Genesis EraOld Testament

Joseph

Genesis Exodus 1 Kings Psalms Acts Hebrews Revelation

When

c. 1915–1805 BC· Lifetime

Counted back from a dated year by the Bible’s own numbers. How the dates are worked out

Name meaning

"may he add" · Hebrew

"The LORD shall add to me another son" (Genesis 30:24).

About

Eleventh son of Jacob, first son of Rachel, and Jacob's favorite. He was given a richly ornamented robe ('coat of many colors') and received prophetic dreams that his family would bow down to him. His jealous brothers sold him to Midianite traders who brought him to Egypt. There he rose through hardship to become vizier of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh, ultimately saving Egypt and his family from famine and being reconciled with his brothers.

Relationships

FatherJacobFather

MotherRachelMother

BrotherBenjaminFull brother by Rachel

SonManassehElder son, adopted tribe of Israel

SonEphraimYounger son, adopted tribe

Key Scripture AppearancesKJV

Genesis 30:24

And she called his name Joseph; and said, The LORD shall add to me another son.Genesis 30:24, KJV

Genesis 37:3

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

Genesis 41:41

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.Genesis 41:41, KJV

Genesis 50:20

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

Acts 7:9

And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,Acts 7:9, KJV

Hebrews 11:22

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

See how Joseph connects to every other figure in Scripture.

Explore Joseph in the Family Tree →