What Happened to Joseph in the Bible?
Joseph’s Early Life and Family
- Joseph was one of twelve sons of Jacob (also called Israel), born to Jacob and Rachel
- He was favored by his father, who gave him a special coat of many colors, causing jealousy among his brothers
- Joseph had prophetic dreams indicating he would one day rule over his family, further angering his brothers
Betrayal and Slavery
- When Joseph was about seventeen, his brothers plotted against him. Initially planning to kill him, they instead sold him to Ishmaelite traders for twenty pieces of silver
- The brothers deceived their father Jacob by presenting Joseph’s coat stained with goat’s blood, leading Jacob to believe Joseph was dead
Life in Egypt: Servitude and Imprisonment
- Joseph was taken to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, an official of Pharaoh
- He gained favor and was put in charge of Potiphar’s household, but was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife of attempted assault after he refused her advances
- As a result, Joseph was imprisoned, but he again found favor and was put in charge of other prisoners
Rise to Power
- In prison, Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker, and later, Pharaoh himself
- Joseph accurately interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams about an upcoming famine and was promoted to second-in-command over all Egypt, tasked with managing food storage and distribution
Reunion and Forgiveness
- When famine struck, Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt to buy grain. After testing their character, Joseph revealed his identity and forgave them
- Joseph invited his entire family to settle in Egypt, where they prospered under his protection
Legacy
- Joseph is remembered for his faithfulness, integrity, and forgiveness, rising from betrayal and hardship to become a leader who saved many lives, including his own family
Summary Table
Event| Description
---|---
Favored son| Receives coat of many colors; dreams of ruling family
Betrayed by brothers| Sold into slavery; coat stained with blood to deceive
father
Servant in Egypt| Rises to manage Potiphar’s house; falsely accused,
imprisoned
Prison| Interprets dreams for fellow prisoners and Pharaoh
Ruler in Egypt| Becomes second to Pharaoh; manages famine relief
Family reunited| Forgives brothers; brings family to Egypt
Joseph’s story is found in Genesis chapters 37–50 and is a central narrative about faith, perseverance, and forgiveness in the Old Testament
