Who was Joseph?

Interpreter of dreams

The story of Joseph

Joseph - Prophet, Vizier
Joseph - Prophet, Vizier
49 yearsBorn: -29Died: 20From: NazarethProphet, Vizier

Joseph is a biblical figure who is best known for his role in the book of Genesis as the son of Jacob and the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus. According to the biblical account, Joseph was a righteous man who was chosen by God to be the earthly father of Jesus. Before his role as the earthly father of Jesus, Joseph was a successful businessman and the favorite son of Jacob. However, his life was filled with challenges and trials, including being sold into slavery by his own brothers and being falsely accused of a crime. Despite these difficulties, Joseph remained faithful to God and was eventually elevated to a position of power in Egypt, where he was able to help his family during a time of famine. Joseph is remembered for his faith, his integrity, and his obedience to God, even in the face of great adversity. He is also remembered for his role as the earthly father of Jesus, and for his protection and care for Mary and Jesus during the early years of Jesus' life. The exact date of Joseph's birth and death is not specified in the Bible, but he is believed to have lived sometime between the 16th and 1st centuries BCE. The story of Joseph continues to be an important part of the religious and cultural heritage of many people around the world, and it continues to shape the way that people understand the nature of faith, family, and obedience to God.

Name meaning

"He will add" or "God will increase"

Name origin

Hebrew

Role

Prophet, Vizier

First mention

Genesis 30:24

Appearances in the Bible

229 mentions

Family

Relatives of Joseph

Joseph in the Bible

Explore all 70 chapters where Joseph appears

Genesis

Chapter 30

The Birth of Jacob's Children

Jacob becomes very wealthy with large flocks and many children.

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Genesis

Chapter 33

Jacob Meets Esau

Jacob and Esau are reconciled and Jacob moves his family to Bethel.

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Genesis

Chapter 35

Jacob's Return to Bethel

God tells Jacob to move to Bethel and to get rid of foreign gods. Jacob renames the place Bethel and builds an altar to ...

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Genesis

Chapter 37

Joseph's Dreams and His Brothers' Jealousy

Joseph, one of Jacob's son, is favored by his father and his brothers become jealous. They sell him into slavery in Egyp...

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Genesis

Chapter 39

Joseph and Potiphar's Wife

Joseph is sold to Potiphar, an Egyptian officer, and becomes successful in his service. Potiphar's wife falsely accuses ...

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Genesis

Chapter 40

Joseph Interprets Dreams in Prison

Joseph interprets the dreams of the Pharaoh's cupbearer and the baker and is later called upon to interpret the Pharaoh'...

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Genesis

Chapter 41

Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams

Joseph is appointed as the second-in-command in Egypt and he successfully manages the country during the famine, providi...

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Genesis

Chapter 42

Joseph's Brothers Come to Egypt for Food

Joseph's brothers come to Egypt to buy food during the famine and they do not recognize Joseph, who tests them.

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Genesis

Chapter 43

Joseph's Brothers Return to Egypt with Benjamin

The brothers return to Egypt with Benjamin, Joseph's brother, and Joseph reveals himself to them.

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Genesis

Chapter 44

Joseph's Silver Cup Found in Benjamin's Sack

Joseph's brothers are afraid that he will seek revenge for being sold into slavery and they plead for mercy.

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Genesis

Chapter 45

Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers

Joseph forgives his brothers and tells them to bring their father Jacob and their families to Egypt.

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Genesis

Chapter 46

Jacob and His Family Move to Egypt

Jacob and his family move to Egypt and settle in the land of Goshen.

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Genesis

Chapter 47

Jacob's Blessing to Pharaoh

Joseph provides food for his family and the Egyptians during the famine.

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Genesis

Chapter 48

Jacob Blesses Joseph's Sons

Jacob blesses Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh.

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Genesis

Chapter 49

Jacob's Blessings and Death

Jacob blesses his twelve sons, giving each a prophecy about their descendants.

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Genesis

Chapter 50

Joseph's Final Journey to Bury Jacob

Jacob dies and is buried in the cave of Machpelah. Joseph's brothers fear that he will seek revenge now that Jacob is de...

