Joseph
Israelite / Jew Hebrew; ruler in Egypt · Creation & Patriarchs · Old Testament
- Also called
- Zaphnath-paaneah
- Name means
- May he add
- Role
- Son of Jacob; governor of Egypt
- When
- c. 1900 BC (traditional)
What they did
Sold into Egypt by his jealous brothers, he served faithfully in Potiphar's house and in prison. God gave him the meaning of Pharaoh's dreams, and he was made ruler over Egypt and saved many from famine.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
God used Joseph's sufferings to save his family and the nations around: 'ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.' His life is a picture of Christ, rejected by His brothers and exalted to save.
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Genesis 50:20 (KJV)
Bible references
Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. Genesis 37:3 (KJV)
And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. Genesis 39:2 (KJV)
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. Genesis 41:39-41 (KJV)
Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. Genesis 45:5 (KJV)
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Genesis 50:20 (KJV)
By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. Hebrews 11:22 (KJV)
Family
- Father
- Jacob
- Mother
- Rachel
- Spouse(s)
- Asenath
- Children
- Manasseh, Ephraim
- Brothers / sisters
- Benjamin; half-brothers Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun; half-sister Dinah
Pharaoh named him Zaphnath-paaneah (Genesis 41:45). Lived 110 years (Genesis 50:26).
A fuller character study, with strengths, failures, lessons and a relationship diagram:
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