Potipherah
malePatriarchalMeaning: “He whom Ra gave”
The priest of On (Heliopolis) whose daughter Asenath was given to Joseph in marriage by Pharaoh.
Biography
Potipherah was "priest of On" — the Egyptian city of Heliopolis, a center of sun worship — and the father of Asenath. When Pharaoh exalted Joseph over all Egypt, he gave him Potipherah's daughter Asenath as his wife (Genesis 41:45). Through that marriage Potipherah became the grandfather of Manasseh and Ephraim, who were adopted by Jacob and became tribes of Israel (Genesis 41:50; 46:20) — an Egyptian priestly family woven, unexpectedly, into the story of God's covenant people.
Life Timeline
His daughter Asenath given to Joseph in marriage
On the Bible timeline
Potipherah belongs to the The Patriarchs era (c. 2100 – 1800 BC).
- c. 2091 BCThe Call of Abraham
- c. 1898 BCJoseph Sold into Egypt
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Potipherah
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Potipherah appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
3 verses in 1 bookGenesis3 verses
Genesis 41:45
And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt. Zaphnathpaaneah: which in the Coptic signifies, A revealer of secrets, or, The man to whom secrets are revealed priest: or, prince
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. priest: or, prince
Genesis 46:20
And unto Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him. priest: or, prince
Frequently asked about Potipherah
Who was Potipherah in the Bible?
The priest of On (Heliopolis) whose daughter Asenath was given to Joseph in marriage by Pharaoh.
What does the name Potipherah mean?
The name Potipherah means “He whom Ra gave”.
What did Potipherah do in the Bible?
Potipherah served as priest of on.
Who were Potipherah's children?
Potipherah's children include Asenath.
Where does Potipherah appear in the Bible?
Potipherah is mentioned 3 times across 1 book: Genesis.
What can we learn from Potipherah?
The story of Potipherah touches on themes of economics, captive, egypt, jacob — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Potipherah's life.
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