Genesis 39:2
Who Was Joseph (Old Testament)?
Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is one of the most compelling figures in the Old Testament. Favored by his father and given a coat of many colors, Joseph incurred the jealousy of his brothers, who sold him into slavery in Egypt. There he served faithfully in Potiphar's house, was falsely accused and imprisoned, and eventually rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt after interpreting Pharaoh's dreams about a coming famine. Joseph's story is a masterful narrative of God's sovereignty, showing how what others intended for evil, God used for the salvation of an entire family and nation.
Joseph (Old Testament) appears in: Genesis
Key Events
Sold Into Slavery
Joseph's jealous brothers sold him to Midianite traders for twenty pieces of silver. He was taken to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, where he served faithfully and was put in charge of the entire household.
Falsely Imprisoned
When Potiphar's wife falsely accused Joseph of assaulting her, he was thrown into prison. Even there, God was with him, and Joseph found favor with the jailer and was put in charge of the other prisoners.
Interpreting Pharaoh's Dreams
Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dreams of seven fat cows and seven lean cows as seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Pharaoh recognized God's wisdom in Joseph and appointed him ruler over all Egypt.
Reunion with His Brothers
When famine drove Joseph's brothers to Egypt for grain, Joseph tested them before revealing his identity. He wept and declared, "Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."
Key Scriptures
Genesis 39:2
Genesis 45:5-7
Genesis 50:20
Lessons from Joseph (Old Testament)
- God is with us in every circumstance — in the pit, in prison, and in the palace.
- What others intend for harm, God can sovereignly redirect for good and for the saving of many lives.
- Faithfulness and integrity in small, unseen positions prepare us for greater responsibilities.
Family Discussion & Activity
Discussion Questions
- ? Joseph was treated unfairly many times but stayed faithful. How do you respond when something unfair happens to you?
- ? Joseph said God turned his brothers' evil into good. Can you think of a time something bad turned into something good?
- ? Joseph forgave his brothers even after everything they did to him. Why is forgiveness so important, and why is it so hard?
Family Activity
Read about Joseph (Old Testament) in the Bible this week. Have each family member draw or write about what they admire most about Joseph (Old Testament) and share with the family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old was Joseph when he was sold into slavery?
Joseph was seventeen years old when his brothers sold him to the Midianite traders (Genesis 37:2). He was thirty when he stood before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:46), meaning he spent approximately thirteen years as a slave and prisoner before his elevation to power.
What does the coat of many colors represent?
The Hebrew term ketonet passim (Genesis 37:3) has been translated as "coat of many colors" or "a long robe with sleeves." It was a special garment signifying Jacob's particular favor toward Joseph. This visible favoritism fueled the brothers' jealousy and set the story's events in motion.
Is Joseph a type of Christ?
Many Bible scholars see Joseph as a "type" or foreshadowing of Christ. Both were beloved by their fathers, rejected and betrayed by their own, sold for silver, falsely accused, suffered unjustly, were exalted to positions of supreme authority, and became the source of salvation for many. While Joseph himself was not the Messiah, his life remarkably prefigures the pattern of Christ's rejection and exaltation.
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