צָֽפְנַת פַּעְנֵחַ (tsoph.nat pa.ne.ach)
tsoph.nat pa.ne.ach
Zaphenath-paneah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Tzaphnat Pa’ne’ah is an Egyptian title given to Joseph when he rose to power in Egypt, recorded only once in the Bible at Genesis 41:45. It served as his official designation under Pharaoh’s court, replacing his Hebrew identity with a local one that facilitated his role as second-in-command.
Lexical sources suggest meanings such as "God speaks and he lives" or "treasury of the glorious rest." These translations highlight how Joseph’s faithfulness was preserved through divine intervention. The name marks a pivotal moment where God’s providence operates through foreign political structures to save many people from famine.
This single occurrence underscores the theme of hidden identity in the Joseph narrative. By adopting an Egyptian name, Joseph navigates a hostile environment while remaining faithful to his heritage. The title reflects the broader biblical pattern of God using secular institutions to fulfill His redemptive purposes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Zaphenath-Paneah appears only once in Scripture, marking a profound shift in Joseph’s life. When Pharaoh gave him this title, it signified his new role as the savior of Egypt during famine. Though the exact etymology remains debated, many see it as meaning 'God speaks and he lives.' This reflects how God’s voice sustained Joseph through years of suffering and imprisonment.
For believers today, this name reminds us that God can elevate the humble to positions of influence. Joseph did not lose his identity in Egypt; rather, God used his new role to preserve life. Your current season may feel like a transition, but God is still speaking and sustaining you. Trust that He can use even unfamiliar roles for His greater purpose.
This single occurrence highlights how divine providence works through human systems. Joseph’s faithfulness in slavery and prison prepared him for this moment. Similarly, your perseverance in small things may lead to unexpected opportunities. May you find comfort knowing that God’s plans often unfold through circumstances beyond our control.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zaphenath-1×
- Paneah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צָֽפְנַ֣ת1×
- פַּעְנֵחַ֒1×
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 records the exact moment Pharaoh renamed Joseph, marking his transition from prisoner to second-in-command over Egypt.