Joseph
“May He add or increaser”
Summary
A name borne by several biblical figures, most notably the eleventh son of Jacob who became viceroy of Egypt and preserved his family during famine, and the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
☩Joseph Son of Jacob
Joseph was the elder son of Jacob and Rachel, born around 1913 BC after years of Rachel's barrenness. His name contains a double meaning: 'remover' (of reproach) and 'increaser' (may God add another son). As the son of Jacob's old age and beloved wife, Joseph was favored above his brothers, receiving a distinctive coat that symbolized his special status. This favoritism, combined with his dreams foretelling his future supremacy, provoked his brothers' jealousy to the point where they sold him into slavery at age seventeen.
☩From Slave to Ruler
Sold to Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh's guard, Joseph prospered because 'the Lord was with him.' Falsely accused by Potiphar's wife after refusing her advances, he was cast into prison, where he interpreted dreams for Pharaoh's butler and baker. Two years later, called to interpret Pharaoh's dreams of seven fat and seven lean years, Joseph was elevated to viceroy of Egypt at age thirty. He wisely stored grain during the years of plenty, saving Egypt and surrounding nations during the famine. His name was changed to Zaphnath-paaneah, and he married Asenath, daughter of the priest of On, by whom he had Ephraim and Manasseh.
☩Reconciliation and Legacy
When his brothers came to Egypt seeking grain, Joseph tested them before revealing himself with tears and forgiveness. He brought his entire family to Egypt, settling them in Goshen, where they were sustained through the remaining years of famine. Before his death at 110, Joseph made his brothers swear to carry his bones to Canaan when God would bring them out of Egypt—a command fulfilled at the Exodus. Joseph's faith in God's promises is commended in Hebrews 11:22. His two sons Ephraim and Manasseh became two of the twelve tribes of Israel, receiving Jacob's blessing with Ephraim placed before the firstborn Manasseh.
☩Joseph Husband of Mary
Joseph of Nazareth was a carpenter and descendant of David who was betrothed to Mary when she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. Described as a 'just man,' he intended to divorce Mary quietly until an angel revealed the divine nature of her conception. He obeyed the angel's instructions to take Mary as his wife and to name the child Jesus. Joseph protected the infant Jesus by fleeing to Egypt to escape Herod's massacre and later settled in Nazareth. He is last mentioned when Jesus was twelve years old at the temple in Jerusalem; his absence from later Gospel accounts suggests he died before Jesus began His public ministry.
Related Verses259 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Joseph," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Joseph," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Joseph (1)," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Joseph," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).