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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Poti-pherah</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/p/poti-pherah.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/genesis/41-45.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/p/poti-pherah.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Poti-pherah</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/p/potipherah.htm" title="Potipherah">◄</a> Poti-pherah <a href="/topical/p/potipherah_or_potipherah.htm" title="Potipherah or Potipherah">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Poti-pherah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Genesis, specifically in the narrative concerning Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. His name, Poti-pherah, is of Egyptian origin and is often understood to mean "he whom Ra has given," reflecting the Egyptian practice of theophoric names that incorporate the names of deities.<br><br><b>Biblical References:</b><br><br>Poti-pherah is introduced in <a href="/genesis/41-45.htm">Genesis 41:45</a>, where he is identified as the priest of On, an ancient city also known as Heliopolis, which was a major center of worship for the sun god Ra. The verse states: "Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-paneah and gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt" (<a href="/genesis/41-45.htm">Genesis 41:45</a>).<br><br><b>Role and Significance:</b><br><br>Poti-pherah's primary significance in the biblical narrative is his connection to Joseph through his daughter, Asenath. Asenath becomes Joseph's wife, and together they have two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, who later become the heads of two of the tribes of Israel. This marriage signifies Joseph's integration into Egyptian society and his rise to power as second-in-command to Pharaoh.<br><br>The mention of Poti-pherah as a priest of On highlights the cultural and religious milieu of ancient Egypt, where the priesthood held significant influence and status. The city of On, or Heliopolis, was a prominent religious center, and its priests were among the most esteemed in Egyptian society. By marrying into such a family, Joseph's position and authority in Egypt were further solidified.<br><br><b>Cultural and Historical Context:</b><br><br>The role of a priest in ancient Egypt was multifaceted, involving religious, political, and social duties. As a priest of On, Poti-pherah would have been responsible for the rituals and ceremonies associated with the worship of Ra, the sun god, who was one of the most important deities in the Egyptian pantheon. This connection underscores the syncretism present in Joseph's life, as he navigated his Hebrew faith while living in a polytheistic society.<br><br><b>Theological Implications:</b><br><br>From a theological perspective, the marriage of Joseph to Asenath, the daughter of Poti-pherah, can be seen as part of God's providential plan. Despite the cultural and religious differences, this union was instrumental in the preservation and prosperity of Jacob's family during the famine that struck the region. It also illustrates the theme of God's sovereignty and ability to work through diverse circumstances and people to fulfill His purposes.<br><br>Poti-pherah's mention in the biblical text, though brief, serves as a reminder of the complex interactions between the Israelites and the surrounding nations. His role as a priest of On and father-in-law to Joseph highlights the intersection of faith, culture, and divine providence in the unfolding narrative of God's people.<a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/6319.htm"><span class="l">6319. Poti Phera -- Joseph's father-in-law</span></a><br><b>...</b> 3). <b>Poti</b>-<b>pherah</b>. Of Egyptian derivation; Poti-Phera, an Egyptian -- <b>Poti</b>-<b>pherah</b>.<br> 6318, 6319. Poti Phera. 6320 . Strong's Numbers. <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/6319.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_k/joseph_the_prime_minister.htm"><span class="l">Joseph, the Prime Minister</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Egypt. And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnath-paaneah; and he gave him<br> to wife Asenath the daughter of <b>Poti</b>-<b>pherah</b> priest of On. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/joseph the prime minister.htm</font><p><a href="/library/various/the_testaments_of_the_twelve_patriarchs/xi_the_testament_of_joseph_concerning.htm"><span class="l">The Testament of Joseph Concerning Sobriety.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Ps. Jon. of Genesis 41:45, "And he gave him to wife Asenath, whom Dinah bare to<br> Shechem: and the wife of <b>Potipherah</b> prince of Tanes brought up.". <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../xi the testament of joseph concerning.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/p/potipherah.htm"><span class="l"><b>Potipherah</b> (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Easton's Bible Dictionary A priest of On, whose daughter Asenath became Joseph's<br> wife (Genesis 41:45). Multi-Version Concordance <b>Potipherah</b> (3 Occurrences). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/potipherah.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/poti-pherah.htm"><span class="l"><b>Poti</b>-<b>pherah</b> (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>Poti</b>-<b>pherah</b>. <b>Potipherah</b>, <b>Poti</b>-<b>pherah</b>. Pots . Multi-Version Concordance<br><b>Poti</b>-<b>pherah</b> (3 Occurrences). <b>...