What does Genesis 39:10 mean?

Potiphar is the captain of the Egyptian royal guard and the owner of captive slave Joseph (Genesis 39:1). As it happened, Joseph's diligence and skill led to Potiphar giving him total authority in the home, to great success (Genesis 39:2–6). Joseph has also attracted the attention of his master's wife, who tempts Joseph to have sex with her (Genesis 39:7). His refusal is based in an honorable, moral stance: he refuses to betray the confidence of Potiphar or to sin against God (Genesis 39:8–9).

However, Potiphar's wife may have been the type of noblewoman who was used to getting what she wanted. It's also possible she'd seduced other slaves in the past (Genesis 39:9), because her approach to Joseph is aggressive. She continues to attempt to seduce her husband's servant. The phrasing here suggests her efforts may have become either more subtle or more manipulative, and that Joseph is actively resisting her.

Unfortunately for Joseph, his refusal to give in will result in a spiteful reaction from this Egyptian wife (Genesis 39:11–15).