Who Was Potiphera in the Bible?

Potiphera is a figure mentioned in the Bible in the book of Genesis. He lived during the time of the Patriarchs, specifically during the time of Joseph in Egypt. Potiphera is first mentioned in Genesis 41:45, where it states, “Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah and gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt.”

Potiphera’s Role and Identity

Father of Asenath

Potiphera is identified as the father of Asenath, who became Joseph’s wife. Asenath’s marriage to Joseph is significant because it solidified Joseph’s status and integration into Egyptian society. This union also highlights the merging of Joseph’s Hebrew heritage with Egyptian culture.

Priest of On

Potiphera is described as a priest of On, an important city in ancient Egypt known for its worship of the sun god Ra. The name Potiphera comes from the Hebrew פּוֹטִיפֶרַע (Potiphera), which means “he whom Ra gave.” As a priest of On, Potiphera would have been a prominent religious figure, deeply involved in the worship practices of Ra. On, also known as Heliopolis, was a major religious center dedicated to the sun god.

Cultural and Religious Context

Pagan Practices in Ancient Egypt

Potiphera’s role as a priest of On highlights the pervasive presence of pagan religious practices in ancient Egypt. The worship of Ra, the sun god, was central to Egyptian religion, and priests like Potiphera played a crucial role in maintaining these practices. This context is important for understanding the environment in which Joseph found himself during his time in Egypt.

Lessons for the Modern Christian

Faithfulness in a Foreign Land

Joseph’s story, including his marriage to Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, illustrates faithfulness in a foreign land. Despite being surrounded by pagan practices and a culture vastly different from his own, Joseph remained faithful to God. Modern Christians can draw inspiration from Joseph’s steadfast faith and integrity, even when immersed in environments that do not align with their beliefs. Colossians 3:23-24 encourages believers, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.”

Navigating Cultural Differences

The marriage between Joseph and Asenath symbolizes the interaction and integration between different cultures. This teaches modern Christians about navigating cultural differences while maintaining their faith. Joseph’s success in Egypt and his ability to adapt while holding onto his faith is a powerful example of how believers can live out their faith in diverse cultural settings. Romans 12:2 advises, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Trusting God’s Sovereignty

Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt and his marriage to Asenath, facilitated by Potiphera, demonstrate God’s sovereignty. Despite the foreign and challenging circumstances, God’s plan for Joseph unfolded perfectly. This reassures modern Christians that God is in control and can work through any situation to fulfill His purposes. Proverbs 16:9 states, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

Connection to a Loving God

God’s Provision and Care

The story of Joseph, including his connection to Potiphera, highlights God’s provision and care. Even in a land far from his family, God provided Joseph with favor, wisdom, and a supportive family through Asenath. This demonstrates that God’s care extends beyond geographical and cultural boundaries. Psalm 121:8 reminds us, “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

God’s Inclusive Plan

Potiphera’s inclusion in the narrative reflects God’s inclusive plan for all people. While Potiphera was a priest of a pagan religion, his daughter became part of God’s plan through her marriage to Joseph. This inclusion shows that God’s redemptive work can involve people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Acts 10:34-35 emphasizes, “Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.'”

Connection to Jesus Christ

Joseph as a Type of Christ

Joseph’s life, including his relationship with Potiphera, is often seen as a type of Christ. Just as Joseph was betrayed, suffered, and then rose to a position of saving many, Jesus was betrayed, suffered, and rose again to bring salvation to humanity. Joseph’s story points to the greater redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Acts 7:9-10 connects Joseph’s story to God’s plan, “Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles.”

The Greater Priesthood

While Potiphera was a priest of a pagan god, Jesus is our High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, offering a perfect and eternal sacrifice for our sins. Hebrews 4:14-16 highlights this, “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”

Conclusion

Potiphera, mentioned in Genesis, is a significant yet often overlooked figure in the story of Joseph. As the father of Asenath and a priest of On, his presence adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the cultural and religious context of Joseph’s time in Egypt. For modern Christians, the story of Potiphera and Joseph offers valuable lessons on faithfulness, navigating cultural differences, and trusting in God’s sovereignty. It also illustrates God’s provision and inclusive plan, pointing ultimately to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, our High Priest. Through this narrative, believers are encouraged to remain faithful, trust in God’s plan, and appreciate the diverse ways God works in and through different cultures.