Genesis 41:50

KJV

And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And unto Joseph {H3130} were born {H3205} two {H8147} sons {H1121} before the years {H8141} of famine {H7458} came {H935}, which Asenath {H621} the daughter {H1323} of Potipherah {H6319} priest {H3548} of On {H204} bare {H3205} unto him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Two sons were born to Yosef before the year of famine came; Osnat the daughter of Poti-Fera priest of On bore them to him.

Berean Standard Bible

Before the years of famine arrived, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On.

American Standard Version

And unto Joseph were born two sons before the year of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Poti-phera priest of On, bare unto him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 41:50 meticulously records the establishment of Joseph's personal legacy in Egypt, detailing the birth of his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, through his Egyptian wife, Asenath, the daughter of Potipherah, priest of On. This pivotal moment, occurring "before the years of famine came," underscores God's precise providential timing, securing Joseph's lineage and position as a key figure in the unfolding narrative of Israel's preservation and growth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 41:50 immediately follows the dramatic account of Joseph's elevation from prisoner to prime minister of Egypt, a position granted by Pharaoh after Joseph successfully interpreted Pharaoh's dreams of seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Pharaoh's decree [Genesis 41:39-44](/genesis/41-39-44 "Genesis 41:39-44 - Joseph's Elevation and Authority") not only gave Joseph unparalleled administrative power but also integrated him into the highest echelons of Egyptian society through his marriage to Asenath, a woman of significant social standing [Genesis 41:45](/genesis/41-45 "Genesis 41:45 - Joseph's Marriage to Asenath"). This verse serves as a bridge, marking the culmination of Joseph's personal establishment during the years of plenty, just before the onset of the prophesied famine and his monumental task of managing the food supply. The subsequent verses [Genesis 41:51-52](/genesis/41-51-52 "Genesis 41:51-52 - The Naming of Manasseh and Ephraim") reveal the names of these sons and the profound meaning Joseph ascribed to them, reflecting his journey of forgetting past sorrows and experiencing God's fruitfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Joseph's marriage to Asenath, the daughter of Potipherah, priest of On, was a strategic move by Pharaoh to solidify Joseph's authority and integrate him fully into Egyptian royalty and religious elite. In ancient Egypt, marriage alliances were often political tools. On, also known as Heliopolis, was a highly significant religious and intellectual center, the primary cultic site for the worship of the sun god Ra, one of Egypt's most prominent deities. A priest of On held immense power and prestige, second only to Pharaoh himself. This union meant Joseph, a Hebrew monotheist, was marrying into a prominent pagan priestly family, highlighting the extraordinary nature of God's providential placement. The timing of the births "before the years of famine came" reflects the Egyptian understanding of prosperity and family as blessings from the gods, but for Joseph, it was a clear sign of Yahweh's favor and meticulous preparation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's meticulous care and orchestration of events in Joseph's life, turning his suffering into a position of blessing and influence. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant**, as Joseph's lineage, crucial for the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant, is secured even in a foreign land. The births also signify **Fruitfulness in Adversity**, a recurring motif where God enables His people to flourish even in hostile or challenging environments, foreshadowing the immense growth of Israel in Egypt. Finally, it speaks to **God's Sovereignty over Human Institutions and Foreign Powers**, as the most powerful man in Egypt, Pharaoh, unwittingly facilitates God's plan for Joseph and Israel. Joseph's story, particularly from [Genesis 37](/genesis/37 "Genesis 37 - Joseph's Dreams and Betrayal") through [Genesis 50](/genesis/50 "Genesis 50 - Joseph's Death and Legacy"), consistently showcases God's unseen hand guiding events for His redemptive purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 41:50 is a concise yet profoundly significant verse, marking a moment of personal fulfillment and divine orchestration in Joseph's life. It bridges the period of his administrative setup and the onset of the famine, highlighting God's meticulous timing and care.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên_ H1121):** Derived from a root meaning "to build," this word for "son" carries a rich connotation beyond mere male offspring. It signifies one who builds or continues the family name and legacy. In Joseph's case, the birth of his sons was not just a personal joy but a crucial step in the continuation of the patriarchal line, ensuring the "building" of the nascent nation of Israel. The term encompasses a wide range of relationships, underscoring the foundational role of these children in Joseph's life and the broader covenant narrative.
* **born (Hebrew, _yâlad_ H3205):** This primitive root means "to bear young" or, causatively, "to beget." It describes the act of bringing forth life, highlighting the natural process of procreation. In this context, it emphasizes the divine blessing upon Joseph, enabling him to establish a family in a foreign land. The repetition of this verb (implied in "were born" and explicit in "bare") underscores the reality of these births as a tangible sign of God's favor and the continuation of Joseph's lineage.
