פּוֹטִי פֶ֫רַע (po.ti phe.ra)
po.ti phe.ra
Potiphera
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Potiphera appears only three times in Scripture, all within the Genesis narrative surrounding Joseph. It identifies an Egyptian official who becomes Joseph’s father-in-law after Pharaoh elevates Joseph to power. The sources note that this individual holds the title of priest of On, a city known for its worship of the sun god Ra.
Linguistically, the name translates to "he whom Ra gave." This etymology highlights the religious context of Egypt during the Patriarchal period, where divine names were often embedded in personal titles. As the father of Asenath, Potiphera represents the bridge between Joseph’s Hebrew identity and his new life in Egyptian society.
While the biblical text provides no further dialogue or actions from Potiphera himself, his presence underscores the integration of Joseph into the highest levels of Egyptian administration. His role as a priest connects the narrative to the spiritual landscape of ancient Egypt, contrasting with the monotheistic faith of Israel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Potiphera appears only in the story of Joseph, marking a significant turning point where God’s chosen servant enters the highest levels of Egyptian society. As the priest of On and father of Asenath, he represents the bridge between Joseph’s Hebrew heritage and his new life in Egypt. This connection shows how God can use unexpected relationships to position His people for greater purposes.
Though Potiphera himself is a background figure, his presence highlights the reality that faithfulness often requires navigating complex cultural and spiritual landscapes. Joseph did not reject his surroundings but remained steadfast in his trust in God amidst them. This offers encouragement that our own walks with God can coexist with diverse environments, provided our hearts remain anchored in divine truth.
Ultimately, this narrative reminds us that God’s plans unfold through various connections and circumstances. Whether in familiar or foreign settings, the call to integrity and trust remains constant. We are invited to see how God weaves even the most unlikely alliances into His broader story of redemption and provision.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Poti-3×
- -phera3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פּ֥וֹטִי3×
- פֶ֖רַע2×
- פֶ֛רַע1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 41:45
Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphenath-Paneah. He gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On as a wife. Joseph went out over the land of Egypt.
This verse establishes Potiphera’s identity as a priest of On, grounding Joseph’s elevation in the political and religious structure of Egypt.
-
Genesis 41:50
To Joseph were born two sons before the year of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore to him.
It marks the beginning of Joseph’s family line in Egypt, showing how his new union leads to the birth of the tribal ancestors.
-
Genesis 46:20
To Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, bore to him.
This occurrence confirms the lineage during Jacob’s move to Egypt, linking Joseph’s Egyptian-born sons directly to Potiphera’s family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Potiphera in the Bible?
What does Potiphera’s role tell us about Joseph?
How many times is Potiphera mentioned in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Genesis 3 verses
Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphenath-Paneah. He gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On as a wife.…
Genesis 41:50To Joseph were born two sons before the year of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore…
Genesis 46:20To Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On,…