Joseph
The Dreamer, Ruler of EgyptJacob's favored son who was sold into slavery by his brothers but rose to become second-in-command of Egypt, saving his family from famine
Joseph is one of the most complete 'types' of Christ in the Old Testament. Beloved by his father, hated by his brothers, sold for silver, falsely accused, imprisoned with two others (one saved, one condemned), raised from the pit to the throne, and ultimately the savior of his family - every major event parallels Christ's experience. His statement 'you meant it for evil, but God meant it for good' is one of Scripture's most profound declarations of providence. As Zaphenath-Paneah, he ruled Egypt and stored grain that saved multitudes during famine. Joseph represents faithfulness in suffering, forgiveness of enemies, and God's sovereign ability to bring good from evil.
Original Name
יוֹסֵף (Yosef)
Meaning
May He add, Increaser
Etymology
Rachel named him Joseph (Yosef) saying 'May the LORD add (yosef) to me another son.' The name is a prayer for more children, fulfilled in Benjamin. His Egyptian name Zaphenath-Paneah likely means 'God speaks and lives' or 'revealer of secrets.'
Linguistic Insights
Joseph's name (Yosef) is a prayer-name from 'yasaph' (to add). Rachel's words contain both 'asaph' (He has taken away my disgrace) and 'yosef' (may He add). His Egyptian name, Zaphenath-Paneah, is debated but likely means 'the god speaks and he lives' or 'revealer of hidden things.' His coat (ketonet passim) has been translated 'coat of many colors' or 'long-sleeved robe' - either way, it marked special status. When Joseph said 'you meant it for evil, but God meant it for good' (le'ra'ah...letovah), both uses of 'meant/intended' (chashav) show identical intention with opposite purposes - human evil and divine good working simultaneously. Joseph's typology of Christ is extensive: sold for silver, falsely accused, raised from pit to throne, savior of nations.
Translation Notes
- •Yosef = 'may He add' - Rachel's prayer for more sons
- •Zaphenath-Paneah = Egyptian name, meaning debated
- •'Coat of many colors' or 'long-sleeved robe'
- •Extensive type of Christ throughout his life
Related Terms
Born to Jacob and Rachel
Genesis 30:22-24Received coat of many colors
Genesis 37:3Had prophetic dreams of ruling
Genesis 37:5-11Sold by brothers into slavery
Genesis 37:12-36Served in Potiphar's house
Genesis 39:1-6Falsely accused, imprisoned
Genesis 39:7-20Interpreted dreams in prison
Genesis 40Interpreted Pharaoh's dreams
Genesis 41:1-36Made ruler of Egypt at 30
Genesis 41:37-46Stored grain during abundance
Genesis 41:47-49Brothers came to Egypt for food
Genesis 42Revealed identity to brothers
Genesis 45Brought Jacob and family to Egypt
Genesis 46Forgave brothers; 'God meant it for good'
Genesis 50:15-21Died at 110, embalmed in Egypt
Genesis 50:22-26Genesis 37:5
"Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more."
Genesis 39:2
"The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master."
Genesis 45:5
"And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you."
Genesis 50:20
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."
Hebrews 11:22
"By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones."