Patriarchs and their families · Old Testament
The Story of Joseph and His Brothers
Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery; in Egypt he rises from prison to rule under Pharaoh, and when famine brings his brothers to him he tests them, reveals himself and forgives them.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
The last part of Genesis follows Joseph, the favourite son of Jacob. His brothers, angry at his dreams and his father’s favour, sell him to traders bound for Egypt. Genesis 37:3–4Genesis 37:26–28
In Egypt Joseph is falsely accused and imprisoned, then made ruler over the land when he interprets Pharaoh’s dreams. Famine brings his brothers to buy grain; he tests them, reveals himself and brings the whole family to Egypt. At the end he tells his brothers that what they meant for harm, God meant for good. Genesis 41:39–41Genesis 45:4–8Genesis 50:19–21
Principal passages
People in this story
Places named
- Shechem and Dothan Genesis 37:12–17
- Egypt Genesis 39:1
- Goshen Genesis 45:10Genesis 47:27
Only places the passages name. Locations are not guessed.
The story, event by event
In the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here.
Joseph’s dreams
Jacob loves Joseph more than his other sons and gives him a special robe. Joseph dreams that his brothers’ sheaves, and then the sun, moon and stars, bow down to him, and his brothers hate him for it.
In Potiphar’s house
In Egypt the LORD is with Joseph and he prospers in Potiphar’s house. He refuses the advances of Potiphar’s wife, she accuses him falsely, and he is put in prison.
People: Joseph, Potiphar, Potiphar’s wife
Dreams in prison
Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker. Both come true, but the cupbearer forgets him.
People: Joseph, the cupbearer, the baker
Before Pharaoh
Two years later Pharaoh dreams of seven fat and seven thin cows. Joseph says God will give the answer: seven years of plenty, then seven of famine. Pharaoh sets him over all Egypt.
People: Joseph, Pharaoh
The brothers come to Egypt
Famine sends ten brothers to buy grain. Joseph recognises them, accuses them of spying, keeps Simeon, and demands they bring Benjamin. On the second journey he tests them with his silver cup, and Judah offers himself in Benjamin’s place.
“I am Joseph”
Joseph can no longer control himself. He weeps, tells his brothers who he is, and says God sent him ahead of them to preserve life.
Jacob’s family moves to Egypt
God tells Jacob not to be afraid to go down to Egypt. Joseph meets his father in Goshen, presents the family to Pharaoh and provides for them through the famine.
Jacob’s blessings and death
Genesis 48:1–49:33 · Genesis 50:1–14
Jacob blesses Joseph’s sons Ephraim and Manasseh, then blesses each of his twelve sons, and dies. He is buried in Canaan.
Joseph’s final years
After Jacob’s death the brothers fear revenge. Joseph weeps and tells them: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” He provides for them, and before he dies asks that his bones be carried up from Egypt.
Later in the Bible
Later passages that recall or interpret this story. They are not events within it.
- Exodus 13:19 Direct reference — Moses takes Joseph’s bones with him out of Egypt.
- Joshua 24:32 Direct reference — Joseph’s bones are buried at Shechem.
- Psalm 105:16–22 Later recollection — A psalm recalls Joseph sold as a slave and made ruler.
- Acts 7:9–16 Later recollection — Stephen retells Joseph’s story to the council in Jerusalem.
- Hebrews 11:22 Direct reference — By faith Joseph spoke of the exodus and gave instructions about his bones.
Connected themes
- Forgiveness Illustrates the theme
The longest story of forgiveness in the Bible, including testing, tears and provision. Genesis 45:4–15Genesis 50:19–21
- Providence Illustrates the theme
Joseph twice speaks of God at work through what his brothers did. Genesis 45:5–8Genesis 50:20
- Reconciliation Illustrates the theme
Joseph and his brothers are restored to one another. Genesis 45:15
Related life situations
- Forgiving Someone Illustrates the theme
Forgiveness that takes time and testing. Genesis 42:24Genesis 50:21
- Betrayal Illustrates the theme
Joseph is betrayed by his brothers. Genesis 37:18–28
- Temptation
Joseph resists temptation in Potiphar’s house. Genesis 39:9–12
- Family Conflict Illustrates the theme
Brothers’ jealousy, and restoration years later. Genesis 37:4Genesis 45:15
Questions for study
Written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
- What feeds the brothers’ hatred in Genesis 37:3-11?
- Where does Genesis 39 say the LORD was with Joseph, and in what circumstances?
- Why do you think Joseph tests his brothers before revealing himself (Genesis 42–44)?
- What does Judah’s speech in Genesis 44:18-34 show about how he has changed?
- How does Joseph explain what happened to him in Genesis 45:5-8 and 50:20?
Study guides
- Understanding the Book of Genesis
Lesson five in story form. Genesis 50:15–21
Reading plans
- The Story of Joseph
The full story page with every event and later references. Genesis 37:1–11
Use offline
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