Genesis 41:45 kjv

And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.

Genesis 41:45 nkjv

And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnath-Paaneah. And he gave him as a wife Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On. So Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.

Genesis 41:45 niv

Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah and gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt.

Genesis 41:45 esv

And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphenath-paneah. And he gave him in marriage Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On. So Joseph went out over the land of Egypt.

Genesis 41:45 nlt

Then Pharaoh gave Joseph a new Egyptian name, Zaphenath-paneah. He also gave him a wife, whose name was Asenath. She was the daughter of Potiphera, the priest of On. So Joseph took charge of the entire land of Egypt.

Genesis 41 verses

Genesis 41 45 Meaning

Pharaoh, as the supreme authority in Egypt, officially inducted Joseph into the highest echelons of Egyptian society. He bestowed upon Joseph a new Egyptian name, Zaphenath-Paneah, signifying his esteemed position and potentially his wisdom or role in saving the land. Simultaneously, Joseph was given Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, in marriage. This union further cemented his integration and status within the powerful religious and political elite. Joseph then commenced his duties, taking full control as viceroy to administer the land of Egypt and prepare for the famine.

Genesis 41 45 Context

This verse immediately follows Pharaoh's full recognition of Joseph's divine wisdom and the anointing of Joseph to the second highest position in Egypt. Joseph, who was just a prisoner, is suddenly elevated to grand vizier. The preceding verses (Gen 41:37-44) detail Pharaoh's astonishment at Joseph's interpretative wisdom and administrative proposal, concluding with Pharaoh giving Joseph his signet ring, fine linen, and a gold chain, thus vesting him with supreme authority. Verse 45 describes the ceremonial and official actions Pharaoh takes to formalize Joseph's integration and authority: the new name marks a new identity fitting his new high office, and the marriage aligns him with the highest echelons of Egyptian society. This deep integration into Egyptian power structures was crucial for Joseph to effectively implement the ambitious plan of food collection and distribution throughout the vast land, a task for which his entire life's journey was providentially preparing him.

Genesis 41 45 Word Analysis

• Pharaoh (פַּרְעֹה - Par‘ōh): The title for the king of Egypt. Here, it underscores his absolute authority to elevate Joseph and transform his status instantly.
• gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah:
  • gave Joseph the name: The act of bestowing a new name by a king signifies adoption into the royal house, elevation, or a new function. It often denoted a complete change in identity or destiny, confirming loyalty and belonging.
  • Zaphenath-Paneah (צָפְנַת פַּעְנֵחַ - Tzaphenat Pa'neaẖ): This Egyptian name is transliterated into Hebrew. Its precise etymology is debated by scholars, but common interpretations include "God speaks, and he lives," "The man to whom mysteries are revealed," "Sustainer of life," or "treasury of the glorious rest." All these meanings relate perfectly to Joseph's role in revealing divine secrets (dreams) and preserving the lives of Egypt and surrounding nations through famine relief. This new name established Joseph's Egyptian identity and his profound significance.
• and gave him Asenath:
  • gave him Asenath: Royal marriages were political tools. By arranging this marriage, Pharaoh further solidified Joseph's position within Egyptian society and dynasty, effectively tying him to Egypt's elite and giving him legitimate claim to high status children within the realm.
  • Asenath (אָסְנַת - Asenat): This is an Egyptian name, believed to mean "belonging to Neith," an ancient Egyptian goddess associated with creation, weaving, war, and the hunt. Her name appearing emphasizes the pagan religious environment Joseph was entering.
• daughter of Potiphera:
  • Potiphera (פּוֹטִי פֶרַע - Poti Phera): Another Egyptian name, likely meaning "he whom Ra has given" or "belonging to Ra," referencing the chief Egyptian sun god. This highlights the deeply religious context of the family.
• priest of On:
  • Priest (כֹּהֵן - Kohen): Refers to a minister of the Egyptian gods.
  • On (אוֹן - On): The ancient Egyptian city of Heliopolis (Greek for "City of the Sun"), a principal center for the worship of Ra, the sun god. Potiphera's position as a priest of On meant he was from a family of significant influence and religious power in Egypt, adding to the status and connections Joseph gained through the marriage. It placed Joseph within the highest social strata of Egyptian polytheistic religion, presenting a striking contrast with his own faith in the one God.
• to be his wife: Legitimizes the union, ensuring the continuation of Joseph's line within Egypt's powerful hierarchy.
• And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt: This concluding phrase indicates that Joseph immediately began exercising his new authority and fulfilling his mandate to manage the nation's affairs, underscoring his diligent and widespread administration, preparing Egypt for the coming famine. It shows he was an active governor, not merely a ceremonial figurehead.

Genesis 41 45 Bonus section

• The naming ceremony and arranged marriage by the Pharaoh underscore the totalitarian power of the Egyptian monarch, where a ruler could instantly elevate someone from prison to the highest echelons of power and force immediate societal integration through name and familial ties.
• The city of On (Heliopolis) was also renowned as a center of learning and astronomical observation in ancient Egypt, adding another layer of significance to Asenath's family background. It implies Joseph married into a family with both religious authority and intellectual prestige.
• While some later Old Testament laws strongly forbid intermarriage with foreign women (Deut 7:3-4, Ex 34:15-16), particularly to prevent idolatry and preserve the unique identity of God's covenant people, Joseph's marriage occurs long before the giving of the Mosaic Law. Furthermore, his situation was unique and under direct divine providence to save many lives, including the progenitors of Israel. God's larger redemptive plan sometimes utilizes paths that differ from later specific commands, especially before the full establishment of the covenant with Israel at Sinai.
• Despite his new Egyptian name and family ties, there is no biblical evidence that Joseph compromised his worship of YHWH. He named his own sons Manasseh ("causing to forget," referencing God's help) and Ephraim ("fruitfulness," referencing God's grace), showing his continued dedication to his God (Gen 41:51-52). This demonstrates God's power to maintain faithfulness even in pagan surroundings.

Genesis 41 45 Commentary

Genesis 41:45 marks the climax of Joseph's incredible rise to power, meticulously orchestrated by God. Pharaoh's actions served to fully integrate Joseph into Egyptian culture and society, providing him with a public Egyptian identity through a new name and linking him to the most powerful religious families through marriage. This ensured Joseph's authority was not only divinely sanctioned through the wisdom he displayed but also culturally legitimized within the Egyptian system. The new name, Zaphenath-Paneah, encapsulates his essential role as a divine revealer and preserver of life. Marrying Asenath, daughter of a high-ranking pagan priest from On (Heliopolis), gave him instant social and political ties, bypassing any prejudice against him as a foreigner and former slave. This seemingly pagan integration was providentially purposed to position Joseph perfectly for his massive task of saving both Egypt and ultimately, his own family, God's chosen people. It is a profound testament to God's ability to use all circumstances—even seemingly contradictory ones—to advance His purposes, without compromising Joseph's core faith. Joseph was Egyptianized in name and status but remained faithful in heart, allowing him to be a bridge between cultures and God's instrument of salvation.