Joseph and Asenath together on this image in Berlin. Man depicted close to them may be Potipherah.

According to the Hebrew Bible, Potipherah (/pɒˈtɪfərə/, Hebrew: פּוֹטִי פֶרַע‎ Pōṭī feraʿ‍) was a priest of the ancient Egyptian town of On,[1] mentioned in the Genesis 41:45 and 41:50. He was the father of Asenath, who was given to Joseph as his wife by Pharaoh, (41:45) and who bore Joseph two sons: Manasseh and Ephraim.[2]

His name means "he whom Ra has given".[3]

Biblical source

Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-paneah; and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, as his wife. Thus Joseph gained authority over the land of Egypt.

— Genesis 41:45

Theories

It has been noted that Potipherah served as a priest in Ra's most important cult center.[3] A Jewish legend makes him the same person as Potiphar, whose wife[4] was in love with Joseph and whose false accusation got him thrown in prison.

References

  1. ^ The Open court, Volume 27. Harry Houdini Collection (Library of Congress).
  2. ^ 41:50
  3. ^ a b Hoffmeier, James K. (1999). Israel in Egypt: The Evidence for the Authenticity of the Exodus Tradition. Oxford University Press. p. 84. ISBN 978-0-19-976123-4.
  4. ^ Legends of Old Testament characters from the Talmud and other sources by Sabine Baring-Gould
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