**Who Purchased Joseph in Egypt?
The story of Joseph’s arrival in Egypt marks a turning point in the narrative of Genesis. After being betrayed by his brothers and sold to traveling merchants, Joseph eventually arrives in Egypt, where he is purchased by a significant figure. Understanding who bought Joseph, and why this detail matters, sheds light on God’s unfolding plan and Joseph’s remarkable rise from slavery to leadership.
1. Joseph’s Arrival in Egypt
After his brothers sold him to the Ishmaelites/Midianite traders (Genesis 37:27–28), Joseph was taken south into Egypt. The traders brought him there as part of their commercial activities, which typically included the selling of slaves.
2. The Buyer: Potiphar, an Egyptian Official
According to Genesis 37:36 and Genesis 39:1, the man who purchased Joseph in Egypt was:
Potiphar
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A high-ranking Egyptian official
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Captain of the Guard (also translated as chief executioner, commander of the royal guard, or head of Pharaoh’s security forces)
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Servant (or officer) of Pharaoh
This position placed Potiphar near the center of Egypt’s royal administration, making him a powerful and influential figure. His household would have been large, well-organized, and filled with both responsibilities and opportunities for a young servant like Joseph.
3. What Potiphar’s Title Reveals
Potiphar’s title, Captain of the Guard, suggests several things:
1. He was responsible for Pharaoh’s personal security.
This included protecting the palace, supervising royal prisons, and possibly carrying out executions.
2. He was wealthy and well-connected.
Purchasing a slave like Joseph would not have been unusual. Potiphar had the means to buy skilled servants and the authority to manage them.
3. He controlled key state facilities.
Genesis 40 later reveals that the prison where Pharaoh’s officials were confined was under Potiphar’s oversight. This becomes significant when Joseph later meets Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker in that very prison.
4. Why This Purchase Matters
The fact that Joseph was bought by Potiphar is a crucial step in God’s plan:
1. It positioned Joseph in a place of influence.
Working in the home of an Egyptian official allowed Joseph to demonstrate leadership, integrity, and administrative skill. God blessed Joseph’s service, and Potiphar noticed.
2. It prepared Joseph for future leadership.
Managing Potiphar’s household trained Joseph in:
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organization,
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record-keeping,
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resource management,
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leadership over other servants.
These skills later equipped him to manage not just a household but the entire economy of Egypt.
3. It led to Joseph’s imprisonment—and eventually promotion.
Potiphar’s house was the gateway to the prison where Joseph interpreted dreams for Pharaoh’s servants. This event eventually led to Joseph being summoned before Pharaoh himself.
5. Biblical References
The purchase is described in two parallel verses:
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Genesis 37:36
“And the Midianites sold him in Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, and captain of the guard.” -
Genesis 39:1
“And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar… bought him of the hands of the Ishmaelites, which had brought him down thither.”
Together, these verses confirm that Potiphar was the one who bought Joseph once he arrived in Egypt.
Conclusion
Joseph was purchased in Egypt by Potiphar, a powerful Egyptian official who served as captain of Pharaoh’s guard. This moment marks the beginning of Joseph’s dramatic journey from slavery to becoming second-in-command over all Egypt. Potiphar’s household became the training ground where Joseph’s faithfulness, leadership, and God-given wisdom began to shine—ultimately paving the way for the fulfillment of God’s plan for his life and for the salvation of Jacob’s family.
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