Genesis 41:50 kjv

And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him.

Genesis 41:50 nkjv

And to Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On, bore to him.

Genesis 41:50 niv

Before the years of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On.

Genesis 41:50 esv

Before the year of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph. Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore them to him.

Genesis 41:50 nlt

During this time, before the first of the famine years, two sons were born to Joseph and his wife, Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, the priest of On.

Genesis 41 verses

Genesis 41 50 Meaning

Genesis 41:50 states that Joseph, before the commencement of the severe seven-year famine, became the father of two sons. These sons were born to him by Asenath, who was the daughter of Potipherah, the priest of On. This verse highlights a crucial period of blessing and procreation for Joseph, strategically occurring during the years of plenty and before the global scarcity, signaling divine providence in his personal life amidst his national responsibilities.

Genesis 41 50 Context

Genesis chapter 41 vividly describes Joseph's meteoric rise to power in Egypt, from a prisoner to Pharaoh's second-in-command. This elevation followed his successful interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams, which foretold seven years of abundant harvests followed by seven years of severe famine. Joseph's role was to manage the national response, storing food during the years of plenty. Verse 50 occurs within this period of plenty, before the famine. The historical context is ancient Egypt, a polytheistic society with a powerful pharaoh and a highly structured social system. Joseph, a Hebrew monotheist, found himself deeply integrated into this pagan society, yet consistently demonstrates his faith in God. This verse underscores God's blessing upon Joseph's personal life even as he prepared for a global crisis.

Genesis 41 50 Word analysis

• And unto Joseph: "And" (waw) connects this event to Joseph's established life and high position in Egypt. "Unto Joseph" emphasizes the direct blessing and benefit he personally received. It highlights that the births were for him, providing lineage.
• were born: Hebrew: yullad (יוּלַּד). This verb form is a Pual, indicating a passive action or state. It literally means "was caused to be born" or simply "were born." This phrasing suggests a divine orchestration or natural process, rather than a focus on Joseph's active procreation, subtly pointing to God's hand in bringing forth his heirs.
• two sons: Specificity highlights the establishment of Joseph's direct lineage. These two sons later become the progenitors of two full tribes in Israel, demonstrating God's blessing of fruitfulness to Joseph. This grants him a double portion, a birthright often reserved for the firstborn.
• before the years of famine came: Hebrew: beṭerem ba’u shĕnoth hara'av. This phrase provides crucial chronological context. It emphasizes God's foresight and providence. Joseph's family was established and his sons had time to grow during prosperity before the onset of hardship. This ensured their nourishment and secure beginnings.
• which Asenath: Identifies the mother. Her name, Asenath (אָסְנַת, 'Osnat), is Egyptian, possibly meaning "belonging to Neith" (an Egyptian goddess) or "she of her father." This signals her pagan background, a contrast to Joseph's faith, yet sanctioned by Pharaoh (Gen 41:45).
• the daughter of Potipherah: Further identifies Asenath through her father. Potipherah (פּוֹטִי פֶרַע, Poṭi Pheraʿ) is an Egyptian name, likely meaning "he whom Ra has given" or "Gift of Ra," Ra being the chief Egyptian sun-god. It's important to distinguish him from Potiphar, Joseph's former master, though their names share root similarities.
• priest of On: This title indicates Potipherah's prominent religious status. On (אֹן), known as Heliopolis ("City of the Sun") to the Greeks, was a major ancient Egyptian cult center for the worship of the sun god Ra. His status as a priest meant he was a leader in the highest ranks of Egyptian polytheistic religion. This detail underscores the depth of Joseph's integration into pagan Egyptian society, yet without compromising his own devotion to the one true God.
• bare unto him: Reaffirms that these children were legally and genetically Joseph's, securing his lineage.

Genesis 41 50 Bonus section

The names given to the two sons in the subsequent verses (Gen 41:51-52), Manasseh ("causing to forget") and Ephraim ("fruitfulness"), offer profound insight into Joseph's personal reflection on God's work in his life. Manasseh reflects God helping Joseph forget the hardship of his past and his father's house. Ephraim speaks to God making him fruitful in the land of his affliction. The prominence of On (Heliopolis) as the center of sun worship highlights the stark religious contrast between Joseph's faith and Asenath's background. Despite this, Joseph maintains his integrity and continues to serve the true God, showcasing his unwavering faith even when deeply embedded in a foreign, pagan culture. This scenario provides an early example of God using circumstances involving "unclean" elements to advance His plan, much like later prophets engaging with foreign powers for Israel's good.

Genesis 41 50 Commentary

Genesis 41:50 marks a pivotal moment in Joseph's personal life amidst his national responsibilities. The birth of his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, before the famine, signifies divine blessing and timely provision. God ensures Joseph's lineage is secured and fruitful even as he prepares for years of desolation. This is not merely a biographical detail but a demonstration of God's covenant faithfulness to Abraham's descendants (through Jacob/Israel and Joseph). The timing suggests God's care extends beyond the spiritual, providing for the physical well-being of Joseph's household before the trials began. Furthermore, Joseph's marriage to Asenath, the daughter of a high-ranking pagan priest, illustrates God's sovereignty over all nations and systems. He used even seemingly contrary circumstances—an interfaith marriage sanctioned by a pagan Pharaoh—to accomplish His greater purpose, which included providing a stable family life for His chosen instrument. The fact that Joseph remained devoted to YHWH while raising his family in a pagan environment shows the depth of his faith and God's protection. The later blessings Jacob gives to Manasseh and Ephraim affirm their importance to the future of Israel.