Interesting Facts

• Potiphar was an officer of Pharaoh, holding the position of captain of the guard.
• He is also referred to as a eunuch of Pharaoh and the chief of the cooks, and a priest of the city of ‘Elew. Another source identifies him as an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian.
• Potiphar purchased Joseph from the Midianites.
• He was very impressed with Joseph and left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, making him overseer over his house and all that belonged to him.
• Potiphar had a wife, referred to as Zelicah in one source, who attempted to seduce Joseph.
• Potiphar had a child of eleven months old whose mouth the Lord opened to reveal the truth about Zelicah’s accusations against Joseph.

Genealogy

• One source mentions that Potiphera, the son of Ahiram, was a priest of On, and his daughter Osnath was given to Joseph as wife by Pharaoh. Another source states Potiphar gave his daughter to Joseph. However, these sources do not explicitly state that this Potiphera is the same individual as the Potiphar who purchased Joseph.
• Potiphar is described as having a wife.
• He had an eleven-month-old child.

Historical Context

Potiphar lived in Egypt during the time when Pharaoh ruled. He held a position of significant authority as the captain of the guard, indicating his importance within the Egyptian court and military structure. The presence of priests who also served as judges suggests a theocratic aspect to the legal system. The narrative involving Potiphar’s wife and Joseph highlights the social dynamics and potential power imbalances within households of prominent Egyptians. The fact that Potiphar sought counsel from priests regarding Joseph’s alleged crime demonstrates the reliance on established legal and religious authorities for judgment.

Narrative

Potiphar’s story begins when he purchases Joseph as a slave from the Midianites. Recognizing Joseph’s integrity and the Lord’s favor upon him, Potiphar quickly elevates Joseph to the position of overseer of his entire household and all his possessions. He demonstrates a great deal of trust in Joseph, relinquishing control over his affairs. However, this trust is tested when Potiphar’s wife, Zelicah, repeatedly attempts to seduce Joseph. Despite her persistent enticements and even threats, Joseph consistently refuses her advances, citing his loyalty to Potiphar and his fear of sinning against God. When Zelicah’s advances are unsuccessful, she cunningly accuses Joseph of attempting to lie with her while no one else was in the house. Upon hearing his wife’s accusations, Potiphar becomes enraged. Although the priests who served as judges determined that Joseph was likely innocent based on the torn garment, Potiphar, influenced by his wife’s report and the scandal it might cause, orders Joseph to be punished and subsequently imprisons him in the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. Even while Joseph is in prison, Potiphar’s wife continues to try and persuade him. Despite the accusations and imprisonment, Potiphar’s initial trust in Joseph and the intervention of his own child who revealed Zelicah’s lies suggest a conflict between his personal judgment and the circumstances he faced. Ultimately, Potiphar’s actions lead to Joseph’s confinement, setting the stage for Joseph’s later rise to prominence through his ability to interpret dreams while in prison.