Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easily missed here is that "knew not Joseph" isn't just about forgetting a name. It signifies a profound disconnect, meaning the new king didn't acknowledge Joseph's impact or feel indebted for the prosperity he brought. This deliberate ignorance allowed him to disregard Joseph's family and initiate harsh policies, treating them as strangers rather than guests.
Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.
English Standard Version (ESV)
For over a century, the descendants of Israel had lived peacefully and multiplied greatly in Egypt, benefiting from the favor shown to Joseph's family. However, a new Pharaoh came to power who either didn't know Joseph personally or, more significantly, refused to acknowledge the immense good Joseph had done for Egypt. This king, fearful of the Israelites' growing numbers and power, decided to oppress them by forcing them into hard labor and building slave cities, effectively erasing the memory of Joseph's service.
Have you ever felt like your good deeds were completely overlooked? This new king in Egypt had no memory of Joseph's incredible service.
The verse introduces a 'new king' who 'did not know Joseph.' This isn't just about forgetting a name; it signifies a radical shift.
A Different Mindset
The original language suggests that 'knowing' someone isn't just about factual recall, but about acknowledgment, recognition, and even approval. This king didn't acknowledge Joseph's immense contributions or the legacy of his service.
The Amnesia of Power
Commentators suggest this 'new king' might have belonged to a different dynasty, or simply had a different agenda. The memory of Joseph's benefits, which had protected his family for over a century, had faded. This highlights how quickly gratitude can disappear, especially when new leaders, new political climates, or new fears take hold.
Pharaoh calls his oppressive plan 'dealing wisely.' But what kind of wisdom is this, and who is it truly wise for?
When this new king came to power, he didn't just forget Joseph; he actively plotted against Joseph's descendants. He convened his advisors, fearing the Israelites' growing numbers.
A Pretext for Oppression
Pharaoh proposed they 'deal wisely' with the Israelites. This 'wisdom' involved strategic oppression to prevent the Israelites from multiplying and potentially becoming a threat. It was a fear-driven strategy masked as prudence.
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The Deception of Self-Interest
This tactic is a classic example of how self-interest can twist the concept of wisdom. True wisdom, from God's perspective, involves justice and compassion. Pharaoh’s 'wisdom' was about maximizing his own perceived security and power, even at the cost of righteousness and humanity. It’s the kind of thinking that justifies harming others for personal gain or perceived safety.
Understand the original words
melek · Hebrew Noun
A title for a monarch, often implying absolute rule; in this context, it refers to the sovereign power of Egypt who exercised authority over both his own people and the enslaved Israelites.
yada' · Hebrew Verb
In this context, it implies more than mere intellectual awareness; it denotes a lack of recognition of the covenantal favor, historical alliance, or the divine blessing associated with Joseph's role in Egypt.
The 'new king' likely represents a dynasty that either forgot or deliberately ignored the past, particularly the vital role Joseph played. This historical context highlights how political shifts and the passage of time can erase gratitude and pave the way for oppression, even towards those who once saved a nation.
c. 1700 BC
Expulsion of the Hyksos
Native Egyptian dynasties reassert control over Egypt after expelling the Hyksos rulers, potentially marking a shift in political power and memory.
c. 1600-1300 BC
New Kingdom Period
A period of strong centralized rule and imperial expansion in Egypt, with powerful pharaohs and significant building projects.
c. 1279–1213 BC— this verse
Reign of Ramesses II
A prominent pharaoh of the 19th Dynasty, known for his extensive building projects, military campaigns, and long reign.
c. 1250 BC
Hebrews Forced into Labor
Under the new regime, the Israelites are systematically oppressed, forced into slave labor, and compelled to build cities like Pithom and Raamses.
This verse directly references Joseph's own successful interaction with Pharaoh, highlighting how Joseph's brethren were granted land and favor in Goshen because of his influence.
Genesis 50:20This verse shows Joseph's profound understanding of God's redemptive plan, explaining how evil intentions (of his brothers) can be used by God for good, a stark contrast to the Pharaoh who chooses to act out of fear and ingratitude.
Psalm 105:16-22This passage recounts God's sovereign hand in Joseph's life, from his enslavement to his rise to power, emphasizing God's ultimate control even when human rulers act with malice or forgetfulness.
Matthew 25:40Jesus' words here about ministering to 'the least of these' as ministering to Him echo the principle that acts of kindness and service have eternal significance, a principle forgotten by the new Pharaoh towards Joseph's descendants.
Romans 13:1-7This passage discusses the role of governing authorities as instituted by God, providing a theological framework for understanding that even wicked rulers are, in a sense, permitted by God, but it also implies a responsibility to justice and order that this Pharaoh violates.
calvinExodus 1:8-11: "Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph."
Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and right against us, and so get them up out of the land.
Agedum, prudenter nos geramus erga illum, ne multiplicetur; ne accidat, si obvenerit bellum, jungatur ipse quoque hostibus nostris, et pugnet contra nos, ascendatque e terra.
Therefore they did…
clarkeExodus 1:8: "Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph."
There arose up a new king - Who this was it is difficult to say. It was probably Ramesses Miamun, or his son Amenophis, who succeeded him in the government of Egypt about A. M. 2400, before Christ 1604. Which knew not Joseph - The verb ידע yada, which we translate to know, often signifies to acknowledge or approve. See Judges 2:10; Psalm 1:6; Psalm 31:7; Hosea 2:8; Amos 3:2. The Greek verbs ειδω and γινωσκω are used…
What's easily missed here is that "knew not Joseph" isn't just about forgetting a name. It signifies a profound disconnect, meaning the new king didn't acknowledge Joseph's impact or feel indebted for the prosperity he brought. This deliberate ignorance allowed him to disregard Joseph's family and initiate harsh policies, treating them as strangers rather than guests.
For over a century, the descendants of Israel had lived peacefully and multiplied greatly in Egypt, benefiting from the favor shown to Joseph's family. However, a new Pharaoh came to power who either didn't know Joseph personally or, more significantly, refused to acknowledge the immense good Joseph had done for Egypt. This king, fearful of the Israelites' growing numbers and power, decided to oppress them by forcing them into hard labor and building slave cities, effectively erasing the memory of Joseph's service.
For over a century, the descendants of Israel had lived peacefully and multiplied greatly in Egypt, benefiting from the favor shown to Joseph's family. However, a new Pharaoh came to power who either didn't know Joseph personally or, more significantly, refused to acknowledge the immense good Joseph had done for Egypt. This king, fearful of the Israelites' growing numbers and power, decided to oppress them by forcing them into hard labor and building slave cities, effectively erasing the memory of Joseph's service.
"Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph." — What's easily missed here is that "knew not Joseph" isn't just about forgetting a name. It signifies a profound disconnect, meaning the new king didn't acknowledge Joseph's impact or feel indebted fo…
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Last reviewed October 2026