Original Word: פוֹטִיפַר
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Powtiyphar
Pronunciation: poh-TEE-far
Phonetic Spelling: (po-tee-far')
NASB: Potiphar
Word Origin: [of Egyptian derivation]

1. Potiphar

Potiphar

Of Egyptian derivation: Potiphar, an Egyptian -- Potiphar.

Word Origin
of foreign origin
Definition
Joseph's master
NASB Translation
Potiphar (2).

מּוֺטִיפַר proper name, masculine Joseph's master (abbreviated from following); — Genesis 37:36 (E), Genesis 39:1 (R^J), Πετεφρης, etc.

Name and Meaning

Potiphar (פֹּוטִיפַר) is the personal name of an influential Egyptian official in the days of the patriarchs. Though linguistically related to the Egyptian phrase “he whom Ra has given,” Scripture makes no theological comment on the etymology, focusing instead on the man’s role in the unfolding of God’s purposes for Joseph and, ultimately, for Israel.

Historical Setting

Potiphar lived during the Middle Bronze Age, a period when Semitic peoples traded freely with Egypt. As “captain of the guard” (Genesis 39:1), he belonged to Pharaoh’s elite circle, overseeing the royal bodyguard and state prisoners. Archaeological findings confirm that such officers held both military and judicial authority, explaining how Potiphar could purchase, promote, and imprison Joseph under the same roof.

Biblical Narrative

1. Purchase of Joseph – “Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard” (Genesis 37:36).
2. Joseph’s Promotion – Seeing that “the LORD was with Joseph and made him prosper,” Potiphar entrusted “everything that was his” to Joseph’s hand (Genesis 39:3-4).
3. False Accusation – Potiphar’s wife attempted to seduce Joseph. Joseph’s refusal and her ensuing deceit led Potiphar to confine him to the royal prison (Genesis 39:7-20).
4. Continued Favor – Even in prison Joseph thrived, indicating that Potiphar’s administrative domain may have extended to that very facility (Genesis 39:22-23).

Character and Occupation

• Title: “Captain of the guard” (Hebrew literally, chief of the executioners) signified command over the king’s personal security force and the detention of high-profile prisoners.
• Discernment: Potiphar recognized integrity and competence in Joseph, swiftly elevating him.
• Temperament: His response to his wife’s allegation—anger yet measured action—suggests inner conflict. Some commentators note that a capital sentence was customary for assault on an official’s wife; Potiphar’s choice of imprisonment may imply lingering trust in Joseph.

Interaction with Joseph

Potiphar’s household became the training ground where Joseph learned Egyptian language, culture, and administration—skills God would later employ to preserve many lives (Genesis 50:20). Potiphar’s decision to confine Joseph rather than execute him positioned Joseph for divine appointments with Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker, ultimately leading to Joseph’s elevation as vizier.

Theological Themes

• Divine Sovereignty: Potiphar’s authority, though formidable, is shown to be subordinate to God’s providential hand guiding Joseph’s account (Genesis 39:2-3).
• Integrity and Stewardship: Joseph’s faithfulness under Potiphar illustrates that godly character transcends circumstance and ethnicity.
• Temptation and Purity: Potiphar’s wife embodies the moral testing of a believer. Joseph’s flight (Genesis 39:12) upholds holiness despite personal cost.

Ministerial Applications

1. Workplace Witness – Like Joseph, believers may serve under leaders who do not share their faith yet still testify to God by excellence and honesty.
2. Responding to False Accusation – Joseph’s silence and trust in God model godly reaction when reputation is assaulted.
3. Leadership Responsibility – Potiphar’s oversight reminds Christian leaders of their accountability for those under their care, whether servants, employees, or congregants.

Related Scripture References

Genesis 37:36; Genesis 39:1-23; Genesis 40:3-4 (implied jurisdiction of “the captain of the guard”).

Traditional and Extra-Biblical Insights

Jewish tradition sometimes identifies Potiphar with Potiphera, priest of On (Genesis 41:45), but the text treats them as separate individuals. Early Christian writers emphasized Joseph’s chastity over against Potiphar’s wife, drawing parallels to New Testament exhortations such as 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5.

Summary

Potiphar stands as a secondary yet crucial figure in Genesis. His authority sets the stage for Joseph’s rise, his household becomes Joseph’s proving ground, and his prison places Joseph within reach of Pharaoh. Through Potiphar, Scripture showcases God’s ability to orchestrate His redemptive plan within the corridors of secular power.

לְפֽוֹטִיפַר֙ לפוטיפר פּוֹטִיפַר֩ פוטיפר lə·p̄ō·w·ṭî·p̄ar lefotiFar ləp̄ōwṭîp̄ar pō·w·ṭî·p̄ar potiFar pōwṭîp̄arInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts