Potiphar

An Egyptian, in the time of the Patriarchs · Egypt · named in 2 verses

Potiphar, the Egyptian officer who purchased Joseph as a slave and later imprisoned him after false accusations by Potiphar's wife.

From Easton's Bible Dictionary

Dedicated to Ra; i.e., to the sun-god, the Egyptian to whom the Ishmaelites sold Joseph (Gen. 39:1). He was "captain of the guard", i.e., chief, probably, of the state police, who, while they formed part of the Egyptian army, were also largely employed in civil duties (37:36; marg., "chief of the executioners"). Joseph, though a foreigner, gradually gained his confidence, and became overseer over all his possessions. Believing the false accusation which his profligate wife brought against Joseph, Potiphar cast him into prison, where he remained for some years. (See JOSEPH.)

Easton's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1897 — public domain, quoted in full and unedited.

First named at Genesis 37:36.

See Potiphar in the family tree →

Verses that name Potiphar

Genesis 37:36 Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard.
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.