Genesis 37:36 kjv

And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard.

Genesis 37:36 nkjv

Now the Midianites had sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard.

Genesis 37:36 niv

Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard.

Genesis 37:36 esv

Meanwhile the Midianites had sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard.

Genesis 37:36 nlt

Meanwhile, the Midianite traders arrived in Egypt, where they sold Joseph to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Potiphar was captain of the palace guard.

Genesis 37 verses

Genesis 37 36 Meaning

Genesis 37:36 details the fate of Joseph following his abandonment by his brothers. It concisely reveals his purchase by Potiphar, a prominent Egyptian official, marking a crucial turning point in Joseph’s life and in God's redemptive plan for His people. This verse signifies Joseph’s transition from a free, favored son in Canaan to an enslaved foreigner in Egypt, laying the groundwork for his future trials, divine elevation, and instrumental role in preserving the lineage of Abraham and the emerging nation of Israel.

Genesis 37 36 Context

Genesis 37 narrates the beginnings of Joseph’s saga. Immediately prior to verse 36, Joseph's envious brothers plot to kill him, but Reuben intervenes. Instead, they sell him into slavery, and then deceptively lead their father Jacob to believe Joseph has been devoured by a wild animal. Verse 36 shifts the narrative's focus from the brothers' actions in Canaan to Joseph's arrival and new circumstances in Egypt. Historically and culturally, this reflects the active slave trade routes between Canaan and Egypt. Egypt, as a major power with advanced administrative structures, employed a significant number of officials. Potiphar's specific title highlights the specialized roles within Pharaoh's highly structured court, involving internal security, legal enforcement, and oversight of various royal domains. This context is crucial for understanding how Joseph, a Hebrew slave, could eventually rise within such a system.

Genesis 37 36 Word analysis

• Meanwhile (וְהַמְּדָנִים - vəhammədānîm): This Hebrew particle vav ("and," "but," or "now") connected with the definite article, along with "the Midianites," signals a transition and continuation of the story, focusing on the agency of those who directly facilitated Joseph’s arrival in Egypt. It serves as a narrative bridge.
• the Midianites (הַמְּדָנִים - hammədānîm): This term presents a point of scholarly discussion in conjunction with Gen 37:28 which mentions "Ishmaelites." Various interpretations exist:
  • Interchangeable terms: Midianites and Ishmaelites were related nomadic groups involved in trade, often used loosely in a regional context.
  • Separate roles: The Midianites drew Joseph out of the pit, while the Ishmaelites then purchased him from the Midianites and transported him to Egypt. In this view, verse 36 highlights the Midianites' primary role in the "sale" out of the pit and perhaps their connection to the ultimate sale in Egypt.
  • Caravan network: They might have been different groups or tribes operating within the same trading caravan network.
  • Source criticism: Some theories propose different literary sources contributing to the narrative, leading to a blending of terminology. Regardless, the Midianites are the direct conduit bringing Joseph to Egypt.
• had sold (מָכְרוּ - māḵrū): The Hebrew verb is in the Qal perfect tense, indicating a completed action. The use of "had sold" (pluperfect) accurately conveys that this transaction occurred prior to the knowledge of Jacob and before the main events unfolding in Egypt began for Joseph. It signifies finality in this stage of Joseph's journey.
• Joseph (יוֹסֵף - Yôśēp̄): The primary subject. His name means "He adds" or "May he add," prophetically hinting at his later role in adding to his family's welfare and prominence. His journey underscores the motif of divine election and providence in a single life.
• in Egypt (מִצְרָיְמָה - miṣrāyəmāh): The accusative ending -mah (motion towards) emphasizes his arrival in the land of Egypt. This nation is pivotal in Israelite history, representing both bondage and sustenance. For Joseph, Egypt becomes the crucible of his character and the arena for his divine purpose.
• to Potiphar (פּוֹטִיפַר - Pōṭîp̄ar): First appearance of this significant character. His name is of Egyptian origin, likely meaning "he whom Re has given" or "dedicated to Ra," reflecting the pervasive influence of Egyptian sun-god worship. Potiphar's decision to purchase Joseph initiates the next phase of Joseph's life.
• an officer of Pharaoh (סְרִיס פַּרְעֹה - sərîs Parʿōh): The Hebrew term saris (סָרִיס) often refers to a "eunuch" but in many biblical and ancient Near Eastern contexts, it broadened to signify any high court official or chamberlain, especially one trusted by the monarch, regardless of physical castration. This usage here indicates Potiphar's high social standing and his direct service to the Pharaoh. He represents a figure of significant authority within the royal household.
• —the captain of the guard (שַׂר הַטַּבָּחִים - sar haṭṭabbāḥîm): This is Potiphar’s specific official title. Sar (שַׂר) means "chief" or "captain," and haṭṭabbāḥîm (הַטַּבָּחִים) literally means "of the slaughterers" or "chief of the executioners." This title refers to the head of Pharaoh's royal bodyguards or the state police, who also would have overseen the royal prison (later Gen 39:20; 40:3-4). This was a position of immense power, responsible for security and the administration of justice (including capital punishment). Being owned by such a powerful figure positions Joseph strategically for future developments, particularly regarding his later imprisonment.