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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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.
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