Joseph was the eleventh son of JacobJacob is the third patriarch of Israel, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, whose life marks the turning point where God’s covenant promises move from a single family toward the beginnings of a nation. His story is one of struggle, transformation, and divine purpose. More and the first son born to RachelRachel was the beloved wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. As one of the matriarchs of Israel, Rachel occupies a central place in biblical history. Though she endured years of barrenness before bearing children, God ultimately blessed her with sons whose descendants became some of the most influential tribes in Israel. Rachel is remembered for her... More. After years of barrenness, RachelRachel was the beloved wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. As one of the matriarchs of Israel, Rachel occupies a central place in biblical history. Though she endured years of barrenness before bearing children, God ultimately blessed her with sons whose descendants became some of the most influential tribes in Israel. Rachel is remembered for her... More rejoiced when God granted her a son and declared:
“God hath taken away my reproach.” ()
She named him Joseph (יוֹסֵף, Yosef), saying:
“The LORD shall add to me another son.” ()
His name reflects the idea of increase, addition, and God’s blessing.
Joseph became especially loved by his father JacobJacob is the third patriarch of Israel, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, whose life marks the turning point where God’s covenant promises move from a single family toward the beginnings of a nation. His story is one of struggle, transformation, and divine purpose. More because he was the son of his old age. JacobJacob is the third patriarch of Israel, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, whose life marks the turning point where God’s covenant promises move from a single family toward the beginnings of a nation. His story is one of struggle, transformation, and divine purpose. More demonstrated this affection by giving Joseph a special coat:
“Now IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More loved Joseph more than all his children.” ()
This favoritism, combined with Joseph’s prophetic dreams, caused jealousy among his brothers. In one dream, Joseph saw his brothers’ sheaves bowing before his own, and in another, the sun, moon, and stars bowed before him (). These dreams foretold Joseph’s future authority and God’s purpose for his life.
Consumed by envy, Joseph’s brothers conspired against him. Though some wished to kill him, they ultimately sold him to traveling Ishmaelites:
“And they sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver.” ()
Joseph was taken into EgyptEgypt is the powerful ancient civilization along the Nile that appears throughout Scripture as a place of refuge, oppression, and divine deliverance. It is central to the stories of Joseph, Moses, the Exodus, and later prophecies, symbolizing both worldly strength and the need for God’s redemption (Genesis 37–50; Exodus 1–14). More, where he became a servant in the house of Potiphar. Despite hardship, the Lord blessed Joseph, and he prospered wherever he served ().
After refusing the advances of Potiphar’s wife, Joseph was falsely accused and imprisoned (). Yet even in prison, God remained with him. Joseph was granted the ability to interpret dreams and eventually interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh concerning seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine ().
Recognizing God’s wisdom in Joseph, Pharaoh elevated him to a position of authority over all EgyptEgypt is the powerful ancient civilization along the Nile that appears throughout Scripture as a place of refuge, oppression, and divine deliverance. It is central to the stories of Joseph, Moses, the Exodus, and later prophecies, symbolizing both worldly strength and the need for God’s redemption (Genesis 37–50; Exodus 1–14). More:
“Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled.” ()
Joseph wisely prepared EgyptEgypt is the powerful ancient civilization along the Nile that appears throughout Scripture as a place of refuge, oppression, and divine deliverance. It is central to the stories of Joseph, Moses, the Exodus, and later prophecies, symbolizing both worldly strength and the need for God’s redemption (Genesis 37–50; Exodus 1–14). More for the coming famine, storing grain during the years of plenty. When the famine spread throughout the region, people came from many lands to purchase food, including Joseph’s own brothers.
After testing his brothers and witnessing their repentanceRepentance is the biblical act of turning away from sin and turning toward God. More than sorrow for wrongdoing, true repentance produces a change of heart, mind, and behavior that leads to obedience, spiritual growth, and a closer relationship with the Lord. More, Joseph revealed his identity to them:
“I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into EgyptEgypt is the powerful ancient civilization along the Nile that appears throughout Scripture as a place of refuge, oppression, and divine deliverance. It is central to the stories of Joseph, Moses, the Exodus, and later prophecies, symbolizing both worldly strength and the need for God’s redemption (Genesis 37–50; Exodus 1–14). More.” ()
Rather than seeking revenge, Joseph recognized God’s hand at work through his suffering. He declared:
“God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” ()
This statement summarizes one of the central themes of Joseph’s life: God’s ability to accomplish His purposes even through the evil actions of others.
