Definition: And it came to pass after these things, that his masterâs wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 39:7. It’s a really important story in the Bible about God’s plan for Jacob (later called Israel). Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: Jacob is a young man: In this passage, we learn that Jacob was wrestling with a man named Laban. Laban's wife notices him: Laban’s wife, who was watching the wrestling, became very curious about Jacob. She says something to him: She said, “Lie with me.” What it means in simpler terms: This verse describes a moment of jealousy and suspicion where Laban's wife, feeling a little uneasy about Jacob, whispered to him that he should lie with her. It’s essentially a moment of temptation fueled by insecurity. The Significance (and why it’s important): God's Plan: This is one part of God’s plan for Jacob. He was meant to become the father of many nations, and this encounter with Laban’s wife is a crucial step in that process. Testing Jacob: The act of lying (or pretending to lie) is a test of Jacob's character – it shows whether he will be trustworthy and obedient to God. The Beginning of a Larger Story: This single event sets the stage for a much larger story involving deception, betrayal, and ultimately, God’s plan to bless Jacob and establish his lineage. Important Note: It’s important to understand that this is not a simple tale of innocent jealousy. Laban's wife was driven by her own feelings, and the situation is rooted in a deeper imbalance of power and desire within the family. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like to know: More about the context of the story? The symbolism behind the act of lying?