UASV’s Daily Devotional All Things Bible, Tuesday, May 27, 2025

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How Could I Do This Great Badness? A Devotional on Genesis 39:9

The Integrity of Joseph in the Face of Temptation

Genesis 39 presents one of the most compelling examples of personal righteousness in all of Scripture. It records a pivotal moment in the life of Joseph, the son of Jacob, who, despite being sold into slavery by his brothers and relocated to Egypt, remained faithful to Jehovah and refused to compromise morally, even when doing so might have seemed advantageous or undetectable.

The central verse of this account is Genesis 39:9, where Joseph resists the seduction of Potiphar’s wife and proclaims:
“There is no one greater in this house than I am, and he has not withheld from me anything at all except you, because you are his wife. So how could I commit this great badness and actually sin against God?”

This verse demonstrates not only the inner fortitude of Joseph, but also provides a model of godliness under pressure. It reveals a man who feared Jehovah more than he desired pleasure, who honored divine boundaries even when no one else was watching. In doing so, Joseph sets a standard for all believers—to live by principle, not by opportunity.

Historical Context: Joseph’s Rise and Trial

Sold by his brothers around 1910 B.C.E. (Genesis 37:28), Joseph was brought to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. Through diligence and divine favor, Joseph quickly rose to prominence in Potiphar’s household, becoming the overseer of his entire estate (Genesis 39:2–4).

However, Potiphar’s wife persistently attempted to seduce him (Genesis 39:7–10). Her offers were not isolated or subtle—Scripture states that “day after day” she pressured him. But Joseph consistently refused. The temptation was real: he was young, successful, and far from home, with no supervision from his father or brothers. Yet he stood firm.

His response in verse 9 reveals the reason behind his integrity. He did not simply say “no” because of fear of getting caught—he refused because of his reverence for Jehovah.

“There is no one greater in this house than I am…”

Joseph begins by acknowledging the trust placed in him. Potiphar had elevated him to the highest position in the household. This was not a boast but a statement of fact—a recognition that Joseph was a steward, not a sovereign. Though he had great freedom and responsibility, he was still under authority.

True integrity begins with an accurate understanding of one’s role. Joseph knew that his position came with boundaries, and those boundaries were to be respected. He had been entrusted with Potiphar’s possessions, but not his wife. To transgress that boundary would be a betrayal of trust and a violation of both divine and moral order.

“He has not withheld from me anything at all except you, because you are his wife…”

This line affirms Joseph’s clear understanding of covenant fidelity. Marriage, even among pagans, was recognized as a sacred bond. Though Egyptian society was steeped in idolatry and moral laxity, Joseph understood that Potiphar’s wife belonged to her husband alone. Her availability or desire did not nullify that covenant.

Joseph was not swayed by emotional justification or circumstantial logic. He did not say, “She approached me,” or “I deserve happiness,” or “No one will know.” Instead, he maintained a fixed boundary based on moral law.

This distinction is critical. Joseph’s rejection of sin was based on principle, not preference. He did not want what was not rightfully his, and he did not rationalize away the consequences of disobedience. His statement reflects the law that would later be codified in Exodus 20:17: “You must not desire your fellow man’s wife.” Even before Sinai, Joseph lived with reverence for God’s standards.

“So how could I commit this great badness…”

Here Joseph labels the act for what it is: a great badness. The Hebrew phrase used is הָרָעָה הַגְּדוֹלָה הַזֹּאת (hā-rāʿāh haggedōlāh hazzōt), meaning “this great evil.” He does not call it a mistake, lapse in judgment, or personal failing. He calls it evil—objectively and unquestionably.

In today’s culture, sin is often minimized or repackaged in softer language: “an indiscretion,” “a weakness,” or “a private matter.” But Joseph does not soften it. He speaks with moral clarity. To commit adultery would not be an act of personal freedom—it would be a great wickedness. The gravity of the sin is emphasized by the word “great.” Joseph does not merely see it as a lesser evil. He calls it what it is.

The implication is clear: we must evaluate sin by God’s standard, not by human tolerance. What society excuses, God condemns. Joseph feared Jehovah more than social norms. He called sin what God calls it.

“And actually sin against God”

This final phrase is the heart of Joseph’s reasoning. While adultery would be a sin against Potiphar, and a betrayal of trust, Joseph understood that all sin is first and foremost against God.

This echoes the confession of David in Psalm 51:4:
“Against you—you above all—I have sinned, and what is bad in your eyes I have done.”
David had sinned against Bathsheba, Uriah, his own body, and the nation. Yet he recognized that every violation of God’s law is ultimately a defiance of God Himself.

Joseph’s decision was shaped by an awareness of divine presence and accountability. He knew Jehovah was not absent. Even though he was in Egypt, far from his family and homeland, he lived coram Deo—before the face of God.

This theological perspective produces moral clarity. If Joseph had focused only on human relationships or practical consequences, he might have justified compromise. But his question—“How could I sin against God?”—shows that his loyalty to Jehovah superseded every other concern.

Lessons for the Believer Today

Genesis 39:9 provides a powerful pattern for resisting temptation and walking in integrity:

Recognize your stewardship
Every Christian is entrusted with responsibilities: roles in family, church, employment, and personal conduct. Like Joseph, we must honor the trust placed in us and respect the boundaries God has established.
Refuse to justify compromise
Temptation often appeals to emotion, loneliness, or entitlement. Joseph was alone, betrayed by family, and far from home—but he refused to let circumstances define righteousness.
Call sin what it is
Do not diminish the seriousness of moral failure. Adultery, fornication, deceit, theft, pride—all are “great badness” in God’s eyes. Naming sin correctly strengthens the resolve to reject it.
Fear God above all
Joseph’s purity was not maintained because others were watching, but because he knew God sees all. This fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7), and it is the anchor of moral conviction.
Understand the cost of obedience
Joseph’s refusal did not bring immediate reward. He was falsely accused and imprisoned (Genesis 39:20). Yet in time, his faithfulness was honored, and he rose to a position of great authority in Egypt (Genesis 41:40). True obedience is tested not by convenience, but by sacrifice.

Conclusion: Standing Righteous When No One Is Watching

Joseph’s response in Genesis 39:9 reveals a heart shaped by truth, reverence, and loyalty to God. He did not waver under pressure, did not excuse sin as inevitable, and did not sacrifice integrity for pleasure.

His example stands as a lasting testimony: that it is possible to walk uprightly in a fallen world, to resist temptation through fear of God, and to maintain a clear conscience even in private.

“So how could I commit this great badness and actually sin against God?”
Let every believer ask this question in moments of temptation—and, like Joseph, choose to stand firm.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).