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Exodus

Chapter 1

Oppression in Egypt

The Israelites are enslaved in Egypt and God chooses Moses to lead them out of Egypt and to the Promised Land. Moses is ...

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Exodus

Chapter 13

Firstborn Males

God commands that the Israelites are to set apart all firstborn males for him.

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Numbers

Chapter 1

The Census of the Israelites

A census is taken of the Israelites, and the organization of the tribes is outlined.

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Numbers

Chapter 13

The Spies Sent to Canaan

Moses sends out twelve spies to explore the land of Canaan and they bring back a mixed report.

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Numbers

Chapter 26

The Census of the Israelites

A second census is taken of the Israelites and the land is apportioned among the tribes.

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Numbers

Chapter 27

The Daughters of Zelophehad

The daughters of Zelophehad approach Moses, asking for their father's inheritance, as he has no sons. God commands that ...

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Numbers

Chapter 32

Reuben and Gad Inherit East of Jordan

The tribes of Reuben and Gad ask Moses for permission to settle in the land east of the Jordan River.

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Numbers

Chapter 34

The Borders of the Land of Canaan

God commands the Israelites to appoint Joshua as Moses' successor and to divide the land of Canaan among the tribes.

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Numbers

Chapter 36

The Law of Inheritance

God commands that Zelophehad's daughters' inheritance must remain within their own tribe, so that the land allotted to e...

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Deuteronomy

Chapter 27

The Altar and the Curse for Disobedience

Moses commands the Israelites to set up large stones and plaster them with plaster and to inscribe on them all the words...

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Deuteronomy

Chapter 33

The Blessing of Moses

Moses blesses the Israelite tribes, pronouncing a special blessing on each of them.

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Joshua

Chapter 14

The Inheritance of Caleb

Joshua allocates the land of Canaan by lot to the tribes of Judah and Simeon.

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Joshua

Chapter 16

Ephraim's Territory

Joshua allocates the land of Canaan by lot to the tribes of Joseph, Ephraim and West Manasseh.

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Joshua

Chapter 17

Manasseh's Territory

Joshua allocates the land of Canaan by lot to the tribes of Manasseh and Benjamin.

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Joshua

Chapter 18

Remaining Tribal Allotments

Joshua allocates the land of Canaan by lot to the remaining tribes.

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Joshua

Chapter 24

Covenant Renewal at Shechem

Joshua gathers all the Israelites at Shechem and reminds them of God's faithfulness and calls on them to choose to serve...

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Judges

Chapter 1

Israel's Continuing Conquest

The Israelites begin to worship other gods, and as a result, God allows them to be oppressed by their enemies.

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Matthew

Chapter 1

The Genealogy and Birth of Jesus

Matthew lists the genealogy of Jesus, showing that He is the promised Messiah and the son of Abraham and David.

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Matthew

Chapter 2

The Visit of the Magi

Wise men visit Jesus, and King Herod orders all boys under 2 years old in Bethlehem to be killed.

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Matthew

Chapter 27

The Trial and Crucifixion of Jesus

Jesus is crucified and buried, and on the third day He rises from the dead.

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Mark

Chapter 15

Jesus Before Pilate and Crucifixion

Jesus is crucified and buried, and on the third day He rises from the dead.

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Luke

Chapter 1

The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

Luke writes a prologue, in which he explains that his gospel is based on the testimony of those who were eyewitnesses an...

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Luke

Chapter 2

The Birth of Jesus

The birth of Jesus is announced to Mary and Joseph, and He is born in Bethlehem.

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Luke

Chapter 3

The Ministry of John the Baptist

John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus, who begins His ministry with a baptism and the descent of the Holy Spirit.

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Luke

Chapter 4

The Temptation of Jesus

Jesus is tempted by Satan and begins His ministry in Galilee.

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Luke

Chapter 23

Jesus before Pilate

Jesus is crucified, He dies and He is buried in a tomb. On the third day He rises from the dead. He appeared to many peo...

