A-Z: General definitions: Joseph (son of Jacob)

Definition

Joseph was the favourite of Jacob’s twelve sons, which caused jealousy among his brothers, especially when Joseph’s dreams suggested that he would one day rule over them. The brothers plotted to kill Joseph, but ended up selling him as a slave, telling Jacob that he has been killed by wild animals.

As a slave in Egypt, Joseph was falsely accused of a crime and ended up in prison. His interpretation of other prisoners’ dreams led to his summons to help interpret those of Pharaoh. As a reward, Joseph was given a powerful position of authority to help with a famine.

The famine led his brothers to come to Egypt looking for food. Joseph tested them and saw that they had changed for the better. Forgiving their previous actions he enabled them to move their families to Egypt, where they grew in population, becoming the Israelite people.

See Famous stories from the Bible > Joseph and his brothers - Part I; Joseph and Pharaoh's dreams; Joseph and his brothers - Part II.

Scan and go

Scan on your mobile for direct link.