Genesis 41:50

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Genesis 41:50 marks a significant moment in Joseph's remarkable story, highlighting his establishment and blessing in Egypt before the prophesied famine begins. This verse confirms the birth of his two sons through his Egyptian wife, Asenath, solidifying his position and foreshadowing the lineage that would become two of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Context

Following his miraculous elevation from prisoner to prime minister of Egypt (Genesis 41:39-44), Pharaoh bestowed upon Joseph not only immense power but also a wife, Asenath, the daughter of Potipherah, priest of On (Genesis 41:45). This marriage integrated Joseph into the highest echelons of Egyptian society. The birth of his sons "before the years of famine came" emphasizes the period of prosperity and divine preparation for the challenging times ahead, allowing Joseph to build a family before the full weight of his administrative duties during the famine.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Blessing: After years of suffering and injustice, Joseph experiences profound blessing and fruitfulness. This verse underscores God's faithfulness in turning sorrow into joy and establishing Joseph's legacy. It's a powerful testament to God's ability to work all things for good, even through difficult circumstances, as Joseph himself later affirmed (Genesis 50:20).
  • Preparation and Timing: The specific mention that his sons were born "before the years of famine came" highlights God's perfect timing. This period of peace and plenty allowed Joseph to settle, marry, and begin his family, ensuring his lineage would continue and be prepared for the future.
  • Integration and Identity: Joseph, a Hebrew, marries into the highest Egyptian priestly family. While this raises questions about religious purity, it primarily demonstrates God's sovereignty in placing Joseph exactly where he needed to be to fulfill His purposes for Israel.

Linguistic Insights

  • Asenath: An Egyptian name, likely meaning "she belongs to Neith" (an Egyptian goddess). Her father, Potipherah, was a "priest of On." On, also known as Heliopolis, was a major religious and intellectual center in ancient Egypt, dedicated primarily to the sun god Ra. This indicates Asenath's high social and religious standing within Egyptian society.
  • "Before the years of famine came": This phrase emphasizes the precise timing of these events within God's larger prophetic plan for Egypt and, ultimately, for Jacob's family.

Related Scriptures

The names of Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, are revealed in the subsequent verses, with their meanings reflecting Joseph's journey of forgetting his past troubles and experiencing God's fruitfulness in the land of his affliction. For more on their names and significance, see Genesis 41:51 and Genesis 41:52.

Practical Application

Genesis 41:50 reminds us that God's plan often unfolds in stages, with periods of blessing and preparation preceding times of challenge. Even in seemingly secular or challenging environments (like Joseph's life in Egypt with a pagan wife), God can position and bless His people to fulfill His greater purposes. It encourages believers to trust in God's timing and sovereignty, knowing that He can bring fruitfulness and purpose out of any situation, preparing us for what lies ahead.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 48:5 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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