Who was Joseph, son of Jacob — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.'
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Genesis 50:20, sits inside Genesis 50. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"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."
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