Topical Bible: Joseph: Son of Jacob: Personal Appearance of

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Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the Book of Genesis. While the Bible does not provide a detailed physical description of Joseph, certain aspects of his appearance and demeanor can be inferred from the scriptural accounts and the cultural context of the time.

Joseph is introduced in Genesis 37 as a young man of seventeen, tending the flocks with his brothers. The narrative quickly highlights his favored status with his father, Jacob, who "loved Joseph more than his other sons because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made him a robe of many colors" (Genesis 37:3). This special garment, often referred to as a "coat of many colors," signifies not only Jacob's affection but also Joseph's distinguished position within the family. The robe itself may suggest a certain level of refinement and distinction in Joseph's appearance, setting him apart from his brothers.

Joseph's physical attractiveness is subtly implied in the account of his time in Egypt. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph becomes a servant in the house of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Genesis 39:6 notes that "Joseph was well-built and handsome," a description that plays a significant role in the subsequent events involving Potiphar's wife. Her attraction to Joseph and her repeated attempts to seduce him underscore his physical appeal, which is explicitly acknowledged in the text.

The narrative of Joseph's life also reflects his demeanor and presence, which likely contributed to his overall impression. His ability to interpret dreams, his wisdom, and his administrative skills eventually lead to his rise in power in Egypt. Pharaoh himself recognizes Joseph's unique qualities, appointing him as second-in-command over the land. This elevation in status would have been accompanied by a change in attire and appearance, as Joseph was given "fine linen garments and a gold chain around his neck" (Genesis 41:42), signifying his authority and high standing.

While the Bible does not provide exhaustive details about Joseph's personal appearance, the descriptions and events surrounding his life suggest a man of notable presence, both physically and in character. His account, marked by trials and triumphs, reflects the providence and favor of God, which is evident in the way he is perceived by those around him.

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Genesis 39:6
And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favored.
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Library

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... and pasturage, was the large family of Jacob"his sons ... His successor cared neither
for Joseph nor his countrymen ... His son, Amon, became the sovereign under the ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

Chapter xlvi
... New Testament statement Acts 7:14: "Jacob "and all ... Septuagint translation, which
gives five grandsons of Joseph. For Manasseh's son Machir and his son Gilead ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

James the Brother of the Lord.
... bearing the name of James (abridged from Jacob, which from ... any other except Symeon
or Simon, and Joseph or Joses ... 1. James (the son) of Zebedee, the brother of ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 27 james the brother.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... In the case of Issachar, it was the individuality of the ancestor Jacob which gave ...
In the case of Joseph, the events personal to the son are transferred ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... in Genesis 44:15, mentioned above, is intended to secure Joseph from the ... for Esau
and learns to regard Jacob as his true son and heir; so Jacob in late ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac
... Rebekah afterwards, on another occasion, advised Jacob to flee ... Joseph records a pathetic
speech made by each, whether ... the antitype Jesus Christ, the Son of God ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/abrahams offering up his son.htm

Table of Contents
... A SON IS PROMISED TO ZECHARIAH 138 VII ... THEIR STAR OBSERVATIONS - JACOB'S LADDER AND
ITS PROPHESIES ... 299 4. JOSEPH TAKES THE BABY JESUS FROM MARY BECAUSE OF DANGER ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/table of contents.htm

Joseph's Faith
... of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob; by which ... manifested now and incarnate in the
divine Son, our Saviour ... the highest energy and holiest action, Joseph and we ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/josephs faith.htm

Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve.
... assumption of superiority on the part of Joseph's Son was quite too ... about the final
Advent of the Son of Man ... and established by the example of Jacob, [3074] of ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxvii second visit to.htm

Chapter xxvi
... by his own sons in the case of the sale of Joseph and the ... her elder son, were told
to Rebekah, and she sent and called Jacob, her younger son, and said ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxvi.htm