Original Word: פוֹטִי פֶרַע
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Powtiy Phera`
Pronunciation: poh-tee feh-rah
Phonetic Spelling: (po-tee feh'-rah)
KJV: Poti-pherah
NASB: Potiphera
Word Origin: [of Egyptian derivation]

1. Poti-Phera, an Egyptian

Poti-pherah

Of Egyptian derivation; Poti-Phera, an Egyptian -- Poti-pherah.

Word Origin
of foreign origin
Definition
Joseph's father-in-law
NASB Translation
Potiphera (3).

מּוֺטִי פֶ֫רַע proper name, masculine priest of On, Joseph's father-in-law (Egyptian P°-di°-p°-R±, i.e. he whom the Ra gave, see Sethe^{De aleph prosthetico in ling. aeg. (1892), 31}; Dr in Hastings^DB); — Genesis 41:45,50 (E), Genesis 46:20 (P), Πετεφρης, A Πετρεφης.

Name and Identity

Potiphera is introduced as “priest of On” and the father of Asenath, Joseph’s wife (Genesis 41:45). His position links him to the leading cultic center of Heliopolis (“On”), seat of Egypt’s solar worship. The name itself reflects Egyptian devotion to the sun-god, underscoring Joseph’s elevation into Egypt’s highest religious circles.

Biblical Occurrences

• Genesis 41:45 – Pharaoh bestows Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, on Joseph in marriage.
• Genesis 41:50 – Two sons are born to Joseph “by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On.”
• Genesis 46:20 – The same lineage is affirmed when Jacob’s family migrates to Egypt.

Historical and Cultural Context

On (Heliopolis) was famed for its obelisks and as a center of Ra worship. Priests of this cult enjoyed immense prestige, advising Pharaohs and exercising educational influence. Joseph’s alliance with Potiphera therefore knit him to the intellectual and spiritual elite of Egypt, enhancing his authority as Pharaoh’s vizier.

Role in the Joseph Narrative

1. Political Legitimacy: Pharaoh’s gift of Asenath, a priest’s daughter, publicly ratified Joseph’s new status (Genesis 41:45).
2. Social Integration: Marriage into Potiphera’s house provided Joseph entrée into native aristocracy, ensuring cooperation during the years of plenty and famine.
3. Preservation of Israel: The alliance safeguarded Jacob’s family in Goshen. Potiphera’s priestly prestige likely eased tensions as Israelites settled in Egyptian territory.

Genealogical Significance

Through Asenath, Potiphera becomes grandfather of Manasseh and Ephraim, later adopted by Jacob as full tribal heirs (Genesis 48:5). This grafting of Egyptian blood into Israel highlights God’s sovereign inclusion of Gentiles while maintaining covenant continuity.

Theological Themes

• Providence and Sovereignty: Joseph’s sudden rise from prisoner to son-in-law of a high priest showcases divine orchestration (Genesis 50:20).
• Typology: Joseph prefigures Christ—rejected yet exalted to save many; his marriage to a Gentile bride after exaltation foreshadows the gathering of the nations (Acts 15:14). Potiphera’s household thus becomes a stage for a salvation-historical pattern.
• Holiness in a Pagan Culture: Joseph remains faithful while engaged with an idolatrous priestly family, modeling uncompromised integrity in cross-cultural ministry.

Intertestamental and Later Tradition

Jewish legend (e.g., Joseph and Asenath) embellishes Potiphera’s household, portraying conversion to the worship of the God of Israel. While extra-biblical, such traditions reflect an early recognition that Gentile families connected to Joseph could be drawn to covenant faith.

Lessons for Ministry

1. Strategic Partnerships: God can use relationships—even with influential unbelievers—to accomplish redemptive purposes.
2. Family Influence: The faith of one righteous leader (Joseph) can transform an entire lineage, reaching sons and grandsons raised amid foreign customs.
3. Cultural Engagement: Believers may serve effectively within secular institutions without compromising devotion to the Lord, trusting that fidelity outweighs the surrounding climate.

Summary

Potiphera’s brief appearance spotlights the intersection of Israel’s patriarchal account with Egypt’s religious aristocracy. His priestly stature legitimizes Joseph’s rule, facilitates Israel’s preservation, and foreshadows the global scope of God’s redemptive plan.

פֶ֖רַע פֶ֛רַע פרע Fera p̄e·ra‘ p̄era‘Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts