Pharaoh פַּרְעֹה
Egyptian ruler during Joseph's time
Who is Pharaoh in the Bible?
Pharaoh in the Bible refers to the Egyptian ruler during the time of Joseph, who appears throughout Genesis 37-50. This Pharaoh elevated Joseph from slavery to the position of second-in-command over all Egypt after Joseph successfully interpreted his prophetic dreams, which warned of seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine (Genesis 41:1-43). When the famine struck, Joseph's family came to Egypt seeking food, and Pharaoh granted them permission to settle in the land, welcoming Joseph's father Jacob and his brothers (Genesis 47:1-11). This Pharaoh's recognition of Joseph's God-given wisdom and his willingness to honor Joseph became instrumental in preserving Jacob's family line during the famine, making him a key figure in the narrative that would eventually lead to the formation of Israel in Egypt.
Biography
This Pharaoh was the Egyptian ruler during the time of Joseph, the son of Israel (or 'Jacob') (Genesis 37-50). Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and eventually served in the household of Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officials. After being falsely accused and imprisoned, Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker. When Pharaoh had troubling dreams, the cupbearer remembered Joseph's ability, and Joseph was brought before Pharaoh to interpret the dreams.
Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dreams as a warning of seven years of plenty followed by seven years of severe famine. Impressed by Joseph's wisdom, Pharaoh appointed him as second-in-command over Egypt to prepare for the famine. During the famine, Joseph's brothers came to Egypt to buy grain, and after a series of tests, Joseph revealed his identity to them. Pharaoh invited Joseph's family to settle in the land of Goshen and provided for their needs.
This Pharaoh is depicted as a ruler who recognized and rewarded wisdom, and who showed kindness to Joseph and his family. The Bible does not provide the specific name or historical identity of this Pharaoh, as the term "Pharaoh" was used as a title for Egyptian kings. Some scholars suggest that this Pharaoh may have been from the Hyksos dynasty, a Semitic people who ruled Egypt during the Second Intermediate Period.
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 2 with study contentGenesis 5 verses
- Genesis 37:36
"Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 39:1
"Meanwhile, Joseph had been taken down to Egypt, where an Egyptian named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 40:2
"Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker,"
Study Genesis → - Genesis 40:7
"So he asked the officials of Pharaoh who were in custody with him in his master’s house, “Why are your faces so downcast today?”"
Study Genesis → - Genesis 40:11
"Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand, and I took the grapes, squeezed them into his cup, and placed the cup in his hand.”"
Study Genesis →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | פַּרְעֹה | parĕʿōh | Paroh , a general title of Egyptian kings |
| Greek | Greek | Φαραώ | — | — |