Who was Joseph, son of Jacob?
Who was Joseph, son of Jacob? Joseph was Jacob's favored son who was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers but rose to become second-in-command of Egypt, ultimately saving his family during a famine.
Key verse: Genesis 50:20 (KJV)
Joseph was Jacob's favored son who was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers but rose to become second-in-command of Egypt, ultimately saving his family during a famine.
Joseph was Jacob's favored son who was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers but rose to become second-in-command of Egypt, ultimately saving his family during a famine.
"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)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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The Biblical Answer
Joseph's story spans Genesis 37-50 and is one of the Bible's greatest narratives of providence. Favored by his father and given a coat of many colors, Joseph was hated by his brothers. They sold him to slave traders bound for Egypt. There, Joseph was falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and imprisoned. But God gave Joseph the ability to interpret dreams, which brought him before Pharaoh. Joseph correctly interpreted Pharaoh's dreams of coming plenty and famine, and was made ruler over all Egypt. When his brothers came to buy grain during the famine, Joseph eventually revealed himself and forgave them, declaring, 'ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.'
Key Scripture References
"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."
"Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt."
"And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
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.'
Why did God test Abraham with Isaac?
God tested Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice Isaac, demonstrating that Abraham trusted God above everything — even his promised son.
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 Moses?
Moses was the great deliverer and lawgiver of Israel who led the Exodus from Egypt and received the Ten Commandments from God.
Who Was King David?
David was the shepherd boy who became Israel's greatest king, known as 'a man after God's own heart' and an ancestor of Jesus Christ.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
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Read it in context
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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