When did Joseph go to Egypt?
Joseph is sold by his brothers, rises to second in Egypt, and saves his family from famine.
Joseph Sold into Egypt took place c. 1898 BC at Canaan and Egypt, during the Patriarchs period of Bible history. The account is recorded in Genesis 45:7 (KJV). Joseph is sold by his brothers, rises to second in Egypt, and saves his family from famine.
"And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance." — Genesis 45:7 (KJV)
Hated for his dreams, Joseph was sold into Egypt by his brothers. Through prison and Pharaoh's court, God raised him to second ruler in the land. When famine came, Jacob's whole family came down to Egypt — preserved alive by the brother they had betrayed.
c. 1898 BC
Canaan and Egypt
Key KJV Scriptures
"And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance."
"But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass that much people should be alive as he is this day."
Why It Matters
Joseph's story sets up the Exodus — Israel multiplied in Egypt — and powerfully displays God's providence: what men mean for evil, He means for good.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
How old was Joseph when he went to Egypt?
Genesis 37 implies he was seventeen when his brothers sold him. He was thirty when he stood before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:46).
When did joseph sold into egypt happen?
Joseph Sold into Egypt is dated c. 1898 BC, placing it in the Patriarchs era of biblical history. See Genesis 45:7 (KJV).
Where did joseph sold into egypt take place?
Scripture places joseph sold into egypt at Canaan and Egypt.
Who was involved in joseph sold into egypt?
The key figures are Joseph, Jacob, Pharaoh, Joseph's brothers.
Where is joseph sold into egypt in the Bible?
You can read about it in Genesis 45:7, Genesis 50:20 (King James Version).
Why does joseph sold into egypt matter?
Joseph's story sets up the Exodus — Israel multiplied in Egypt — and powerfully displays God's providence: what men mean for evil, He means for good.
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