פּוֹטִיפַר (po.ti.phar)
po.ti.phar
Potiphar
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Potiphar identifies the Egyptian official who purchased Joseph as a slave after his brothers sold him (Genesis 37:36). The sources indicate that this proper noun translates to "belonging to the sun," likely referencing Ra, the chief deity of ancient Egypt. This etymology highlights the cultural and religious distance between the Hebrew patriarchs and their Egyptian captors.
Within the Genesis narrative, Potiphar serves as the master of Joseph’s early captivity in Egypt. He is described as an officer of Pharaoh, specifically noted as the chief of the executioners, which underscores his high status and authority within the royal court. Despite holding such power, he places his trust in Joseph, appointing him over his entire household.
This single name anchors a pivotal moment in the Joseph story, marking the transition from family betrayal to foreign service. The brevity of his mention in Scripture focuses attention on the unfolding divine plan rather than the character of Potiphar himself, who acts as a vessel for Joseph’s rise within Egyptian society.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Potiphar means “belonging to the sun,” pointing to the Egyptian god Ra. This detail reminds us that Joseph’s journey took him from a loving family into the heart of a foreign, idolatrous culture. Yet, even in this distant land, under the authority of a high-ranking official, God was preparing a path for deliverance.
Notice how Potiphar quickly recognised Joseph’s integrity and wisdom. He placed Joseph in charge of his entire household, trusting him with everything he owned. This shows that faithfulness in small, difficult circumstances often opens doors we cannot see. Your current situation may feel like a long way from home, but God can use it for good.
When life places you in unfamiliar or challenging environments, remember that your value is not defined by your status or location. Joseph remained faithful to God and to his master, and this integrity became the foundation for his future role. Trust that God sees your faithfulness, even when the path ahead seems unclear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ Potiphar1×
- Potiphar1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פּוֹטִיפַר֩1×
- לְ/פֽוֹטִיפַר֙1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 37:36
The Midianites sold him into Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, the captain of the guard.
This verse marks the moment Joseph enters Egyptian society through Potiphar, shifting the narrative from family betrayal to divine providence in a foreign land.
-
Genesis 39:1
Joseph was brought down to Egypt. Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the hand of the Ishmaelites that had brought him down there.
Here Potiphar’s purchase of Joseph establishes the setting for Joseph’s rise, showing how God places His people in positions where their character can shine.