Topical Encyclopedia Asenath is a significant yet somewhat enigmatic figure in the biblical narrative, known primarily as the wife of Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel. Her account is found in the Book of Genesis, where she is introduced in the context of Joseph's rise to power in Egypt.Biblical Account Asenath is first mentioned in Genesis 41:45, where Pharaoh gives her to Joseph as a wife after Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams and is appointed as the second-in-command over Egypt. The verse states: "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" . Asenath's marriage to Joseph is significant for several reasons. It symbolizes Joseph's full integration into Egyptian society and his acceptance by the Egyptian elite. Her father, Potiphera, is described as a priest of On, a city known for its worship of the sun god Ra, indicating that Asenath came from a prominent and religiously influential family. Children 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 Joseph's sons reflect his personal journey and the divine providence he experienced. Manasseh's name signifies forgetting past troubles, while Ephraim's name denotes fruitfulness in adversity. These names and their meanings highlight Joseph's faith and the blessings he received despite his earlier suffering. Cultural and Religious Context Asenath's background as the daughter of an Egyptian priest presents an interesting cultural and religious dynamic. Her marriage to Joseph, a Hebrew who worshiped the God of Israel, suggests a blending of cultures and possibly religious beliefs. While the Bible does not provide details about Asenath's personal faith or religious practices, her role as the mother of Manasseh and Ephraim places her within the narrative of God's covenant people. Legacy Asenath's legacy is primarily carried through her sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, who are counted among the tribes of Israel. In Genesis 48, Jacob adopts them as his own, granting them a share in the inheritance of the Promised Land. This act elevates Asenath's sons to a status equal to that of Jacob's direct sons, further integrating her into the history of Israel. Asenath's account, though brief in the biblical text, is a testament to the ways in which God can work through diverse circumstances and people to fulfill His purposes. Her marriage to Joseph and her role as the mother of two significant tribes underscore the theme of God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through unexpected means. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 41:45,50And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 46:20 Strong's Hebrew 621. Asenath -- perhaps "belonging to Neith," the wife of Joseph... Asenath (3). Asenath. Of Egyptian derivation; Asenath, the wife of Joseph -- Asenath. 620, 621. Asenath. 622 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/621.htm - 6k Library Joseph, the Prime Minister The Story of Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren Joseph and his Brethren The Testament of Joseph Concerning Sobriety. A Prisoner who Became a Mighty Ruler Introduction. How Joseph when He was Become Famous in Egypt, had his Brethren in ... Chapter xlvi Chapter xli Resources Who was Ephraim in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the tribe of Manasseh? | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from the tribe of Ephraim? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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