Joseph’s descendants, EphraimEphraim was the younger son of Joseph and the grandson of Jacob. Although he was not the firstborn, Jacob bestowed upon him the greater blessing, and his descendants became one of the most influential tribes in Israel. The Tribe of Ephraim later emerged as a leading tribe of the northern kingdom, and the name "Ephraim" is often used in Scripture... More and ManassehManasseh was the firstborn son of Joseph and the grandson of Jacob. Although he was the elder of Joseph's two sons, his younger brother Ephraim received the greater blessing from Jacob. Nevertheless, the Tribe of Manasseh became one of the largest and most influential tribes in Israel, receiving inheritance on both sides of the Jordan River. More, received inheritance among the tribes of IsraelThe Tribes of Israel were the twelve family divisions descended from the sons of Jacob, whom God renamed Israel (Genesis 32:28). These tribes formed the nation of Israel, received territorial inheritances in the Promised Land, and played a central role throughout the Old Testament. The tribes trace their ancestry to the twelve sons of Jacob and represent the covenant people... More, effectively granting Joseph a double portion through his sons (). Through this blessing, Joseph received the rights of the firstborn that ReubenReuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, making him the eldest of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Although he possessed the privileges associated with the birthright, Reuben forfeited his preeminence through sinful actions and did not become the leading tribe of Israel. His life illustrates both the responsibilities and consequences that accompany leadership and inheritance. More had forfeited ().
The life of Joseph stands as one of Scripture’s greatest examples of faithfulness, perseverance, forgiveness, and divine providence. Betrayed, enslaved, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph nevertheless trusted God and became the instrument through which the covenant family was preserved, paving the way for the future nation of IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More.
Hebrew Name
יוֹסֵף (Yosef)
Meaning: “He Will Add,” “May He Increase,” or “God Shall Add.”
The name reflects Rachel’s prayer that God would continue to bless her with children and increase her household.
Related Terms
- JacobJacob is the third patriarch of Israel, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, whose life marks the turning point where God’s covenant promises move from a single family toward the beginnings of a nation. His story is one of struggle, transformation, and divine purpose. More
- RachelRachel was the beloved wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. As one of the matriarchs of Israel, Rachel occupies a central place in biblical history. Though she endured years of barrenness before bearing children, God ultimately blessed her with sons whose descendants became some of the most influential tribes in Israel. Rachel is remembered for her... More
- BenjaminBenjamin was the twelfth and youngest son of Jacob and the second son born to Rachel. He was the only son of Jacob born in the land of Canaan and became the father of the Tribe of Benjamin, one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Though the smallest tribe, Benjamin produced notable figures including King Saul, the Apostle Paul, and... More
- EphraimEphraim was the younger son of Joseph and the grandson of Jacob. Although he was not the firstborn, Jacob bestowed upon him the greater blessing, and his descendants became one of the most influential tribes in Israel. The Tribe of Ephraim later emerged as a leading tribe of the northern kingdom, and the name "Ephraim" is often used in Scripture... More
- ManassehManasseh was the firstborn son of Joseph and the grandson of Jacob. Although he was the elder of Joseph's two sons, his younger brother Ephraim received the greater blessing from Jacob. Nevertheless, the Tribe of Manasseh became one of the largest and most influential tribes in Israel, receiving inheritance on both sides of the Jordan River. More
- EgyptEgypt is the powerful ancient civilization along the Nile that appears throughout Scripture as a place of refuge, oppression, and divine deliverance. It is central to the stories of Joseph, Moses, the Exodus, and later prophecies, symbolizing both worldly strength and the need for God’s redemption (Genesis 37–50; Exodus 1–14). More
- Pharaoh
- Potiphar
- Coat of Many Colors
- Dreams
- Famine
- IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More
- Twelve Tribes of IsraelThe Tribes of Israel were the twelve family divisions descended from the sons of Jacob, whom God renamed Israel (Genesis 32:28). These tribes formed the nation of Israel, received territorial inheritances in the Promised Land, and played a central role throughout the Old Testament. The tribes trace their ancestry to the twelve sons of Jacob and represent the covenant people... More
- GenealogyGenealogy is the record and study of family lineage, ancestry, and descent. Throughout Scripture, genealogies establish historical continuity, trace covenant promises, preserve tribal identities, and demonstrate God's faithfulness across generations. Biblical genealogies are especially important in tracing the lineage from Adam to Noah, from Abraham to Israel, and ultimately to the Messiah. More
- Forgiveness
