Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-paneah, and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph took charge of all the land of Egypt. Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-paneahThe renaming of Joseph by Pharaoh signifies a change in status and identity, reflecting his new role in Egyptian society. In ancient cultures, names often held significant meaning and power. The name "Zaphenath-paneah" is believed to mean "God speaks, he lives" or "revealer of secrets," highlighting Joseph's God-given ability to interpret dreams. This act of renaming also parallels other biblical instances where individuals receive new names to signify divine purpose, such as Abram to Abraham and Jacob to Israel. and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife
Asenath's marriage to Joseph integrates him into the Egyptian elite, as she is the daughter of Potiphera, a priest of On (Heliopolis), a major religious center dedicated to the sun god Ra. This union symbolizes Joseph's acceptance and assimilation into Egyptian culture while maintaining his Hebrew identity. The priestly connection underscores the importance of religious and political alliances in ancient Egypt. This marriage also prefigures the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant community, as seen in the New Testament. And Joseph took charge of all the land of Egypt
Joseph's rise to power fulfills the dreams he had as a youth, where his family would bow to him, symbolizing his authority. His position as second-in-command to Pharaoh demonstrates God's providence and sovereignty, using Joseph to preserve many lives during the impending famine. This role as a savior of Egypt foreshadows Christ's redemptive work, where Jesus, like Joseph, is exalted to a position of authority to bring salvation. Joseph's administration of Egypt's resources also reflects wise stewardship and leadership principles found throughout Scripture. Persons / Places / Events 1. JosephA Hebrew man who was sold into slavery by his brothers, rose to prominence in Egypt by interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, and was appointed as second-in-command over Egypt. 2. PharaohThe ruler of Egypt who recognized Joseph's wisdom and discernment, elevating him to a position of great authority. 3. Zaphenath-paneahThe Egyptian name given to Joseph by Pharaoh, which is often interpreted to mean "God speaks, and he lives" or "revealer of secrets." 4. AsenathThe daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, given to Joseph as a wife. Her marriage to Joseph signifies his full integration into Egyptian society. 5. OnAn ancient city in Egypt, also known as Heliopolis, which was a center of worship for the sun god Ra. Potiphera, Asenath's father, was a priest here. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and ProvidenceJoseph's rise to power in Egypt demonstrates God's sovereign plan and providence. Despite the hardships Joseph faced, God was orchestrating events for a greater purpose. Integration and InfluenceJoseph's marriage to Asenath and his new name signify his integration into Egyptian society. Christians are called to be in the world but not of it, influencing society while maintaining their faith. Faithfulness in AdversityJoseph remained faithful to God despite his circumstances. Believers are encouraged to trust God and remain faithful, knowing He is in control. Cultural EngagementJoseph's acceptance of an Egyptian name and wife shows his engagement with the culture while maintaining his identity. Christians can engage with culture without compromising their beliefs. God's TimingJoseph's account is a testament to God's perfect timing. Believers are reminded to trust in God's timing, even when it seems delayed. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Joseph's new name, Zaphenath-paneah, reflect his role and God's work in his life? 2. In what ways can Joseph's integration into Egyptian society serve as a model for Christians engaging with their own cultures today? 3. How does Joseph's account illustrate the truth of Romans 8:28, and how can this encourage us in our own trials? 4. What can we learn from Joseph's faithfulness in adversity, and how can we apply this to our own lives? 5. How does the account of Joseph demonstrate the importance of God's timing, and how can we cultivate patience and trust in God's plan? