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People of the Bible
Who Was Joseph in the Bible?
In short
Joseph was the favored son betrayed and sold into slavery by his own brothers. Through years of hardship in Egypt, God was with him, and he rose to become a ruler who saved many nations from famine.
When his brothers came to him in need, Joseph forgave them, a stunning picture of grace and of God bringing good out of evil.
“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”
Genesis 50:20 · King James Version (public domain)
Joseph at a glance
| Name | Joseph |
|---|---|
| Where to read about them | Genesis |
| Key passage on this page | Genesis 50:20 |
| Passages linked to that verse | 10 |
| Translation on this page | King James Version (public domain) |
Read it in context
Read it beside its neighbours. These are the passages readers most often set next to this one.
- Romans 8:28
- Psalms 119:71
- Genesis 45:5-8
- Genesis 37:18-20
- Acts 2:23
- Psalms 105:16-17
- Acts 3:13-15
- Genesis 37:4
- Acts 3:26
- Psalms 56:5
Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info, used under CC BY.
Questions people ask
Where can I read about Joseph in the Bible?
Joseph appears in Genesis. Start with the key passage on this page, then read the whole chapter around it.
What other passages sit beside Genesis 50:20?
Readers most often set it next to Romans 8:28, Psalms 119:71, Genesis 45:5-8, Genesis 37:18-20.
Why does Joseph matter to Christians today?
Because the story of Joseph is told to point to Christ and to teach us to love one another. Read it as part of the one story of Scripture, not as a stand-alone biography.
Pray this
Lord Jesus, you see Joseph and you know every person there by name. We bring you Joseph, Genesis. Let your Body in that place love one another and be one. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Live this
Take one step this week.
- Read the key passage, Genesis 50:20, aloud once today.
- Write one sentence about what Joseph's story says about God, not only about Joseph.
- Tell one person what you noticed, and ask what Bible story has stayed with them.
Where this fits in the walk with Christ
Nothing here is a finish line. It is one door into a life with Christ and with His people.
Read the story of Joseph
You can read the story of Joseph in Genesis on The Living Bread, free, with audio, and with Simon to answer your questions along the way.
