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Hebrew Text
וַיְהִי כְּהַיּוֹם הַזֶּה וַיָּבֹא הַבַּיְתָה לַעֲשׂוֹת מְלַאכְתּוֹ וְאֵין אִישׁ מֵאַנְשֵׁי הַבַּיִת שָׁם בַּבָּיִת׃
English Translation
And it came to pass about this time, that Yosef went into the house to do his work; and there was none of the men of the house there within.
Transliteration
Vayehi kehayom hazeh vayavo habayta la'asot melakhto ve'ein ish me'anshei habayit sham babayit.
Hebrew Leining Text
וַֽיְהִי֙ כְּהַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֔ה וַיָּבֹ֥א הַבַּ֖יְתָה לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת מְלַאכְתּ֑וֹ וְאֵ֨ין אִ֜ישׁ מֵאַנְשֵׁ֥י הַבַּ֛יִת שָׁ֖ם בַּבָּֽיִת׃
Parasha Commentary
📚 Talmud Citations
This verse is quoted in the Talmud.
📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is discussed in the context of Joseph's righteousness and his resistance to Potiphar's wife's advances. The Talmud elaborates on the phrase 'to do his work,' interpreting it in various ways, including that Joseph came to fulfill his duties or to engage in personal matters.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Bereshit 39:11) describes the moment when Yosef entered Potiphar's house to perform his duties, and none of the household members were present. This sets the stage for the subsequent confrontation with Potiphar's wife, who attempts to seduce him.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bereshit 39:11) explains that Yosef came to the house "to do his work" (לַעֲשׂוֹת מְלַאכְתּוֹ), which refers to his regular duties as Potiphar's overseer. However, Rashi also cites a Midrashic interpretation that suggests Yosef had intended to engage in inappropriate relations with Potiphar's wife, but at the critical moment, he saw the image of his father Yaakov and restrained himself (Sotah 36b). This highlights the internal struggle and ultimate triumph of Yosef's righteousness.
Ibn Ezra's Perspective
Ibn Ezra offers a more straightforward reading, emphasizing that Yosef was simply performing his assigned tasks in the house. The absence of other men underscores the providential nature of the event, setting up the test of Yosef's moral character.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 87:7) elaborates that the phrase "about this time" (כְּהַיּוֹם הַזֶּה) refers to the day of the Egyptian festival, when everyone, including Potiphar's household, went to celebrate. This left the house empty, creating the opportunity for Potiphar's wife to act on her desires without witnesses.
Moral Lesson from the Talmud
The Talmud (Sotah 36b) teaches that Yosef's near-fall and subsequent resistance serve as an eternal lesson in overcoming temptation. The verse underscores that even in moments of isolation and vulnerability, a person must uphold moral integrity. Yosef's ability to resist—despite the circumstances—demonstrates the power of yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven).
Rambam's Ethical Insight
Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Biah 22:19) cites Yosef's conduct as a model for avoiding sin even when no human witnesses are present. He emphasizes that true righteousness is measured by one's actions in private, where only Hashem observes.