Lexical Summary Potiphar: Potiphar Original Word: פוֹטִיפַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Potiphar Of Egyptian derivation: Potiphar, an Egyptian -- Potiphar. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition Joseph's master NASB Translation Potiphar (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs מּוֺטִיפַר proper name, masculine Joseph's master (abbreviated from following); — Genesis 37:36 (E), Genesis 39:1 (RJ), Πετεφρης, etc. Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning Potiphar (פֹּוטִיפַר) is the personal name of an influential Egyptian official in the days of the patriarchs. Though linguistically related to the Egyptian phrase “he whom Ra has given,” Scripture makes no theological comment on the etymology, focusing instead on the man’s role in the unfolding of God’s purposes for Joseph and, ultimately, for Israel. Historical Setting Potiphar lived during the Middle Bronze Age, a period when Semitic peoples traded freely with Egypt. As “captain of the guard” (Genesis 39:1), he belonged to Pharaoh’s elite circle, overseeing the royal bodyguard and state prisoners. Archaeological findings confirm that such officers held both military and judicial authority, explaining how Potiphar could purchase, promote, and imprison Joseph under the same roof. Biblical Narrative 1. Purchase of Joseph – “Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard” (Genesis 37:36). Character and Occupation • Title: “Captain of the guard” (Hebrew literally, chief of the executioners) signified command over the king’s personal security force and the detention of high-profile prisoners. Interaction with Joseph Potiphar’s household became the training ground where Joseph learned Egyptian language, culture, and administration—skills God would later employ to preserve many lives (Genesis 50:20). Potiphar’s decision to confine Joseph rather than execute him positioned Joseph for divine appointments with Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker, ultimately leading to Joseph’s elevation as vizier. Theological Themes • Divine Sovereignty: Potiphar’s authority, though formidable, is shown to be subordinate to God’s providential hand guiding Joseph’s account (Genesis 39:2-3). Ministerial Applications 1. Workplace Witness – Like Joseph, believers may serve under leaders who do not share their faith yet still testify to God by excellence and honesty. Related Scripture References Genesis 37:36; Genesis 39:1-23; Genesis 40:3-4 (implied jurisdiction of “the captain of the guard”). Traditional and Extra-Biblical Insights Jewish tradition sometimes identifies Potiphar with Potiphera, priest of On (Genesis 41:45), but the text treats them as separate individuals. Early Christian writers emphasized Joseph’s chastity over against Potiphar’s wife, drawing parallels to New Testament exhortations such as 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5. Summary Potiphar stands as a secondary yet crucial figure in Genesis. His authority sets the stage for Joseph’s rise, his household becomes Joseph’s proving ground, and his prison places Joseph within reach of Pharaoh. Through Potiphar, Scripture showcases God’s ability to orchestrate His redemptive plan within the corridors of secular power. Forms and Transliterations לְפֽוֹטִיפַר֙ לפוטיפר פּוֹטִיפַר֩ פוטיפר lə·p̄ō·w·ṭî·p̄ar lefotiFar ləp̄ōwṭîp̄ar pō·w·ṭî·p̄ar potiFar pōwṭîp̄arLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 37:36 HEB: אֶל־ מִצְרָ֑יִם לְפֽוֹטִיפַר֙ סְרִ֣יס פַּרְעֹ֔ה NAS: him in Egypt to Potiphar, Pharaoh's KJV: him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer INT: about Egypt to Potiphar officer Pharaoh's Genesis 39:1 2 Occurrences |
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