* **priest (Hebrew, _kôhên_ H3548):** This term refers to "one officiating," specifically a priest who performs religious duties. Potipherah's designation as a "priest of On" indicates his high social and religious standing within the Egyptian hierarchy. The word conveys authority and a sacred role, emphasizing that Asenath came from a family deeply embedded in the religious and political fabric of Egypt, further highlighting Joseph's remarkable integration and God's sovereign placement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And unto Joseph were born two sons":** This opening clause immediately establishes the central event: the birth of Joseph's children. The passive voice ("were born") subtly hints at divine agency, implying that these births were a gift and a fulfillment of God's blessing upon Joseph. The number "two" is significant, as these sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, would later be adopted by Jacob and become progenitors of two of the twelve tribes of Israel, receiving a double portion of the inheritance [Genesis 48:5](/genesis/48-5 "Genesis 48:5 - Jacob Adopts Ephraim and Manasseh"). This signifies the establishment of Joseph's own family line, crucial for the unfolding narrative of Israel.
* **"before the years of famine came":** This precise temporal marker is profoundly significant. It emphasizes God's perfect timing and providential care. God ensured Joseph had a period of peace, prosperity, and stability to marry and establish his family before the immense pressures of the seven years of famine began. This detail highlights divine foresight and preparation, allowing Joseph to be fully equipped—personally and professionally—for the monumental task of preserving life during the coming crisis.
* **"which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him":** This clause identifies the mother and her lineage, providing crucial context for Joseph's integration into Egyptian society. Asenath, an Egyptian woman, likely meaning "she belongs to Neith" (an Egyptian goddess), signifies Joseph's deep integration into the highest echelons of Egyptian society. Potipherah's role as a "priest of On" (Heliopolis), a major religious and intellectual center dedicated to the sun god Ra, indicates Asenath's high social and religious standing. This seemingly unconventional marriage for a Hebrew demonstrates God's sovereignty in placing Joseph exactly where he needed to be to fulfill His purposes for Israel, even through alliances that might appear religiously compromising from a later Mosaic Law perspective.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Divine Foresight** and **Symbolism**. The explicit mention that the sons were born "before the years of famine came" is a testament to God's **Divine Foresight**, demonstrating His meticulous planning and preparation for Joseph and, by extension, for the nascent nation of Israel. This timing is not coincidental but divinely orchestrated, ensuring Joseph's personal stability before his public responsibilities intensified. Furthermore, the very act of Joseph, a Hebrew, marrying an Egyptian priest's daughter and having children in a foreign land carries profound **Symbolism**. It symbolizes God's ability to work through unexpected means and in unexpected places to fulfill His covenant promises. The fruitfulness of Joseph in Egypt, despite his earlier suffering, symbolizes God's power to bring life and prosperity even in seemingly barren or hostile environments, foreshadowing the later immense growth of Israel in Egypt.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 41:50 is a powerful testament to God's unwavering providence and His meticulous orchestration of events in the lives of His chosen people. After years of suffering, betrayal, and injustice, Joseph experiences profound blessing and fruitfulness, signifying God's faithfulness in turning sorrow into joy and establishing Joseph's legacy. The specific timing of these births, "before the years of famine came," underscores God's perfect timing and preparation, ensuring Joseph was personally settled and his lineage secured before the immense pressures of his administrative duties during the famine. This divine foresight highlights that God's plan is comprehensive, accounting for both personal well-being and the broader redemptive narrative. Joseph's integration into the highest echelons of Egyptian society through this marriage, while raising questions about religious purity from a later Mosaic perspective, primarily demonstrates God's sovereignty in positioning Joseph precisely where he needed to be to fulfill His purposes for Israel's preservation.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Perspective on God's Plan")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")
* [Deuteronomy 28:11](/deuteronomy/28-11 "Deuteronomy 28:11 - Blessing of Fruitfulness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 41:50 offers a profound lesson in trusting God's intricate timing and sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem bleak or unconventional. Joseph's life, marked by betrayal and imprisonment, culminates in a season of extraordinary blessing and fruitfulness, strategically positioned before a global crisis. This encourages believers to recognize that periods of personal flourishing and establishment, like Joseph's, are often God's preparation for future challenges and greater responsibilities. It reminds us that God can bring forth life and purpose even in seemingly foreign or hostile environments, integrating us into contexts that, from a human perspective, might seem contradictory to our faith, yet are divinely appointed for His glory. Our task is to remain faithful, trusting that God is always working, even in the background, to align our lives with His overarching redemptive plan, preparing us for whatever lies ahead and ensuring our fruitfulness in His service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's experience in Genesis 41:50 encourage you to trust God's timing in your own life, especially when facing future uncertainties?**
* **In what ways might God be preparing you personally or professionally for future challenges, even during periods of relative peace or blessing?**
* **How can we, like Joseph, remain faithful to God's purposes even when placed in environments or relationships that seem culturally or spiritually challenging?**

