Genesis 39:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Joseph, as it is known, refused her advances; he did not comply, nor did he heed her persuasions. He was aware that succumbing would lead to his downfall, and he considered not only his own fate but also sought, to the best of his abilities, to dissuade her from such folly and sinful longing. He instills in her thoughts that might both humiliate her and awaken her to her own well-being. “And he said," as it is written, “to his master's wife (the one who receives counsel from a servant!), ‘Look, my master,’” he declares, “is unaware of anything in the house that is under my authority, and has entrusted all he possesses into my hands.”... What a remarkable generosity from a man!

He perceived aspects beyond her comprehension. His inner beauty surpassed even his physical form, with the purity of his heart shining brighter than his outer appearance. In realms where her vision could not reach, he reveled in his own splendor. As he treasured the inner purity of virtue, how could he permit it to be tainted or disrespected by her impure desires? She had affections, yet his love was of a loftier nature, for he discerned truths hidden from her sight.

However, Joseph, protected by his reverence for God, averted his gaze from her.

It is accurately stated that the wife of the master cannot be called a 'mistress' if she lacks the power to impose her desires. Indeed, how can one be regarded as a mistress when she has no genuine authority, does not exhibit the qualities of a true mistress, and only entices the servants with the allure of earthly desires? A true master is one who rejects the fire of a mistress, who does not yield to the restraints of a harlot, who fears not the grip of death, choosing instead to die innocent rather than become complicit in wrongdoing. The one who is genuinely free recognizes it as shameful not to return kindness.

Joseph endured significant challenges in his pursuit of purity, contrary to popular belief. He faced not only the advances of the Egyptian woman but also the distractions from the youth who were animated and lively, stirred by the women's discussions.

The youthful man refused to participate in wrongdoing. He urged his wife, who was consumed by intense and unlawful desire, saying to her: "My master has placed his complete trust in me, relying on my oversight to the extent that he is unaware of what occurs in his household. All his possessions he has entrusted entirely into my care."

He spoke to his master’s wife, conveying significant insight in his short reply. Recognizing that open condemnation often provokes rather than uplifts, Joseph chooses to express his rejection of adultery through straightforward renunciation. Aware that strong emotions are more influenced by other desires than by the simple truth, he seeks to elevate the blinded woman from base sentiments to noble feelings. He begins by invoking the notion of ingratitude: look, my lord is unaware of anything in the house with me, and so on.