Potiphar

AI summary: Potiphar matters because his cross references place Joseph in a setting where faithful service brings responsibility, false accusation, and eventual imprisonment. Through Potiphar's house the narrative moves from slavery into the long path by which God positions Joseph for later deliverance. Taken together, the material presents Potiphar as the powerful master whose household becomes an arena for Joseph's tested character and God's hidden purpose.¹

Dedicated to Ra; i.e., to the sun-god, the Egyptian to whom the Ishmaelites sold Joseph (Gen. 39:1). He was “captain of the guard”, i.e., chief, probably, of the state police, who, while they formed part of the Egyptian army, were also largely employed in civil duties (37:36; marg., “chief of the executioners”). Joseph, though a foreigner, gradually gained his confidence, and became overseer over all his possessions. Believing the false accusation which his profligate wife brought against Joseph, Potiphar cast him into prison, where he remained for some years. (See JOSEPH.) ³