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Joseph

Joseph in the Bible — eleventh-born son of Jacob and Rachel (GEN 30:24). Referenced in 19 scripture passages.

Name meaning: “increase; addition”

Profile

Gender
male
Scripture References
19 references
Known Names
2 names
Relationships
17 connections

Biography

The favored son of Jacob, Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers but rose to become second-in-command in Egypt through God's providence. His interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams saved Egypt and his own family from famine. Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers demonstrates remarkable grace and faith in God's sovereign plan.

Significance

Joseph's life prefigures Christ in his suffering, exaltation, and role as savior of his people.

Key Events

Sold into slavery by his brothers(Genesis 37:28)
Imprisoned in Egypt(Genesis 39:20)
Became second-in-command of Egypt(Genesis 41:46)
Reunited with his brothers(Genesis 45:1-15)
Death(Genesis 50:26)

Names & Labels (2)

Josephproper name
Hebrew
יוֹסֵ֖ף
Transliteration
yosef
Meaning
he will add
Greek
Ιωσηφ
Reference
GEN 30:24
Strong's
H3130
Zaphenath-paneahproper name
Hebrew
צָֽפְנַ֣ת פַּעְנֵחַ֒
Transliteration
tsafənat paəneah
Meaning
probably Egyptian for "god speaks, he lives"
Greek
Ψονθομφανηχ
Reference
GEN 41:45
Strong's
H6847

Family & Relationships (17)

son

Jacob(GEN 30:23)
Rachel(GEN 30:23)

half-brother

Reuben(GEN 30:23)
Simeon(GEN 30:23)
Levi(GEN 30:23)
Judah(GEN 30:23)
Dan(GEN 30:23)
Naphtali(GEN 30:23)
Gad(GEN 30:23)
Asher(GEN 30:23)
Issachar(GEN 30:23)
Zebulun(GEN 30:23)
Dinah(GEN 30:23)

brother

Benjamin(GEN 35:17)

husband

Asenath(GEN 41:45)

father

Manasseh(GEN 41:51)
Ephraim(GEN 45:52)
PreviousDinahNextHamor

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Joseph in the Bible?

Joseph is described in the Bible as eleventh-born son of Jacob and Rachel (GEN 30:24).

What does the name Joseph mean?

The name Joseph means “increase; addition” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.

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