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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Pharaoh bestows a new Egyptian name on Joseph, Zaphnath-paneah, suggesting a divine revelation, and solidifies his status by arranging a marriage to Asenath, the daughter of an influential Egyptian priest. This strategic alliance, coupled with his new name, marks Joseph's full integration into Egyptian society and his elevated position as ruler over the land.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Pharaoh bestows a new Egyptian name and a prominent wife upon Joseph, solidifying his authority and integration into Egyptian society. This marks the culmination of Joseph's rise from prisoner to second-in-command, immediately preceding his extensive tour of Egypt to implement his famine-preparedness plan.
Pharaoh bestows a new name on Joseph, a profound marker of his transformation. What does this symbolic act reveal about Joseph's new role and the power behind it?
Pharaoh renaming Joseph to Zaphenath-paneah signifies a complete shift in his status and identity. This wasn't just a new title; it was a declaration of his integration into Egyptian society and his elevation to a position of immense authority.
Joseph, a man of God, is given a wife from a prominent Egyptian family. How does this marriage fit into God's grand plan?
Joseph's marriage to Asenath, the daughter of Potipherah, a priest of On, is a crucial step in his integration and the fulfillment of God's purposes.
Ask a follow-up
The verse concludes with a powerful statement about Joseph's new sphere of influence. What does this final phrase reveal about God's unfolding plan?
The simple statement, 'So Joseph went out over the land of Egypt,' is the culmination of years of suffering and a testament to God's sovereign power.
Understand the original words
kōhēn · Hebrew Noun
A priestly official serving at a cultic center. In the biblical context, such figures often represent the religious and ideological leadership of a pagan nation.
This verse marks a pivotal moment where Joseph, through divine interpretation and Pharaoh's decree, is integrated into Egyptian society through marriage and a new name, signifying his elevation from a Hebrew slave to a powerful ruler in a foreign land.
c. 1700 BC
Joseph Enslaved and Imprisoned
Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers and later imprisoned in Egypt after being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife.
c. 1693 BC— this verse
Pharaoh's Dreams and Joseph's Interpretation
Pharaoh dreams of seven fat cows eaten by seven lean cows, and seven healthy ears of grain eaten by seven blighted ears. Joseph interprets these dreams as seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine.
c. 1693 BC
Joseph Appointed Governor of Egypt
Pharaoh, impressed by Joseph's wisdom and divine insight, appoints him as second-in-command over all of Egypt to manage the grain stores.
c. 1693 BC
Joseph's Marriage to Asenath
Pharaoh gives Joseph the Egyptian name Zaphenath-paneah and arranges his marriage to Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, a priest of On.
c. 1693 BC - 1686 BC
Seven Years of Abundance
Joseph oversees the collection and storage of grain throughout Egypt, amassing vast quantities during the seven years of plenty.
c. 1686 BC
Beginning of the Seven Years of Famine
The famine begins, severely impacting Egypt and surrounding lands. Joseph opens the storehouses, and people come from all over to buy grain.
This passage sets up Joseph's initial fall from grace and imprisonment, highlighting the stark contrast with his later elevation and marriage in Genesis 41:45.
Genesis 45:4-8Here, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and explains that God orchestrated his suffering and rise to power, directly linking his past hardship to his present elevated status and his marriage.
Psalm 105:16-22This Psalm recounts Joseph's story, emphasizing God's sovereign hand in his trials and his eventual rise to power and prominence in Egypt, mirroring the narrative in Genesis 41.
Ecclesiastes 4:13-16This passage speaks to the unpredictable nature of power and how quickly one can rise or fall, reflecting the dramatic shift in Joseph's fortunes from prisoner to ruler, as seen when Pharaoh bestows his name and daughter upon him.
Proverbs 3:5-6Joseph's life exemplifies trusting in the Lord and letting Him direct his steps, even through immense suffering, ultimately leading to his remarkable position and marriage in Egypt.
calvinGenesis 41:1-57: "And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river."
And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke.
Et comederunt vaccae turpes aspectu, et tenues carne, septem vaccas pulchras aspectu et pingues: et expergefactus est Pharao.
And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good.
Deinde do…
clarkeGenesis 41:45: "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."
Zaphnath-paaneah - The meaning of this title is as little known as that of abrech in the preceding verse. Some translate it, The revealer of secrets; others, The treasury of glorious comfort. St. Jerome translates the whole verse in the most arbitrary manner. Vertitque nomen ejus, et vocavit eum, lingua Aegypt…
Pharaoh bestows a new Egyptian name on Joseph, Zaphnath-paneah, suggesting a divine revelation, and solidifies his status by arranging a marriage to Asenath, the daughter of an influential Egyptian priest. This strategic alliance, coupled with his new name, marks Joseph's full integration into Egyptian society and his elevated position as ruler over the land.
Pharaoh bestows a new Egyptian name and a prominent wife upon Joseph, solidifying his authority and integration into Egyptian society. This marks the culmination of Joseph's rise from prisoner to second-in-command, immediately preceding his extensive tour of Egypt to implement his famine-preparedness plan.
Pharaoh bestows a new Egyptian name and a prominent wife upon Joseph, solidifying his authority and integration into Egyptian society. This marks the culmination of Joseph's rise from prisoner to second-in-command, immediately preceding his extensive tour of Egypt to implement his famine-preparedness plan.
"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." — Pharaoh bestows a new Egyptian name on Joseph, Zaphnath-paneah, suggesting a divine revelation, and solidifies his status by arranging a marriage to Asenath, the daughter of an influential Egyptian p…
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Last reviewed October 2026