But he refused: in this context it may be more natural to use direct speech; for example, “ ‘No!’ said Joseph. ‘I can’t do that!’ ” Bible en français courant says “ ‘Never,’ replied Joseph.” Joseph’s defense for refusing Potiphar’s wife is based on the trust his master has placed in him, and that to do what she commands would be a sin against God.

Lo, having me … in the house: Lo translates the Hebrew hen, which emphasizes the reason to follow. Good News Translation translates it “Look, ….” We may also sometimes say “Listen,” or “Wait.” Having me … may appear that Joseph’s speech is not related to the wife’s seduction unless something is said to make this clear. This may be done by reversing the two clauses of the verse so that the question of trust is stated first; for example, “Listen, don’t you know my master has trusted me with everything he has? He doesn’t have to worry about anything in this house because I am here.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .