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Patriarchs · Old Testament

Joseph

Dreamer, Leader & Preserver of Israel

Name meaning
He will add
Name origin
Hebrew: יוֹסֵף (Yosef), commonly understood as "he will add"

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Shepherd
  • Steward
  • Administrator
  • Vizier of Egypt
Birthplace
Paddan Aram (in Canaan)
Modern-day location
Upper Mesopotamia, likely in present-day southeastern Turkey or northern Syria; the exact site is uncertain.
Family
  • Son of Jacob and Rachel
  • Brother of Benjamin and ten half-brothers
  • Father of Manasseh and Ephraim
First mention
Genesis 30:22-24
Last mention
Genesis 50:22-26
Key artifacts
  • Coat of many colours
  • Pharaoh's signet ring
  • Grain stores

Key verses

  • “And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man.”

    Genesis 39:2

  • “be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.”

    Genesis 45:5

  • “ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

    Genesis 50:20

Biography

Early Life

Joseph was the favored son of Jacob, given a distinctive coat. His dreams of leadership provoked jealousy, and his brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt.

Defining Biblical Moments

In Egypt, Joseph served in Potiphar's house, was falsely accused and imprisoned, then interpreted Pharaoh's dreams and was elevated to vizier. He administered grain storage through famine and later forgave and provided for his brothers, preserving the family of Israel.

Strengths

Joseph is portrayed as discerning, administratively gifted, forgiving, and steadfast under unjust suffering.

Weaknesses & Lessons

His early boasting about dreams suggests immaturity that required hardship to refine; his story shows how character is shaped through adversity and responsibility.

Life Lessons for Today

Integrity in obscurity, forgiveness after deep hurt, and wise stewardship can turn personal trials into provision for others.

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Joseph appears in Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #7 in Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament

Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament front cover

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