Why Is Joseph Considered a Type of Christ in Biblical Typology?
In biblical theology, a “type” is a person, event, or institution in the Old Testament that foreshadows or prefigures a greater reality fulfilled in the New Testament. Joseph, one of the central figures in Genesis, is widely regarded as one of the clearest “types of Christ” because so many aspects of his life reflect the person, work, suffering, and exaltation of Jesus Christ.
Although Joseph lived centuries before Jesus, his story anticipates Christ’s mission of redemption, forgiveness, and salvation. The parallels are so striking and numerous that many theologians call Joseph’s life “the gospel in Genesis.”
This article explores why Joseph is considered a type of Christ and the significance of these parallels.
1. Joseph Was Beloved by His Father — Just as Jesus Is the Beloved Son
Joseph:
Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his sons and gave him a special robe (Genesis 37:3).
Jesus:
At Jesus’ baptism, God declared:
“This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
(Matthew 3:17)
Typology:
The Father’s special love for the Son is mirrored in Jacob’s affection for Joseph.
2. Joseph Was Sent to His Brothers — Jesus Was Sent to His Own People
Joseph:
Jacob sent Joseph to his brothers who were shepherding the flock (Genesis 37:13–14).
Jesus:
Jesus was sent to “His own,” the people of Israel (John 1:11).
Typology:
Both were sent on a mission by their father, and both were rejected by the very people they were sent to.
3. Joseph Was Rejected and Hated Without Cause
Joseph:
His brothers hated him because of his dreams and favor (Genesis 37:4–8).
Jesus:
Jesus said:
“They hated Me without a cause.”
(John 15:25)
Typology:
The unjust hatred both experienced foreshadows humanity’s rejection of Christ.
4. Joseph Was Sold for Silver — Jesus Was Betrayed for Silver
Joseph:
Sold to Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver (Genesis 37:28).
Jesus:
Betrayed by Judas for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15).
Typology:
Both were betrayed by their own and handed over for the price of a slave.
5. Joseph Suffered Unjustly — Jesus Suffered Though Innocent
Joseph:
Falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and imprisoned (Genesis 39:11–20).
Jesus:
Falsely accused before the Sanhedrin and Pilate (Mark 14–15).
Typology:
Both endured injustice without defending themselves, exemplifying righteousness under suffering.
6. Joseph Was Exalted After Suffering — Jesus Was Exalted After the Cross
Joseph:
Raised from prison to become second-in-command over Egypt (Genesis 41:40–43).
Jesus:
Raised from the dead and seated at God’s right hand (Philippians 2:8–11).
Typology:
Humiliation followed by glorious exaltation defines both their stories.
7. Joseph Became the Savior of the World During the Famine
Joseph:
Interpreted Pharaoh’s dream and stored grain. When famine struck,
“All the earth came to Egypt to Joseph”
(Genesis 41:57).
Jesus:
The true “bread of life” who gives salvation to the world (John 6:35).
Typology:
Joseph provided physical bread; Jesus provides the bread of eternal life.
8. Joseph Forgave Those Who Wronged Him — Jesus Offers Forgiveness to All
Joseph:
Told his brothers:
“Do not be afraid… God meant it for good.”
(Genesis 50:20–21)
Jesus:
From the cross prayed:
“Father, forgive them.”
(Luke 23:34)
Typology:
Forgiveness toward enemies is a core Christlike trait seen vividly in Joseph.
9. Joseph’s Suffering Became the Means of Salvation — Christ’s Suffering Redeemed the World
Joseph:
Said to his brothers:
“God sent me before you to preserve life.”
(Genesis 45:5)
His suffering placed him in the position to save his family.
Jesus:
Through His suffering and death, Jesus brought salvation to all who believe (Hebrews 2:10).
Typology:
In both cases, God uses suffering to accomplish redemptive purposes.
10. Joseph Was Not Recognized at First by His Brothers — Jesus Was Not Recognized by Israel
Joseph:
His brothers bowed before him but did not recognize him (Genesis 42:7–8).
Jesus:
The Messiah came, but
“His own did not receive Him.”
(John 1:11)
Typology:
Recognition only came later, after revelation.
11. Joseph’s Revelation Brought Reconciliation — Jesus’ Revelation Brings Salvation
Joseph:
When Joseph revealed himself, reconciliation and restoration followed (Genesis 45:1–15).
Jesus:
When Christ reveals Himself to believers, they are restored to God (2 Corinthians 5:18–19).
Typology:
Both bring peace, healing, and restored relationships.
12. Joseph Prepared a Place for His Family — Jesus Prepares a Place for His People
Joseph:
Invited his family to dwell in Goshen, a place of provision (Genesis 47:5–6).
Jesus:
Promised:
“I go to prepare a place for you.”
(John 14:2)
Typology:
Both secure a home and future for those they love.
13. Joseph’s Life Reflects God’s Sovereign Plan — Jesus Fulfills God’s Eternal Plan
Joseph declared:
“God meant it for good.”
(Genesis 50:20)
His entire story illustrates God’s hidden but purposeful sovereignty.
Jesus fulfills God’s ultimate redemptive plan—salvation through the cross.
Typology:
Joseph reveals how God turns evil to good; Jesus is the highest demonstration of that truth.
Why This Typology Matters
Seeing Joseph as a type of Christ enriches both Old and New Testament understanding:
1. It shows the unity of Scripture.
God’s story is consistent, unified, and purposeful.
2. It reveals God’s sovereign plan from Genesis onward.
Christ is foreshadowed from the beginning.
3. It deepens appreciation for God’s salvation.
Joseph’s story paints a beautiful picture of Christ’s redemptive work.
4. It strengthens faith in God’s ability to turn evil into good.
From betrayal to blessing, Joseph’s story mirrors the gospel itself.
Conclusion: Joseph Points Forward to the Greater Savior, Jesus Christ
Joseph’s life is not just a biography—it is a prophetic portrait. His suffering, betrayal, forgiveness, exaltation, and provision foreshadow the greater work of Christ, who came to save not just a nation during a famine but all humanity from sin and death.
As a type of Christ, Joseph reveals the character of Jesus:
-
righteous,
-
forgiving,
-
humble,
-
wise,
-
sovereignly guided,
-
and exalted for the salvation of many.
Joseph preserved physical life.
Jesus gives eternal life.
Joseph reconciled a family.
Jesus reconciles the world to God.
Joseph’s story is the shadow.
Christ is the fullness.