Verse

Genesis 39:13

ESV And as soon as she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled out of the house,
NIV When she saw that he had left his cloak in her hand and had run out of the house,
NASB When she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled outside,
CSB When she saw that he had left his garment with her and had run outside,
NLT When she saw that she was holding his cloak and he had fled,
KJV And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth,
NKJV And so it was, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and fled outside,

What does Genesis 39:13 mean?

A famous English proverb comes from late-seventeenth-century poet William Congreve, who said, "Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor hell a fury like a woman scorned." Potiphar's wife has repeatedly offered herself to her husband's young, successful, attractive servant (Genesis 39:1–10). He has steadfastly refused for the sake of honor and morality. Finally, when she had Joseph alone and cornered (Genesis 39:11), she aggressively threw herself at him, grabbing his cloak.

Joseph, recognizing the danger of the moment, literally left the article of clothing behind rather than stay in such a compromising position. Rather than accepting such an open, apparently risk-free offer, he left her standing there holding his garment. For a woman likely used to getting whatever she wanted—possibly even the sexual use of her husband's slaves—this is a humiliating rejection. Her emotions for Joseph will turn from lust to vicious revenge. Her slander will put Joseph at risk of being immediately executed (Genesis 39:14).
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