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 37Joseph's journey begins with his dreams and his brothers' betrayal, setting the stage for his eventual rise in Egypt. Genesis 45Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers, showing how God's plan unfolded through his trials and triumphs. Acts 7:9-10Stephen recounts Joseph's account, emphasizing God's providence and Joseph's faithfulness. Romans 8:28This verse speaks to God's ability to work all things for good, as seen in Joseph's life. | Joseph's Adoption of Egyptian Manners | A. Maclaren, D. D. | Genesis 41:45 | | Joseph's New Name | W. M. Taylor, D. D. | Genesis 41:45 | | Ability Discovered | One Thousand New lllustrations | Genesis 41:37-45 | | Egyptian-Fine Linen | Things Not Generally Known. | Genesis 41:37-45 | | From Prison to Palace | A. Maclaren, D. D. | Genesis 41:37-45 | | Governor of Egypt | Prof. Hilprecht. | Genesis 41:37-45 | | High Endowments Qualify for Respect | G. Lawson, D. D. | Genesis 41:37-45 | | Joseph, the Wise Ruler | D. O. Mears. | Genesis 41:37-45 | | Joseph, the Wise Ruler | D. G. Hughes, M. A. | Genesis 41:37-45 | | Joseph's Exaltation | | Genesis 41:37-45 | | Joseph's Exaltation | J. C. Gray. | Genesis 41:37-45 | | Joseph's Promotion in Egypt | Homilist | Genesis 41:37-45 | | Joseph's Qualification for Ruling | F. W. Robertson, M. A. | Genesis 41:37-45 | | Leaders of Men | Vinet. | Genesis 41:37-45 | | Pharaoh Accepts Joseph's Advice | T. H. Leale. | Genesis 41:37-45 | | Pharaoh and Joseph | A. P. Foster, D. D. | Genesis 41:37-45 | | Pharaoh's Prime Minister | W. S. Smith, B. D. | Genesis 41:37-45 | | The Secret of Joseph's Elevation | W. M. Taylor, D. D. | Genesis 41:37-45 | | The Tried Man | R.A. Redford | Genesis 41 |
People Asenath, Egyptians, Joseph, Manasseh, Pharaoh, Potipherah, ZaphnathpaaneahPlaces Egypt, Nile River, OnTopics Asenath, As'enath, Asnath, Calleth, Daughter, Egypt, Forth, Giveth, Joseph, Joseph's, Marriage, Named, Pharaoh, Potiphera, Poti'phera, Poti-phera, Potipherah, Poti-pherah, Priest, Throughout, Wife, Zaphenath-paneah, Zaph'enath-pane'ah, Zaphnathpaaneah, Zaphnath-paaneahDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 41:45 5044 names, giving of
5711 marriage, restrictions Genesis 41:1-49 8131 guidance, results Genesis 41:41-45 5501 reward, human Genesis 41:41-49 5542 society, positive Library The Covenant of Works
Q-12: I proceed to the next question, WHAT SPECIAL ACT OF PROVIDENCE DID GOD EXERCISE TOWARDS MAN IN THE ESTATE WHEREIN HE WAS CREATED? A: When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him upon condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge upon pain of death. For this, consult with Gen 2:16, 17: And the Lord commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt …
Thomas Watson—A Body of DivinityThe Earliest Chapters in Divine Revelation
[Sidenote: The nature of inspiration] Since the days of the Greek philosophers the subject of inspiration and revelation has been fertile theme for discussion and dispute among scholars and theologians. Many different theories have been advanced, and ultimately abandoned as untenable. In its simplest meaning and use, inspiration describes the personal influence of one individual upon the mind and spirit of another. Thus we often say, "That man inspired me." What we are or do under the influence …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament Man's Chief End
Q-I: WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN? A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever. Here are two ends of life specified. 1: The glorifying of God. 2: The enjoying of God. I. The glorifying of God, I Pet 4:4: That God in all things may be glorified.' The glory of God is a silver thread which must run through all our actions. I Cor 10:01. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' Everything works to some end in things natural and artificial; …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4 Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision F. Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. ^C Luke XVI. 19-31. [The parable we are about to study is a direct advance upon the thoughts in the previous section. We may say generally that if the parable of the unjust steward teaches how riches are to be used, this parable sets forth the terrible consequences of a failure to so use them. Each point of the previous discourse is covered in detail, as will be shown by the references in the discussion of the parable.] …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It.
[Sidenote: 1139] 33. (20). It seemed to him, however, that one could not go on doing these things with sufficient security without the authority of the Apostolic See; and for that reason he determined to set out for Rome, and most of all because the metropolitan see still lacked, and from the beginning had lacked, the use of the pall, which is the fullness of honour.[507] And it seemed good in his eyes[508] that the church for which he had laboured so much[509] should acquire, by his zeal and labour, …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 41:45 NIVGenesis 41:45 NLTGenesis 41:45 ESVGenesis 41:45 NASBGenesis 41:45 KJV
Genesis 41:45 Commentaries
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