Potiphar
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Potiphar in the Bible?
A high-ranking Egyptian official and captain of the guard who purchased Joseph as a slave and placed him in charge of his household.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Potiphar's position clarifies the social dynamics of Joseph's early captivity, showing how a Hebrew slave could rise to manage an elite Egyptian household before his eventual imprisonment.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Potiphar reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Potiphar in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Potiphar clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Potiphar." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/potiphar/