</b> (WBS YLT). <b>Potipherah</b>, <b>Poti</b>-<b>pherah</b>. Pots . Reference <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/poti-pherah.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/asnath.htm"><span class="l">Asnath (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Genesis 41:45 And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnath-paaneah, and gave him<br> as wife Asnath the daughter of <b>Potipherah</b> the priest in On. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/asnath.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/poti-phera.htm"><span class="l">Poti-phera (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br>Poti-phera. Poti'phera, Poti-phera. <b>Potipherah</b> . Int. <b>...</b> (See JPS ASV BBE WBS<br> YLT). Poti'phera, Poti-phera. <b>Potipherah</b> . Reference Bible. <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/poti-phera.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/pots.htm"><span class="l">Pots (30 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/pots.htm - 15k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/bare.htm"><span class="l">Bare (250 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Genesis 41:50 And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came,<br> which Asenath the daughter of <b>Potipherah</b> priest of On bare unto him. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/bare.htm - 35k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/borne.htm"><span class="l">Borne (172 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Genesis 41:50 And to Joseph were born two sons before the year of famine cometh,<br> whom Asenath daughter of <b>Poti</b>-<b>Pherah</b>, priest of On, hath borne to him, (YLT). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/borne.htm - 38k</font><p><a href="/topical/z/zaphnathpaaneah.htm"><span class="l">Zaphnathpaaneah (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Genesis 41:45 And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave<br> him to wife Asenath the daughter of <b>Potipherah</b> priest of On. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/z/zaphnathpaaneah.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/asenath.htm"><span class="l">Asenath (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Easton's Bible Dictionary An Egyptian name, meaning "gift of the sun-god", daughter<br> of <b>Potipherah</b>, priest of On or Heliopolis, wife of Joseph (Genesis 41:45). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/asenath.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm"><span class="l">Joseph (248 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Potiphar and <b>Potipherah</b> are the Egyptian Pa-tu-pa-Ra, `the gift of the sun-god.'<br> The name given to Joseph, Zaphnath-paaneah, is probably the Egyptian Zaf-nti-pa <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/joseph.htm - 91k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Poti-pherah (3 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/genesis/41-45.htm">Genesis 41:45</a></span><br />And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnath-paaneah; and he gave him for a wife Asenath the daughter of <span class="boldtext">Poti-pherah</span> priest of On: and Joseph went over all the land of Egypt. <br /><span class="source">(WBS YLT)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/genesis/41-50.htm">Genesis 41:50</a></span><br />And to Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came: which Asenath the daughter of <span class="boldtext">Poti-pherah</span> priest of On bore to him. <br /><span class="source">(WBS YLT)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/genesis/46-20.htm">Genesis 46:20</a></span><br />And to Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, whom Asenath the daughter of <span class="boldtext">Poti-pherah</span> priest of On bore to him.<br /><span class="source">(WBS YLT)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/p/poti-pherah.htm">Poti-pherah</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/p/poti-pherah--joseph's_father-in-law.htm">Poti-Pherah: Joseph's Father-In-Law</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/poti-pherah.htm">Poti-pherah (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/asnath.htm">Asnath (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/poti-phera.htm">Poti-phera (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/pots.htm">Pots (30 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bare.htm">Bare (250 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/borne.htm">Borne (172 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zaphnathpaaneah.htm">Zaphnathpaaneah (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/asenath.htm">Asenath (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph (248 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/giveth.htm">Giveth (378 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/calleth.htm">Calleth (261 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt (596 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/p/potipherah.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Potipherah"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Potipherah" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/p/potipherah_or_potipherah.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Potipherah or Potipherah"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Potipherah or Potipherah" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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