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John

Chapter 1

The Word Became Flesh

John writes an introduction to his gospel, describing Jesus as the Word of God who was with God and was God from the beg...

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John

Chapter 4

The Samaritan Woman at the Well

Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at a well and teaches her about living water.

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John

Chapter 6

Feeding the Five Thousand, Walking on Water

Jesus feeds the 5,000 and teaches about the bread of life.

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John

Chapter 19

Jesus Before Pilate

Jesus is sentenced to death by crucifixion, He dies and He is buried.

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The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 1

The Ascension of Jesus and the Selection of Matthias

The Holy Spirit descends on the apostles at Pentecost, and they begin to preach and perform miracles in Jerusalem.

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The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 7

Stephen's Martyrdom

Stephen gives a powerful speech before the council, and he is stoned to death.

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2 Samuel

Chapter 19

David's Return to Jerusalem

David returns to Jerusalem and is reconciled with his subjects.

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1 Kings

Chapter 11

Solomon's Apostasy

Solomon becomes increasingly idolatrous, leading to division in the kingdom after his death.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 2

Genealogy of David

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 5

Reuben, Gad, and the Half-Tribe of Manasseh

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 7

Genealogy of the Tribes of Israel

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 25

David Appoints Musicians

The division of the priests and Levites into groups for the service of the temple, including the organization of musicia...

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Ezra

Chapter 10

Repentance and Renewal

The repentance and renewal of the exiles, including the removal of foreign wives and the celebration of the feast of the...

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Nehemiah

Chapter 12

Dedication of the Wall

The dedication of the wall of Jerusalem and the celebration of the feast of Dedication.

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Amos

Chapter 5

A Lament for Israel

Amos laments for Israel, calling on them to seek justice and righteousness, and warning them of impending judgment.

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Amos

Chapter 6

The Proud and Comfortable

God accuses the wealthy and comfortable of ignoring the poor and oppressed, and of not seeking Him.

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Obadiah

Chapter 1

The Judgment of Edom

Obadiah prophesies the judgment of Edom, a neighboring nation that had rejoiced at the destruction of Jerusalem and oppr...

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Zechariah

Chapter 10

A Promise of Rain and Blessing

The Lord promises to send rain and blessing to His people, and to restore the shepherd and the flock.

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Hebrews

Chapter 11

Examples of Faith

This chapter provides examples of people from the Old Testament who lived by faith, inspiring readers to follow their ex...

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Revelation

Chapter 7

The 144,000 and the Great Multitude

This chapter describes the sealing of the 144,000 and the great multitude who are redeemed. The chapter emphasizes the p...

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Psalms

Chapter 77

A Cry for Help to the Faithful God

Psalm 77 expresses the psalmist's distress and anguish, but also his trust in God's character and power. The psalmist cr...

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Psalms

Chapter 78

Lessons from Israel's History

Psalm 78 recounts the history of Israel and how God proved Himself faithful despite their continuous disobedience. It em...

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Psalms

Chapter 80

A Cry for Restoration

Psalm 80 is a lamentation prayer of the people of Israel for God to restore them. The psalmist cries out to God, remindi...

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Psalms

Chapter 81

The Invitation to Worship

Psalm 81 is a call to the people of Israel to remember the goodness of God and worship Him with all their hearts. It beg...

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Psalms

Chapter 105

Remembering God's Faithfulness

Psalm 105 is a reminder of God's faithfulness throughout history. The psalmist retells the stories of God's covenant wit...

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Ezekiel

Chapter 37

The Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones

In Ezekiel 37, the prophet receives a vision of a valley filled with dry bones. God challenges Ezekiel to prophesy to th...

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Ezekiel

Chapter 47

The Vision of the Temple River

In chapter 47 of Ezekiel, the prophet has a vision of a temple river flowing from the sanctuary of the temple. As the wa...

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Ezekiel

Chapter 48

The Division of the Promised Land

In Ezekiel chapter 48, the prophet receives a vision from God regarding the allotment of land for the twelve tribes of I...

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Showing all 70 chapter appearances