Patriarch · Leader · Old Testament
The Story of Joseph
Son of Jacob (Genesis). Not Joseph the husband of Mary.
Also: Yusufu (Kiswahili), Yosefu (Kiswahili)
Son of Jacob, sold into slavery by his brothers, who rose to rule Egypt and saved his family in famine.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Joseph, Jacob's son by Rachel, was loved by his father more than his brothers. After he told them his dreams, they sold him to traders who took him to Egypt. Genesis 37:3–11Genesis 37:25–28
The LORD was with him as a servant in Potiphar's house and in prison. He interpreted Pharaoh's dreams, and Pharaoh set him over all Egypt to prepare for famine. Genesis 39:2–3Genesis 39:21Genesis 41:25–41
When his brothers came to buy grain, Joseph made himself known to them and brought Jacob's family to Egypt. He told them that God had meant for good what they meant for evil. Genesis 45:1–8Genesis 50:19–21
Told in: Genesis
Life at a glance
- Parents
- Jacob and Rachel Genesis 30:22–24
- Wife and sons
- Asenath; sons Manasseh and Ephraim Genesis 41:50–52
- Role
- Ruler over Egypt under Pharaoh Genesis 41:41–43
- Death
- At 110 in Egypt; his bones were later buried at Shechem Genesis 50:26Joshua 24:32
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Joseph
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Dreams and a coat
Jacob gives Joseph a special robe. Joseph dreams that his family bows to him, and his brothers hate him.
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People: Jacob
Sold by his brothers
The brothers throw Joseph into a pit and sell him to traders, who take him to Egypt; they tell Jacob he was killed.
In Potiphar's house
The LORD prospers Joseph as Potiphar's servant. He refuses Potiphar's wife, who accuses him falsely, and he is put in prison.
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Places named: Egypt
Interpreting dreams in prison
Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker; the cupbearer is restored but forgets him.
Pharaoh's dreams
Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams of seven good and seven lean years. Pharaoh makes him ruler over Egypt, and Joseph stores grain.
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Later recollection of this event: Psalms 105:16–22
His brothers come for grain
Genesis 42:1–38 · Genesis 43:1–34 · Genesis 44:1–34
Joseph's brothers come to buy grain and bow before him without recognizing him. He tests them, keeps Simeon, and asks for Benjamin.
Joseph makes himself known
Joseph weeps and tells his brothers who he is, saying God sent him ahead to preserve life, and invites the family to Egypt.
Reunited with Jacob
Genesis 46:28–34 · Genesis 47:1–12
Joseph meets his father in Goshen and settles the family in Egypt during the famine.
Forgiveness and death
After Jacob's death Joseph reassures his brothers: you meant evil, but God meant it for good. He dies at 110 and asks that his bones be carried up from Egypt.
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Later recollection of this event: Hebrews 11:22
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret Joseph. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Later recollections of these events
- Acts 7:9 recalls “Sold by his brothers”
- Psalms 105:16–22 recalls “Pharaoh's dreams”
- Hebrews 11:22 recalls “Forgiveness and death”
Later recollection
- Exodus 13:19 — Moses takes Joseph's bones.
- Joshua 24:32 — Joseph's bones buried at Shechem.
- Acts 7:9–16
Family and relationships
- JacobFatherGenesis 30:22–24
- RachelMotherGenesis 30:22–24
- BenjaminBrotherGenesis 43:29
- Manasseh and EphraimSonsGenesis 41:51–52
Books associated with Joseph
- Genesis Main narrative figure
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
ProvidenceForgiveness
- What does Joseph say about God's purposes in Genesis 45:5-8 and 50:20?
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