Who is…
Potiphar

also known as: Potifar

Hebrew: פּוֹטִיפַר —meaning: dedicated to Ra; i.e., to the sun-god

This is the name of the high-ranking Egyptian to whom the Ishmaelites sold Joseph as a slave (Gen. 39:1). This was a shrewd (or blessed) choice on his part.

Potiphar was “captain of the bodyguard,” i.e., chief, probably, of the state police, who, while they formed part of the Egyptian army, were also largely employed in civil duties (Genesis 37:36; marginal note, “chief of the executioners”).

Joseph (favored son of Jacob by his beloved wife Rachel), though a Hebrew foreigner, gradually gained his confidence, and became overseer over all his possessions. Joseph was truly a man of remarkable wisdom blessed by God.

Now his master saw that Yahweh was with him and how Yahweh caused all that he did to succeed in his hand. So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended on him; and he appointed him overseer over his house, and all that he owned he gave in his hand.

Now it happened that from the time he appointed him overseer in his house and over all that he owned, Yahweh blessed the Egyptian’s house on account of Joseph; thus the blessing of Yahweh was upon all that he owned, in the house and in the field. So he left everything he owned in Joseph’s hand; and with him there he did not concern himself with anything except the food which he ate. —Genesis 39:3-6 LSB

Potiphar’s lustful wife became highly attracted to Joseph due to both his physical beauty and tremendous success. She brazenly and repeatedly attempted to seduce him into her bed (Gen. 39:6-18). Godly, virtuous and wise Joseph turned her down flat. “He did not listen to her to lie beside her or be with her” (Gen. 39:10).

After her many attempts failed, this shamelessly immoral woman grew enraged and falsely accused Joseph of attempted rape. Her husband, foolishly believing this false accusation against his most virtuous trusted slave cast Joseph into prison, where he unjustly remained for years. The Bible does not record what may later have happened to Potiphar or his wife, or any prosperity downturn that may have followed the sudden loss of his most excellent manager to prison.

With a Godly servant’s heart, Joseph patiently hoped for God’s intervention, and before long was raised to be in charge of all the prisoners, while yet a prisoner himself. Much later he was suddenly set free and in an amazing way—instantly raising him to be the second most powerful man in all of Egypt!

More information

• Who is Joseph, son of Jacob?
• What is biblical wisdom?
• Answers about Ancient Egypt in the Bible
• Answers about idolatry and false gods in the Bible
• Who is Ra for whom Potiphar was named?
• What are Ishmaelites, and what is their Biblical significance?
• Similar name: Who is Potipherah?
• Answers about men of the Bible