Potiphar’s story is told in Genesis 37:36; 39:1-20
- Who is Potiphar?
- Potiphar, an Egyptian, was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard. He’s a figure from the Book of Genesis who played a critical role in the story of Joseph.
- He was the one who bought Joseph from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there (Genesis 39:1). He later put Joseph in charge of his household and everything he owned (Genesis 39:4).
- His wife, whose name is not given in the Bible, plays a significant role in the story. She falsely accused Joseph of trying to seduce her, resulting in Joseph being thrown into prison (Genesis 39:7-20).
- Strengths and Accomplishments
- Recognized Talent: Potiphar identified and acknowledged Joseph’s talent and put him in charge of his household and lands (Genesis 39:4).
- Hard Worker: As captain of the guard and an official of Pharaoh, Potiphar would have been a hard-working and disciplined man.
- Weaknesses and Mistakes
- Trust in His Wife: His biggest mistake was believing his wife’s false accusation against Joseph without investigating it (Genesis 39:19-20).
- Lessons from His Life
- Importance of Discernment: Potiphar’s story teaches us about the importance of discernment and seeking the truth. He failed to inquire more deeply into the accusations his wife made, leading to an innocent man’s imprisonment.
- Power and Responsibility: Potiphar was in a position of power but didn’t use it responsibly in Joseph’s case. His story shows us the potential consequences of abusing power.
- Key Verses (NIV)
- Genesis 39:1: “Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.”
- Genesis 39:4: “Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.”
- Genesis 39:19-20: “When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, ‘This is how your slave treated me,’ he burned with anger. Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined.”