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Joseph.

Joseph, eleventh of Jacob's twelve sons, is the favourite who is sold into Egypt by his jealous brothers. Through providence — and a remarkable run of crises survived — he rises to become Pharaoh's second-in-command, manages the seven-year famine, and ultimately preserves both Egypt and his own family. His reunion with his brothers (Genesis 45) and his statement at his father's death ("you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good," 50:20) are among the most resonant moments in Old Testament narrative.

Timeline

• Sold by his brothers into slavery in Egypt (Genesis 37)
• Imprisoned after Potiphar's wife's false accusation (Genesis 39)
• Interpreted Pharaoh's dreams and became viceroy (Genesis 41)
• Reunion with his brothers in Egypt (Genesis 42–45)
• Brought all of Jacob's family to Egypt, setting up the Exodus narrative

Key verses

• Genesis 45:5-8 →
• Genesis 50:20 →

Why Joseph matters

Joseph's story is the prototype Old Testament narrative of suffering reversed into glory. The pattern — innocent rejection, descent, vindication, exaltation — is read throughout Christian tradition as foreshadowing Christ. Genesis 50:20 ("you meant evil… God meant it for good") is one of the most quoted Old Testament verses on providence. The book of Hebrews 11 lists Joseph in the hall of faith.

Related tools

• All 29 figuresThe full index
• Bible verse lookupAny reference, ESV
• Trivia categoryPatriarch