Asenath is a significant yet somewhat enigmatic figure in the Hebrew Bible, specifically within the Book of Genesis. She is best known as the wife of Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel, and the mother of his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. Her account is primarily found in Genesis 41:45-52 and Genesis 46:20.

Background and Marriage to Joseph

Asenath was the daughter of Potiphera, a priest of On, an ancient city also known as Heliopolis, which was a major center of worship for the sun god Ra in Egypt. Her marriage to Joseph is arranged by Pharaoh himself, as recorded in Genesis 41:45: "Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah and gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife." This union signifies Joseph's full integration into Egyptian society and his rise to power as second-in-command to Pharaoh.

The marriage to Asenath is notable for several reasons. It represents a union between a Hebrew and an Egyptian, which underscores the theme of God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises through unexpected means. Joseph's marriage to Asenath also serves to solidify his position in Egypt, providing him with a family connection to the religious and political elite of the time.

Motherhood and Legacy

Asenath bore Joseph two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, who would become the progenitors of two of the tribes of Israel. Genesis 41:50-52 records the birth of these sons: "Before the years of famine arrived, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, saying, 'God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s household.' And the second son he named Ephraim, saying, 'God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.'"

The names of her sons reflect Joseph's journey and God's faithfulness in his life. Manasseh, meaning "causing to forget," symbolizes Joseph's healing from past afflictions, while Ephraim, meaning "fruitful," signifies the blessings and prosperity he experienced in Egypt.

Cultural and Religious Context

Asenath's background as the daughter of an Egyptian priest presents an interesting dynamic in the narrative. While the Bible does not provide details about her personal faith or religious practices, her marriage to Joseph, a man of unwavering faith in the God of Israel, suggests a blending of cultures and possibly religious influences. This union, however, does not appear to compromise Joseph's faith, as he remains devoted to God throughout his life.

Asenath in Jewish and Christian Tradition

In later Jewish and Christian traditions, Asenath's account has been expanded and embellished. Some apocryphal texts, such as "Joseph and Asenath," explore her conversion to the worship of the God of Israel, though these accounts are not part of the canonical Scriptures. These narratives often portray her as a righteous convert, emphasizing themes of repentance and divine acceptance.

Asenath's role as the mother of Manasseh and Ephraim places her in the lineage of the tribes of Israel, making her an integral part of the biblical narrative and the unfolding of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Her account, though brief in the biblical text, highlights the sovereignty of God in orchestrating events and relationships to fulfill His divine purposes.As'enath (3 Occurrences)

Genesis 41:45
Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphenath-Paneah; and he gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On as a wife. Joseph went out over the land of Egypt.
(See RSV)

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.
(See RSV)

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.
(See RSV)

As'enath (3 Occurrences)
As'enath. Asenath, As'enath. Aser . Multi-Version Concordance As'enath
(3 Occurrences). Genesis 41:45 Pharaoh called Joseph's name ...
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Asenath (3 Occurrences)

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Aser (1 Occurrence)

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