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Genesis 39:17 - False accusation tests righteousness

Genesis 39:17 - בראשית 39:17

Hebrew Text

וַתְּדַבֵּר אֵלָיו כַּדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה לֵאמֹר בָּא־אֵלַי הָעֶבֶד הָעִבְרִי אֲשֶׁר־הֵבֵאתָ לָּנוּ לְצַחֶק בִּי׃

English Translation

And she spoke to him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, whom thou hast brought to us, came in to me to have his sport with me.

Transliteration

Vatdaber elav kadvarim ha'eleh lemor ba elay ha'eved ha'ivri asher hevetanu letzachek bi.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתְּדַבֵּ֣ר אֵלָ֔יו כַּדְּבָרִ֥ים הָאֵ֖לֶּה לֵאמֹ֑ר בָּֽא־אֵלַ֞י הָעֶ֧בֶד הָֽעִבְרִ֛י אֲשֶׁר־הֵבֵ֥אתָ לָּ֖נוּ לְצַ֥חֶק בִּֽי׃
וַתְּדַבֵּ֣ר אֵלָ֔יו כַּדְּבָרִ֥ים הָאֵ֖לֶּה לֵאמֹ֑ר בָּֽא־אֵלַ֞י הָעֶ֧בֶד הָֽעִבְרִ֛י אֲשֶׁר־הֵבֵ֥אתָ לָּ֖נוּ לְצַ֥חֶק בִּֽי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 39:17) is part of the story of Yosef (Joseph) and Potiphar's wife, where she falsely accuses Yosef of improper conduct after he resists her advances. The phrase "הָעֶבֶד הָעִבְרִי" (the Hebrew servant) is significant, as it reflects both Yosef's identity and the broader tension between the Israelites and Egyptians.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Potiphar's wife intentionally emphasized Yosef's Hebrew identity ("הָעֶבֶד הָעִבְרִי") to stir her husband's anger. By calling him a Hebrew, she invoked the Egyptians' disdain for shepherds (a profession associated with Hebrews), as noted in Genesis 46:34. Additionally, Rashi highlights the word "לְצַחֶק בִּי" (to have his sport with me), interpreting it as a euphemism for immoral behavior, consistent with how the Torah often uses subtle language for sensitive matters.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 87:7) elaborates that Potiphar's wife manipulated the situation by presenting Yosef's cloak as "evidence," knowing her husband would recognize it. Her phrasing ("בָּא־אֵלַי") mirrors the language of sin, drawing a parallel to the serpent's deception of Chava (Eve) in Genesis 3:13.
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma Vayeshev 8) suggests that her accusation was a test from Hashem to refine Yosef's righteousness, as his refusal to sin demonstrated his unwavering commitment to moral integrity.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Issurei Biah (Laws of Forbidden Relationships), the Rambam cites Yosef's resistance as a model of overcoming temptation. He emphasizes that Yosef's fear of Heaven ("יראת שמים") overpowered his natural inclinations, setting a halachic precedent for avoiding sin even in extreme circumstances.

Linguistic Nuances

The term "לְצַחֶק" (to sport) is also used in the context of Yitzchak (Isaac) and Yishmael (Genesis 21:9), where it implies moral corruption. Here, it underscores the severity of the false accusation, as Potiphar's wife sought to portray Yosef as a threat to Egyptian societal norms.

Halachic Implications

The Gemara (Sotah 36b) discusses this episode to derive principles about yichud (seclusion with a forbidden person). Yosef's initial presence in the house with Potiphar's wife, though unintentional, later became a cautionary tale about avoiding situations that could lead to suspicion or sin.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the context of Genesis 39:17?
A: Genesis 39:17 is part of the story of Yosef (Joseph) in Egypt. Potiphar's wife falsely accuses Yosef of improper behavior after he repeatedly refuses her advances. This verse records her false claim to her husband that Yosef, the Hebrew servant, tried to take advantage of her.
Q: Why does Potiphar's wife call Yosef 'the Hebrew servant'?
A: Rashi explains that Potiphar's wife emphasizes Yosef's Hebrew identity to make him seem like an outsider and untrustworthy. By calling him 'the Hebrew servant,' she distances him from Egyptian society and makes her false accusation more believable to her husband.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's actions in this story?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 36b) praises Yosef for resisting temptation and maintaining his moral integrity even in difficult circumstances. This teaches us the importance of doing what's right even when no one is watching, and the value of self-control in the face of temptation.
Q: How does this verse show the consequences of false accusations?
A: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 87:9) discusses how false accusations can have serious consequences, as seen when Yosef is unjustly imprisoned because of Potiphar's wife's lies. This teaches us to be careful with our words and avoid spreading falsehoods.
Q: Why is this story important in Jewish tradition?
A: This story is significant because it demonstrates Yosef's righteousness and how G-d protects those who remain faithful even in exile. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 5:4) uses Yosef as an example of someone who overcame great tests of character, showing that with proper moral training, one can resist even powerful temptations.