Potiphar
malePatriarchalMeaning: “He whom Ra gave”
The Egyptian officer, captain of Pharaoh’s guard, who bought Joseph and set him over his house, then imprisoned him on his wife’s false accusation.
Biography
Potiphar was "an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian," who bought Joseph from the Ishmaelite traders (Genesis 39:1). His household became the setting for one of the great tests of Joseph's integrity.
A trusted steward
Seeing that "the LORD was with him," Potiphar made Joseph overseer of his entire house, and God blessed the Egyptian's household for Joseph's sake (Genesis 39:3–5).
A false accusation
When Joseph refused the repeated advances of Potiphar's wife, she falsely accused him of attacking her. Potiphar, enraged, cast Joseph into the royal prison (Genesis 39:19–20) — yet even there "the LORD was with Joseph," and the injustice became the path to his eventual rise.
Life Timeline
Buys Joseph and makes him overseer of his house
Imprisons Joseph on his wife’s false accusation
On the Bible timeline
Potiphar belongs to the The Patriarchs era (c. 2100 – 1800 BC).
- c. 2091 BCThe Call of Abraham
- c. 1898 BCJoseph Sold into Egypt
Themes & lessons from Potiphar
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Potiphar appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
2 verses in 1 bookGenesis2 verses
Genesis 37:36
And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard. officer: Heb. eunuch: but the word doth signify not only eunuchs, but also chamberlains, courtiers, and officers captain: or, chief marshal: Heb. chief of the slaughter men, or executioners
Genesis 39:1
And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.
Frequently asked about Potiphar
Who was Potiphar in the Bible?
The Egyptian officer, captain of Pharaoh’s guard, who bought Joseph and set him over his house, then imprisoned him on his wife’s false accusation.
What does the name Potiphar mean?
The name Potiphar means “He whom Ra gave”.
What did Potiphar do in the Bible?
Potiphar served as captain of pharaoh's guard.
Where does Potiphar appear in the Bible?
Potiphar is mentioned 2 times across 1 book: Genesis.
What can we learn from Potiphar?
The story of Potiphar touches on themes of civil service, ishmaelites, midianites, servants — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Potiphar's life.
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