Potipherah
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Potipherah in the Bible?
Potipherah served as a priest in the Egyptian city of On (modern-day Heliopolis) and is recorded in the Book of Genesis as the father of Asenath, who became the wife of Joseph.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Potipherah's status as a priest in On clarifies the high social standing of Joseph's new family and explains the specific religious and cultural context of Asenath's background within the biblical narrative.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Potipherah reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Potipherah in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Potipherah 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
"Potipherah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/potipherah/