Lexical Summary Tsaphenath Paneach: Zaphenath-Paneah Original Word: צָפְנַת פַעְנֵחַ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zaphnath-paaneah Of Egyptian derivation; Tsophnath-Paneach, Joseph's Egyptian name -- Zaphnath-paaneah. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition "the god speaks and he lives," Joseph's Eg. name NASB Translation Zaphenath-paneah (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs צָֽפְנַת מַּעְנֵהַ proper name, masculine (< vocaliz. ‚apn§t§ph ±œn— i.e. the god speaks and he lives, Egyptian D(d)-pnt(r)-§f-±n— (D§-pnut§-ef-±œn—), see SteindÄZ 1889, 41 f.; 1892. 50 ff., so EbSmith DB (2), 1798 b Brugsch, see DrHast. ii. 775a n. §, Crumib. i. 665 b Griffith ib.iii. 819 b); — Egyptian name given to Joseph Genesis 41:45, Ψονθομφανηχ, ᵐ5 L Ψομʹ. I. צפע (√ of following; meaning dubious, perhaps hiss, onomatopoetic, so Thes; Late Hebrew צִפְעוֺן = Biblical Hebrew). Topical Lexicon Name and Cultural Setting Zaphenath-paneah was the Egyptian name conferred on Joseph by Pharaoh after the interpretation of Pharaoh’s double dream concerning the coming seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Though scholars differ over the precise etymology, the biblical narrative itself highlights the title’s functional sense: Joseph is the man through whom “God has revealed” and “God has preserved life.” The granting of an Egyptian name, along with royal garments, the signet ring, and a golden chain, publicly marked Joseph as both an adopted member of the royal court and the supreme administrator of Egypt’s resources. Scriptural Occurrence Genesis 41:45: “Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-paneah and gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera priest of On to be his wife. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt.” This single reference anchors the title to a specific historical moment, immediately after Joseph is raised from the dungeon to the palace. Historical Significance in the Joseph Narrative 1. Elevation from Hebrew slave to Egyptian vizier illustrates the sovereign providence of God working through human events (Genesis 50:20). Theological Themes and Typology • Revealer of Mysteries: Joseph testifies, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh the answer” (Genesis 41:16), foreshadowing the later biblical motif of divine revelation entrusted to faithful servants (Daniel 2:28; 1 Corinthians 2:10). Applications for Ministry and Discipleship • Faithfulness in Obscurity: Joseph’s consistent integrity under trial assures believers that unseen faithfulness is noticed by God and may bear fruit in pivotal moments of public influence. Related Biblical Themes and Cross-References Genesis 45:5-8 – Joseph acknowledges God’s redemptive purpose in his promotion. Psalm 105:17-22 – A poetic recounting of Joseph’s elevation. Acts 7:9-10 – Stephen affirms Joseph’s God-given wisdom and favor before Pharaoh. Romans 8:28 – Divine orchestration of all things for the good of those who love God. 1 Peter 2:12 – Living honorably among the nations so that God is glorified. Summary Zaphenath-paneah encapsulates the moment when Joseph became the instrument through whom God revealed hidden things and preserved life on an international scale. The title magnifies God’s sovereignty, prefigures the saving work of Christ, and offers enduring lessons on integrity, stewardship, and cross-cultural ministry for the people of God today. Forms and Transliterations פַּעְנֵחַ֒ פענח pa‘·nê·aḥ pa‘nêaḥ paneaChLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 41:45 HEB: יוֹסֵף֮ צָֽפְנַ֣ת פַּעְנֵחַ֒ וַיִּתֶּן־ ל֣וֹ NAS: Joseph Zaphenath-paneah; and he gave KJV: name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave INT: name Joseph Zaphenath-paneah gave Asenath 1 Occurrence |
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