### FAQ
**Why is it significant that Joseph's sons were born "before the years of famine came"?**

Answer: This detail highlights God's perfect timing and providential care. It ensured Joseph had a period of stability and personal flourishing to establish his family before the immense pressures of administering Egypt during the famine years began. This underscores divine preparation, allowing Joseph to be fully ready—personally and professionally—for his monumental task of preserving life throughout the known world [Genesis 41:57](/genesis/41-57 "Genesis 41:57 - All Countries Come to Joseph for Grain").

**What does Joseph's marriage to an Egyptian woman, Asenath, imply about his faith?**

Answer: While the Law of Moses (given centuries later) would prohibit such intermarriages for Israelites, Joseph lived under the patriarchal covenant. His marriage to Asenath, daughter of a pagan priest, demonstrates God's sovereignty in placing Joseph in a position of immense influence. It was a strategic alliance that facilitated his role in preserving the lineage of Israel and sustaining the region, rather than necessarily indicating a compromise of Joseph's personal faith, which remained steadfast throughout his life, as evidenced by his consistent reliance on God and his later statements in [Genesis 45:7-8](/genesis/45-7-8 "Genesis 45:7-8 - Joseph's Understanding of God's Purpose").

**Who was Potipherah, priest of On, and why is his role mentioned?**

Answer: Potipherah was a high-ranking priest in On (Heliopolis), a major religious and intellectual center in ancient Egypt, primarily dedicated to the sun god Ra. His mention emphasizes Asenath's high social standing and Joseph's deep integration into the highest echelons of Egyptian society. This connection was crucial for Joseph's authority and effectiveness in his role as Pharaoh's prime minister, granting him legitimacy and access within the Egyptian power structure, which was essential for fulfilling God's plan to preserve His people [Genesis 41:45](/genesis/41-45 "Genesis 41:45 - Joseph's Marriage and Integration").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 41:50, while not directly prophetic of Christ, beautifully illustrates profound themes that find their ultimate and complete fulfillment in Him. Joseph, through divine providence, is elevated to a position of unparalleled power to save a people from physical famine, much like Christ, the ultimate deliverer, is exalted to save humanity from spiritual death and eternal judgment. The establishment of Joseph's lineage through his sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, ensures the continuation of the family line from which the Messiah would eventually come, highlighting God's meticulous faithfulness to His covenant promises from [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium") onward. This verse speaks to God's precise timing and preparation, demonstrating the same divine foresight and faithfulness that would ultimately lead to the incarnation, life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. Just as Joseph provided bread for a starving world, Jesus declares Himself the "bread of life" [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), offering eternal sustenance. His ultimate act of salvation, securing true fruitfulness and deliverance, is freely given to all who believe, fulfilling the pattern of divine provision seen in Joseph's life. Through Christ, the true "greater Joseph," God brings spiritual prosperity and eternal life, even in a world plagued by the famine of sin [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 48:5

And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, [are] mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.

Genesis 46:20

And unto Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him.

Genesis 41:45

And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over [all] the land of Egypt.

2 Samuel 8:18

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was over] both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.