Potipherah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Genesis, specifically in the narrative concerning Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. Potipherah is identified as the priest of On, an ancient Egyptian city also known as Heliopolis. His name, Potipherah, means "he whom Ra has given," reflecting the Egyptian practice of naming individuals in honor of their deities, in this case, Ra, the sun god.

Biblical References:

Potipherah is introduced in Genesis 41:45, where Pharaoh, after interpreting Joseph's dreams and elevating him to a position of power in Egypt, gives Joseph a wife: "Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-paneah, and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potipherah, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt" . This marriage signifies Joseph's integration into Egyptian society and his acceptance by the Egyptian elite.

Role and Significance:

Potipherah's role as the priest of On indicates his high status within the religious and social hierarchy of ancient Egypt. On, or Heliopolis, was a major center of worship for the sun god Ra, and its priests held significant influence. By marrying Asenath, Potipherah's daughter, Joseph not only gains a familial connection to Egyptian nobility but also aligns himself with the religious establishment of the time.

The marriage between Joseph and Asenath, Potipherah's daughter, is significant in the biblical narrative as it leads to the birth of Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. These sons would later become the progenitors of two of the tribes of Israel, playing a crucial role in the history and development of the Israelite nation.

Cultural and Theological Context:

From a cultural perspective, the marriage of Joseph to Asenath, the daughter of Potipherah, illustrates the blending of Hebrew and Egyptian cultures. This union is a testament to Joseph's ability to navigate and thrive within a foreign culture while maintaining his faith and integrity.

Theologically, Potipherah's mention in the Bible underscores the providence of God in Joseph's life. Despite being sold into slavery and facing numerous trials, Joseph rises to a position of power and influence, fulfilling God's plan for him to preserve the lineage of Israel during a time of famine. Potipherah's connection to Joseph through Asenath serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the unexpected ways in which His purposes are accomplished.

Historical Context:

Historically, the city of On (Heliopolis) was one of the most important religious centers in ancient Egypt. It was renowned for its temple dedicated to Ra and was a hub of theological and philosophical thought. The priests of On, such as Potipherah, were not only religious leaders but also held considerable political power. This context provides insight into the significance of Joseph's marriage into Potipherah's family, as it would have afforded him a unique position of influence within Egyptian society.

In summary, Potipherah, as the priest of On and father-in-law to Joseph, plays a pivotal role in the biblical narrative by linking Joseph to the religious and social fabric of Egypt. His mention in the scriptures highlights the intersection of divine providence and human history, illustrating the unfolding of God's plan through the lives of His chosen people.Potipherah

that scatters abroad, or demolishes, the fat

A priest of On, whose daughter Asenath became Joseph's wife (Genesis 41:45).

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). ...
/p/potipherah.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

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

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

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

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

Egypt (596 Occurrences)
... The names Zaphnath-paaneah, Asenath, and Potipherah have been variously equated
in Egyptian, Naville seeing forms of the XVIIIth Dynasty in them, but ...
/e/egypt.htm - 101k

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