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).
Genesis 39:1–18 describes Joseph's rise and fall as the slave of Potiphar, the captain of the guard in Egypt. He arrives in this situation after being sold by his own brothers (Genesis 37:26–28). The Lord continues to be with Joseph and to bless him. Potiphar promotes Joseph to the head manager of his household, even giving credit to the Joseph's God for all the success that follows. Potiphar's wife is also impressed with Joseph, but in a less honorable way. She persistently tempts him to sleep with her. When Joseph refuses, she unfairly frames the young Hebrew slave for attempted rape.
Joseph's arrival as a slave in Egypt is not the end of his story. The Lord continues to be with him and to bless him. Joseph rises to become the right-hand man of his master, Potiphar, the captain of the guard. Eventually, he is betrayed by a false accusation of rape by his master's scorned wife. Even then, Joseph finds the Lord is still with him, still blessing him, even in prison. Soon Joseph oversees every aspect of the prison, serving once again under God's faithful blessing.
