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Genesis 39:15 - False accusation's tragic consequence?

Genesis 39:15 - בראשית 39:15

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי כְשָׁמְעוֹ כִּי־הֲרִימֹתִי קוֹלִי וָאֶקְרָא וַיַּעֲזֹב בִּגְדוֹ אֶצְלִי וַיָּנָס וַיֵּצֵא הַחוּצָה׃

English Translation

and it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and went outside.

Transliteration

Vay'hi k'sham'o ki-harimoti koli va'ekra vaya'azov bigdo etzli vayanas vayetze hachutza.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֣י כְשׇׁמְע֔וֹ כִּֽי־הֲרִימֹ֥תִי קוֹלִ֖י וָאֶקְרָ֑א וַיַּעֲזֹ֤ב בִּגְדוֹ֙ אֶצְלִ֔י וַיָּ֖נׇס וַיֵּצֵ֥א הַחֽוּצָה׃
וַיְהִ֣י כְשׇׁמְע֔וֹ כִּֽי־הֲרִימֹ֥תִי קוֹלִ֖י וָאֶקְרָ֑א וַיַּעֲזֹ֤ב בִּגְדוֹ֙ אֶצְלִ֔י וַיָּ֖נׇס וַיֵּצֵ֥א הַחֽוּצָה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Bereshit 39:15) appears in the narrative of Yosef (Joseph) and the wife of Potipar. After she attempts to seduce him, Yosef flees, leaving his garment behind. The verse describes her account of the incident to others in the household.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments on the phrase "כִּי־הֲרִימֹתִי קוֹלִי וָאֶקְרָא" ("that I lifted up my voice and cried") that this was a false claim by Potipar's wife. She fabricated the story to justify Yosef's garment being in her possession. Rashi notes that the Torah presents her words as they were spoken, revealing her deceit.

Rambam's Perspective on Yosef's Actions

The Rambam (Maimonides) discusses Yosef's flight in Hilchot Issurei Biah (Laws of Forbidden Relations 22:21), praising his moral strength. He highlights that Yosef, despite being alone in a foreign land and facing temptation, chose to flee—demonstrating the ideal response to yetzer hara (evil inclination).

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (87:8) elaborates that Yosef saw a vision of his father Yaakov at that moment, which strengthened his resolve to resist sin.
  • The Midrash also contrasts Yosef's righteousness with Potipar's wife's deception, emphasizing that Yosef's garment became evidence of his innocence, not guilt.

The Significance of the Garment

The garment left behind symbolizes more than just physical clothing. Rabbeinu Bachya explains that garments often represent external behaviors or reputations. Yosef was willing to sacrifice his outer dignity (his garment) to preserve his inner purity.

Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 21:1) cites this episode as a precedent for the principle of "yichud" (prohibitions of seclusion with a forbidden individual). Yosef's flight teaches the importance of avoiding situations that could lead to sin.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the incident involving Joseph and Potiphar's wife, illustrating Joseph's righteousness and the consequences of false accusations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is happening in Genesis 39:15?
A: In Genesis 39:15, Potiphar's wife falsely accuses Yosef (Joseph) of improper behavior after he resists her advances. When she raises her voice, Yosef flees, leaving his garment behind. This shows his righteousness and commitment to avoiding sin, as explained by Rashi and other commentaries.
Q: Why did Yosef leave his garment and run away?
A: Yosef left his garment and fled because he wanted to avoid sinning with Potiphar's wife at all costs. The Rambam teaches that fleeing from temptation is a sign of wisdom and moral strength. Yosef's actions demonstrate his dedication to Hashem's commandments, even in difficult situations.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's actions in this verse?
A: The verse teaches us the importance of fleeing from temptation and avoiding situations that could lead to sin. The Talmud (Sotah 36b) praises Yosef's self-control and explains that we should learn from his example to distance ourselves from improper influences.
Q: Why is this story about Yosef important in the Torah?
A: This story highlights Yosef's righteousness and moral strength, which ultimately leads to his rise in Egypt. The Midrash teaches that Yosef's resistance to temptation was a test that prepared him for leadership. It shows how overcoming challenges with integrity brings divine reward.
Q: How does Yosef's action apply to us today?
A: Just as Yosef fled from sin, we must also avoid situations that could compromise our values. The Shulchan Aruch (based on Talmudic principles) teaches that it's better to remove oneself from temptation than to rely on willpower alone. Yosef's example reminds us to prioritize spiritual integrity in all circumstances.