Poti-Pherah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Genesis as the father-in-law of Joseph, the son of Jacob. His name, Poti-Pherah, is of Egyptian origin, meaning "he whom Ra has given," which reflects the cultural and religious context of ancient Egypt. Poti-Pherah held the esteemed position of priest of On, also known as Heliopolis, a major city in ancient Egypt dedicated to the worship of the sun god Ra.

Biblical References:

Poti-Pherah is introduced in Genesis 41:45, where Pharaoh gives Joseph Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah, as his wife. This marriage occurs after Joseph's rise to power in Egypt, following his interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams and his appointment as second-in-command over the land. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-paneah, and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt."

The marriage to Asenath, Poti-Pherah's daughter, signifies Joseph's integration into Egyptian society and his acceptance by the Egyptian elite. This union also serves to solidify Joseph's political and social standing in Egypt, as he becomes part of a prominent priestly family. The priesthood of On was one of the most influential religious institutions in Egypt, and Poti-Pherah's role as a priest would have been significant in the religious and political landscape of the time.

Cultural and Religious Context:

The city of On, or Heliopolis, was a center of worship for the sun god Ra, one of the most important deities in the Egyptian pantheon. As a priest of On, Poti-Pherah would have been responsible for overseeing religious rituals and maintaining the temple dedicated to Ra. His position would have afforded him considerable influence and respect within Egyptian society.

The marriage of Joseph to Asenath, the daughter of a high-ranking priest, highlights the intersection of Hebrew and Egyptian cultures during Joseph's time in Egypt. It also underscores the providential nature of Joseph's journey, as he navigates his role as a Hebrew in a foreign land while maintaining his faith in the God of his fathers.

Family and Legacy:

Through his marriage to Asenath, Joseph fathered two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, who would later become the progenitors of two of the tribes of Israel. Genesis 41:50-52 records: "Before the years of famine arrived, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, saying, 'God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s household.' And the second son he named Ephraim, saying, 'God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.'"

The inclusion of Poti-Pherah in the narrative of Joseph's life serves to illustrate the broader theme of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Despite the challenges and cultural differences Joseph faced, his marriage into Poti-Pherah's family becomes a means through which God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are fulfilled, as Joseph's descendants play a crucial role in the history of Israel.Genesis 41:45,50
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.
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 46:20
And to Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bore to him.
Nave's Topical Index

6319. Poti Phera -- Joseph's father-in-law
... Potiphera. Word Origin of foreign origin Definition Joseph's father-in-law
NASB Word Usage Potiphera (3). Poti-pherah. Of Egyptian ...
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