Who Was Joseph in the Old Testament?
Who Was Joseph in the Old Testament? Joseph was Jacob's favored son who was sold into slavery by his brothers, rose to become Egypt's second-in-command, and ultimately saved his family from famine — demonstrating God's sovereign power to turn evil into good.
Key verse: Genesis 50:20 (KJV)
Joseph was Jacob's favored son who was sold into slavery by his brothers, rose to become Egypt's second-in-command, and ultimately saved his family from famine — demonstrating God's sovereign power to turn evil into good.
Joseph was Jacob's favored son who was sold into slavery by his brothers, rose to become Egypt's second-in-command, and ultimately saved his family from famine — demonstrating God's sovereign power to turn evil into good.
"Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to save much people alive." — Genesis 50:20 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
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The Biblical Answer
Joseph's story (Genesis 37-50) is one of Scripture's greatest narratives of providence. As Jacob's favorite son, he received a coat of many colors and dreamed of his family bowing to him (37:3-9). His brothers' jealousy drove them to sell him to traders headed for Egypt (37:28). In Egypt, Joseph served Potiphar faithfully until falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and imprisoned (39:20). Even in prison, 'the LORD was with Joseph' (39:21). He interpreted dreams for Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, then Pharaoh himself — predicting seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine (41:29-30). Pharaoh made Joseph governor of Egypt at age 30 (41:46). During the famine, Joseph's brothers came to buy grain, not recognizing him. After testing them, Joseph revealed himself in one of Scripture's most emotional scenes: 'I am Joseph; doth my father yet live?' (45:3). He forgave them with stunning theology: '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' (50:20). Joseph is a type of Christ — rejected by his own, exalted by God, saving those who rejected him. His life demonstrates that God's providence works through suffering, betrayal, and injustice to accomplish His redemptive purposes.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Faith?
What the Bible teaches about faith, believing in God, and trusting His promises.
Key Scripture References
"Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to save much people alive."
"The LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy."
"I am Joseph; doth my father yet live?"
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Who Was Jacob (Israel) in the Bible?
Jacob was Isaac's younger son who deceived his brother Esau for the birthright and blessing, wrestled with God, and was renamed Israel — becoming the father of the twelve tribes of Israel.
What does the Bible say about forgiveness?
The Bible teaches that God freely forgives those who repent and that believers must forgive others as they have been forgiven — not seven times, but seventy times seven.
How Did the Israelites End Up in Egypt?
Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt, but God raised him to second-in-command. During a famine, Jacob's entire family relocated to Egypt, where they eventually became enslaved for 400 years.
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible?
Melchizedek was a mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him.
Who Was Abraham in the Bible?
Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation, called by God from Ur of the Chaldees, and known as the 'father of faith.'
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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The answer above sits inside Genesis. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Genesis on day 11 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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