John Calvin Commentary Genesis 39:7

"And it came to pass after these things, that his master`s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me." — Genesis 39:7 (ASV)

Lie with me. Moses only briefly touches upon the main points and the summary of what he relates. For there is no doubt that this impure woman endeavored, by various schemes, to allure the pious youth, and that she insinuated herself by indirect flattery, before she burst out into such shameless license.

But Moses, omitting other things, shows that she had been driven so far by base lust as not to shrink from openly soliciting an improper relationship with Joseph. Now, as this depravity is a clear sign that carnal lust acts from blind and furious impulses, so, in the person of Joseph, an admirable example of fidelity and continence is set before us.

His fidelity and integrity appear in this: that he recognizes himself to be more strictly bound, the greater the power with which he is entrusted. Honorable and courageous men have this characteristic: the more that is confided to them, the less they can bear to deceive. But it is a rare virtue for those who have the power to do harm to cultivate honesty freely.

Therefore, Joseph is rightly commended by Moses for regarding the authority with which his master invested him as a bridle to restrain him from transgressing the bounds of duty. Besides, he also gives proof of his gratitude by citing the benefits received from his master as a reason why he should not bring any disgrace upon him.

And truly, this is why such confusion arises everywhere today, so that people are almost brutish, because this sacred bond of mutual society is broken. All, indeed, confess that if they have received any benefit from another, they are under obligation to that person; one even reproaches another for ingratitude, but there are few who sincerely follow Joseph's example.

Lest, however, he should seem to be restrained only by regard for man, he also declares that the act would be offensive to God. And, indeed, nothing is more powerful to overcome temptation than the fear of God. But he deliberately commends his master's generosity, so that the wicked woman might desist from her shameless purpose.

Relevant to this is the argument he presents: Neither hath he kept anything back from me but thee, because thou art his wife.

Why does he say this, if not that, by recalling the religious obligation of marriage, he might wound the woman's corrupt mind and cure her of her insane passion?

Therefore, he not only strenuously strives to free himself from her wicked allurements, but, lest her lusts should prove uncontrollable, he also proposes to her the best remedy.

And we can understand that the sanctity of marriage is highlighted for us here in Joseph's story, through which the Lord would declare Himself to be the upholder of marital faithfulness, so that no one who violates another’s marriage bed should escape His vengeance.

For He is a guarantor between the husband and his wife, and requires mutual chastity from each.

From this it follows that, besides the injury inflicted upon the husband, God Himself is severely wronged.