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
Joseph was the eleventh-born son of Jacob and Rachel, a male figure noted in Scripture for his significant role in God's providential plan. Though his tribe is not specified, his identity as the favored son of Rachel marks him as a central character in the Genesis narrative.
Names & Titles
The name Joseph means "he will add," reflecting a hopeful and God-ordained increase, as recorded in Genesis 30:24. Later, he is given the Egyptian name Zaphenath-paneah, which likely means "god speaks, he lives," indicating his elevated status in Egypt as noted in Genesis 41:45.
Family
Joseph is explicitly identified as the son of Jacob and Rachel. He has many half-brothers, including Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah, as well as a full brother, Benjamin. He is also the husband of Asenath, an Egyptian woman given to him during his rise to power.
Significance
Joseph's life illustrates God's sovereign hand in elevating the humble and fulfilling His promises. Despite suffering betrayal and slavery at the hands of his brothers, God raised Joseph to a position of authority in Egypt, enabling him to save many from famine. His story prefigures Christ through themes of suffering, exaltation, and redemption, demonstrating grace and forgiveness that align with God's redemptive plan.
Key Events
Names & Labels (2)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Joseph in the Bible?
Joseph was the eleventh-born son of Jacob and Rachel, a male figure noted in Scripture for his significant role in God's providential plan. Though his tribe is not specified, his identity as the favored son of Rachel marks him as a central character in the Genesis narrative.
What does the name Joseph mean?
The name Joseph means “increase; addition” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.