Potiphar

Gender: Male

Years: -1728 - -1728

Dictionary Text: Dedicated to Ra; i.e., to the sun-god, the Egyptian to whom the Ishmaelites sold Joseph. He was “captain of the guard”, i.e., chief, probably, of the state police, who, while they formed part of the Egyptian army, were also largely employed in civil duties. Joseph, though a foreigner, gradually gained his confidence, and became overseer over all his possessions. Believing the false accusation which his profligate wife brought against Joseph, Potiphar cast him into prison, where he remained for some years.

Family Members

Verses

• Genesis 37:36: And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, and captain of the guard.
• Genesis 39:1: And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.