Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 39:19 mean?
A: Genesis 39:19 describes Potiphar's reaction when his wife falsely accused Yosef (Joseph) of improper behavior. According to Rashi, Potiphar became angry because his wife's words made him believe Yosef had betrayed his trust, even though Yosef was actually innocent (as explained in earlier verses).
Q: Why is this verse important in the story of Yosef?
A: This verse marks a turning point in Yosef's life, leading to his imprisonment. Despite his righteousness (as the Talmud in Sotah 36b praises his resistance to temptation), he faced hardship due to false accusations—a lesson in how the righteous may still face trials (based on Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 87:7).
Q: What can we learn from Potiphar's anger in this verse?
A: The verse teaches the danger of acting on anger without investigation. Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) warns against impulsive anger, and here, Potiphar's immediate rage—without verifying his wife's claim—led to unjust consequences for Yosef, emphasizing the importance of patience and fair judgment.
Q: How does this verse apply to situations of false accusations today?
A: The verse reminds us that false accusations (like those in lashon hara, evil speech) can cause great harm, as discussed in Chofetz Chaim's teachings. Yosef's ordeal teaches trust in Hashem's plan even when wrongly accused, as his imprisonment ultimately led to his rise to power in Egypt (as the story later reveals).
Q: Why does the Torah mention Potiphar's anger burning?
A: The phrase 'his anger burned' (וַיִּחַר אַפּוֹ) is a common biblical expression for intense rage. Ibn Ezra explains that it highlights how Potiphar's emotional reaction overrode rational judgment—a cautionary example against letting anger control decisions, as warned in Pirkei Avot (4:1): 'Who is strong? One who conquers their impulses.'
Context of the Verse
This verse (Bereshit 39:19) describes Potiphar's reaction upon hearing his wife's false accusation against Yosef (Joseph). The verse follows Yosef's refusal to succumb to the advances of Potiphar's wife, leading her to falsely accuse him of misconduct.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that Potiphar's anger burned because he believed his wife's words, despite Yosef's righteousness. Rashi notes that the phrase "כַּדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה" ("after this manner") implies that Potiphar's wife embellished her story to make it more convincing, adding details to incite her husband's anger.
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 87:9) elaborates that Potiphar's wife not only accused Yosef of misconduct but also claimed he mocked Potiphar, saying, "You eat non-kosher food, and yet you expect me to listen to you?" This additional provocation intensified Potiphar's rage.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) discusses the dangers of anger and how it clouds judgment. Potiphar's immediate anger, without investigating the claim, demonstrates the destructive nature of acting on emotion rather than reason. This aligns with the Torah's emphasis on fair judgment (Shemot 23:1).
Lessons from the Verse