Genesis 39:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Upon her husband's arrival, she deceitfully recounted the events, pointing her finger at the young man and claiming, "The Hebrew servant whom you brought to us approached me with the intent to insult me." How tragic and sorrowful! It was not he who sought to bring shame upon you; rather, you were enticed by the adversary, aiming not only to embrace adultery but, if required, to go so far as to commit murder. To substantiate her claims, she displayed the garments of the young man.

Nonetheless, she carried out her threat by maligning her husband, and he accepted her words, for the Lord is patient. Of Susanna and Joseph

Mr. Joseph approached and heard the words of his wife, with the witnesses affirming her account. He also beheld Joseph's garment, which clearly implicated him. She then took Joseph's robe and presented it to her husband, lamenting, "Look, you have introduced a Hebrew servant to dispute with me and to dishonor me, your wife; do you not realize, my lord, that I am virtuous, and that is why I have brought this to your attention?"

Unable to justify her own faults, she resorted to slandering those who are blameless, merging betrayal with deceit, seizing the possessions of others, and passing judgment on them without any restraint in her folly. What could be the cause of such inhumanity, if not the rejection of her desires and the frustration of her passions? This reveals the very purpose of imprisonment—to confine the innocent (See Gen. 39:20). The shackles are removed from the wrongdoers only to be imposed upon the righteous. Those who betray the truth are freed so that the steadfast in their faith may find themselves in chains.

When Joseph faced accusations from his master’s wife, he refrained from declaring her guilt, as his righteousness prevented him from condemning others. Consequently, the bold woman acted without restraint. In truth, she is the one who suffered the loss of her dignity, even as her hands grasped his clothing—she forfeited the beauty of virtue and the garments of modesty. In contrast, he remained richly adorned and clothed, even if his voice went unheard; his innocence spoke volumes for him. Similarly, later, Susanna demonstrated greater righteousness than the prophet, despite maintaining silence during her trial: because she did not rely on her voice for assistance, she earned the prophet’s advocacy (See Dan. 13:29-62).

Upon the nobleman's return, his wife recounted the incident in a sorrowful and hushed manner, saying, "A young Jew whom you brought to bring shame upon us approached me and enticed me to wrongdoing. When I screamed in fear, he fled, leaving behind his cloak."