This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Genesis 39:1-20, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once upon a time, there was a young man named Joseph. He was a good man who loved God very much. But one day, some bad people sold him to some other bad people who took him far away to a strange land called Egypt.
In Egypt, Joseph worked for a man named Potiphar who was an important officer for the king. Joseph did a great job and God was with him. He worked so well that Potiphar put him in charge of everything he owned. Because of Joseph, God blessed Potiphar’s house and everything he had.
Potiphar’s wife was attracted to Joseph and made advances towards him. When Joseph refused her, she persisted and tried to convince him to be with her. But Joseph knew that it would be a sin against God and refused her repeatedly.
One day, when no one was around, Potiphar’s wife grabbed Joseph and tried to make him do the bad thing, but Joseph ran away and left his clothes behind. Potiphar’s wife was very angry and told lies about Joseph to her husband. Potiphar was also angry and he put Joseph in jail.
But even though Joseph was in jail, God was still with him. Joseph trusted God and knew that God had a plan for his life. And he was right. God had a big plan for Joseph that he didn’t even know about yet!
Biblical Lessons
- It’s important to obey God’s rules, even when it’s hard.
- It’s important to stand up for what is right, even when it’s difficult.
- It’s important to remember that we are accountable to God for our actions.
- We should flee from temptation. When Potiphar’s wife tried to force him, Joseph left his clothes behind and ran away.
- We should be careful to avoid situations that could lead to temptation or sin.
Related Stories
Joseph Interprets Two Prisoners’ Dreams
Joseph Brings His Family to Egypt
Must-Read Christian Books
The Holiness of God
Sproul unfolds the blazing holiness of God and why a right fear of the Lord is vital to true worship.
View on Amazon
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God
A robust, Scripture-saturated theology of prayer with practical guidance for deepening communion with God.
View on Amazon
A Call to Spiritual Reformation
Walks through Paul's prayers to teach believers how to pray biblically and God-centeredly.
View on Amazon
Basic Christianity
A timeless introduction to who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him according to Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Gospel for Real Life
Shows how the finished work of Christ applies to everyday struggles and assurance.
View on Amazon
Overcoming Sin and Temptation
A classic Puritan work on mortifying sin and living in the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
Let the Nations Be Glad!
Missions-focused theology showing that worship is the goal of evangelism to the nations.
View on Amazon
Nine Marks of a Healthy Church
Outlines nine biblical priorities for congregations that want to be faithful and healthy.
View on Amazon
The Mortification of Sin
A Puritan classic urging believers to put sin to death by the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
Spiritual Leadership
Biblical principles for godly leadership in the church, home, and workplace.
View on Amazon
The Heidelberg Catechism
A beloved Reformation catechism that teaches comfort in Christ through a Q&A format.
View on Amazon
Expository Listening
Teaches Christians how to listen to expository preaching in a way that bears fruit.
View on Amazon
Total Truth
Equips believers to see all of life through a biblical worldview and challenge secular thinking.
View on Amazon
Delighting in the Trinity
A joyful, readable introduction to the triune God and why His tri-unity is good news.
View on Amazon
The Glory of Christ
Calls believers to behold the glory of Christ as the great means of transformation.
View on Amazon
The Hiding Place
The story of Corrie ten Boom's faith and forgiveness in the midst of Nazi persecution.
View on Amazon
Shepherding a Child's Heart
Biblical parenting that aims at a child's heart, not just outward behavior.
View on Amazon