Potiphar
“The one given or devoted to Pharaoh (the royal house)”
Summary
Potiphar was the Egyptian officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard who purchased Joseph from Midianite merchants and later imprisoned him on his wife's false accusation.
☩Joseph's Master
Potiphar was described as 'an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian.' He purchased Joseph from the Midianite traders for an unnamed sum. The word 'officer' literally means 'eunuch,' but since Potiphar was married, it likely indicates a court official rather than a literal eunuch. He appeared to be a wealthy man with property both in the field and in the house.
☩Joseph's Rise and Fall
Recognizing Joseph's abilities and that the Lord was with him, Potiphar made Joseph overseer of his entire household. Everything Joseph managed prospered, and Potiphar entrusted all he had to Joseph's care. The view of Potiphar's household accords exactly with Egyptian monuments, which show stewards carefully registering produce and the liberty women enjoyed.
☩The False Accusation
Potiphar's wife repeatedly attempted to seduce Joseph, who refused out of loyalty to his master and fear of sinning against God. When she falsely accused Joseph of assault, Potiphar imprisoned him rather than executing him, suggesting he may have doubted his wife's story. The mantle left in her hands, when calmly considered, was stronger proof against her than against Joseph. Potiphar's relatively mild punishment may indicate he suspected the truth.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Potiphar," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Potiphar," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Potiphar," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Potiphar," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).