara'ah hagdolah hazot vechatati lelohim.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֵינֶ֨נּוּ גָד֜וֹל בַּבַּ֣יִת הַזֶּה֮ מִמֶּ֒נִּי֒ וְלֹֽא־חָשַׂ֤ךְ מִמֶּ֙נִּי֙ מְא֔וּמָה כִּ֥י אִם־אוֹתָ֖ךְ בַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר אַתְּ־אִשְׁתּ֑וֹ וְאֵ֨יךְ אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֜ה הָרָעָ֤ה הַגְּדֹלָה֙ הַזֹּ֔את וְחָטָ֖אתִי לֵֽאלֹהִֽים׃
אֵינֶ֨נּוּ גָד֜וֹל בַּבַּ֣יִת הַזֶּה֮ מִמֶּ֒נִּי֒ וְלֹֽא־חָשַׂ֤ךְ מִמֶּ֙נִּי֙ מְא֔וּמָה כִּ֥י אִם־אוֹתָ֖ךְ בַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר אַתְּ־אִשְׁתּ֑וֹ וְאֵ֨יךְ אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֜ה הָרָעָ֤ה הַגְּדֹלָה֙ הַזֹּ֔את וְחָטָ֖אתִי לֵֽאלֹהִֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereishit 39:9) records Yosef's response to the wife of Potiphar, who attempted to seduce him. Yosef, recognizing the gravity of the situation, refuses her advances, emphasizing his loyalty to his master and his fear of sinning against Hashem.

Yosef's Moral Strength

Rashi explains that Yosef's declaration, "There is none greater in this house than I," highlights his elevated status in Potiphar's household. Despite this, he refuses to betray his master's trust. The Ramban adds that Yosef's refusal stems from his deep sense of gratitude and ethical integrity, recognizing that Potiphar had entrusted him with everything except his wife.

The Severity of the Sin

The phrase "how then can I do this great wickedness" underscores the gravity of the sin. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 87:7) elaborates that Yosef saw the image of his father Yaakov at that moment, which strengthened his resolve to avoid transgression. This illustrates the concept of hirhur avi—contemplating the teachings and example of one's parents as a deterrent to sin.

Sin Against God

Yosef concludes by stating, "and sin against God." The Talmud (Sotah 36b) explains that Yosef recognized that all sins, especially those involving illicit relationships, are ultimately offenses against Hashem. This aligns with the principle of yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven), which should guide a person's actions even in private moments.

Lessons from Yosef's Conduct

  • Gratitude and Loyalty: Yosef's refusal to betray Potiphar teaches the importance of hakarat hatov (recognizing kindness) and maintaining trust even in challenging circumstances.
  • Moral Clarity: Yosef's immediate rejection of the proposal demonstrates the need for clear boundaries in matters of morality.
  • Divine Accountability: His emphasis on sinning against God reinforces the idea that our actions are always before Hashem, even when no human is watching.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Joseph mean when he says 'there is none greater in this house than I' in Genesis 39:9?
A: Joseph is explaining that Potiphar, his master, had entrusted him with complete authority over his household (as stated earlier in Genesis 39:4-6). Rashi notes that this shows Joseph's high position and responsibility in Potiphar's house, making the temptation even more challenging to resist.
Q: Why does Joseph say 'how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God' in Genesis 39:9?
A: Joseph recognizes that committing adultery would be a severe sin against Hashem, not just a betrayal of Potiphar. The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Biah 1:1) teaches that immoral relations are among the most serious transgressions, and Joseph's refusal demonstrates his commitment to righteousness even in difficult circumstances.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Joseph's response to temptation in Genesis 39:9?
A: Joseph's words teach us the importance of recognizing that all sins are ultimately against Hashem (as King David later says in Psalms 51:6). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 87:7) praises Joseph's self-control and moral clarity, showing that we must resist temptation by focusing on our relationship with G-d.
Q: How does Joseph's statement in Genesis 39:9 apply to ethical challenges today?
A: Just as Joseph resisted temptation by remembering his duties to Hashem and his master, we too must consider our obligations to G-d and others when facing ethical dilemmas. The Talmud (Sotah 36b) emphasizes that Joseph's merit in this moment became a protection for all future generations who face similar tests.
Q: Why does Joseph mention Potiphar's trust ('he kept back nothing from me') in Genesis 39:9?
A: Joseph highlights that betraying this trust would compound the sin. The Sforno explains that Joseph is demonstrating how wrongdoing violates multiple levels - against man and against G-d. This aligns with Jewish ethics that emphasize honesty and gratitude even when no one is watching.