Poti-pherah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Genesis, specifically in the narrative concerning Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. His name, Poti-pherah, is of Egyptian origin and is often understood to mean "he whom Ra has given," reflecting the Egyptian practice of theophoric names that incorporate the names of deities.

Biblical References:

Poti-pherah is introduced in Genesis 41:45, where he is identified as the priest of On, an ancient city also known as Heliopolis, which was a major center of worship for the sun god Ra. 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" (Genesis 41:45).

Role and Significance:

Poti-pherah's primary significance in the biblical narrative is his connection to Joseph through his daughter, Asenath. Asenath becomes Joseph's wife, and together they have two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, who later become the heads of two of the tribes of Israel. This marriage signifies Joseph's integration into Egyptian society and his rise to power as second-in-command to Pharaoh.

The mention of Poti-pherah as a priest of On highlights the cultural and religious milieu of ancient Egypt, where the priesthood held significant influence and status. The city of On, or Heliopolis, was a prominent religious center, and its priests were among the most esteemed in Egyptian society. By marrying into such a family, Joseph's position and authority in Egypt were further solidified.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The role of a priest in ancient Egypt was multifaceted, involving religious, political, and social duties. As a priest of On, Poti-pherah would have been responsible for the rituals and ceremonies associated with the worship of Ra, the sun god, who was one of the most important deities in the Egyptian pantheon. This connection underscores the syncretism present in Joseph's life, as he navigated his Hebrew faith while living in a polytheistic society.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the marriage of Joseph to Asenath, the daughter of Poti-pherah, can be seen as part of God's providential plan. Despite the cultural and religious differences, this union was instrumental in the preservation and prosperity of Jacob's family during the famine that struck the region. It also illustrates the theme of God's sovereignty and ability to work through diverse circumstances and people to fulfill His purposes.

Poti-pherah's mention in the biblical text, though brief, serves as a reminder of the complex interactions between the Israelites and the surrounding nations. His role as a priest of On and father-in-law to Joseph highlights the intersection of faith, culture, and divine providence in the unfolding narrative of God's people.6319. Poti Phera -- Joseph's father-in-law
... 3). Poti-pherah. Of Egyptian derivation; Poti-Phera, an Egyptian -- Poti-pherah.
6318, 6319. Poti Phera. 6320 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/6319.htm - 6k

Joseph, the Prime Minister
... Egypt. And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnath-paaneah; and he gave him
to wife Asenath the daughter of Poti-pherah priest of On. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/joseph the prime minister.htm

The Testament of Joseph Concerning Sobriety.
... Ps. Jon. of Genesis 41:45, "And he gave him to wife Asenath, whom Dinah bare to
Shechem: and the wife of Potipherah prince of Tanes brought up.". ...
/.../xi the testament of joseph concerning.htm

Potipherah (3 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary A priest of On, whose daughter Asenath became Joseph's
wife (Genesis 41:45). Multi-Version Concordance Potipherah (3 Occurrences). ...
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Poti-pherah (3 Occurrences)
Poti-pherah. Potipherah, Poti-pherah. Pots . Multi-Version Concordance
Poti-pherah (3 Occurrences). ... (WBS YLT). Potipherah, Poti-pherah. Pots . Reference ...
/p/poti-pherah.htm - 7k

Asnath (3 Occurrences)
... Genesis 41:45 And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnath-paaneah, and gave him
as wife Asnath the daughter of Potipherah the priest in On. ...
/a/asnath.htm - 7k

Poti-phera (3 Occurrences)
Poti-phera. Poti'phera, Poti-phera. Potipherah . Int. ... (See JPS ASV BBE WBS
YLT). Poti'phera, Poti-phera. Potipherah . Reference Bible.
/p/poti-phera.htm - 8k

Pots (30 Occurrences)

/p/pots.htm - 15k

Bare (250 Occurrences)
... Genesis 41:50 And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came,
which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him. ...
/b/bare.htm - 35k

Borne (172 Occurrences)
... Genesis 41:50 And to Joseph were born two sons before the year of famine cometh,
whom Asenath daughter of Poti-Pherah, priest of On, hath borne to him, (YLT). ...
/b/borne.htm - 38k

Zaphnathpaaneah (1 Occurrence)
... Genesis 41:45 And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave
him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. ...
/z/zaphnathpaaneah.htm - 8k

Asenath (3 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary An Egyptian name, meaning "gift of the sun-god", daughter
of Potipherah, priest of On or Heliopolis, wife of Joseph (Genesis 41:45). ...
/a/asenath.htm - 8k

Joseph (248 Occurrences)
... Potiphar and Potipherah are the Egyptian Pa-tu-pa-Ra, `the gift of the sun-god.'
The name given to Joseph, Zaphnath-paaneah, is probably the Egyptian Zaf-nti-pa ...
/j/joseph.htm - 91k

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