Patriarchs
Old TestamentJoseph
From pit to palace
A family betrayal that becomes an account of famine administration in Egypt.
How the story unfolds
- 1
Dreams and a coat
Joseph's dreams provoke his brothers.
- 2
Sold into Egypt
Joseph is trafficked into Potiphar's household and then prison.
- 3
Pharaoh's dreams
Joseph interprets the dreams and is set over the grain supply.
- 4
The brothers return
Famine drives the family to Egypt and to recognition.
- 5
Meant for good
Joseph reframes the betrayal at his father's death.
Context & interpretation
Historical context
Semitic officials in Egyptian administration are attested in the Middle Kingdom and Second Intermediate Period, though Joseph himself is not named in Egyptian records.
Scriptured labels editorial context separately from Scripture, and never presents interpretation as consensus.