Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel (Gen 35:24), is a vibrant character in the Hebrew Bible. We know that God is with Joseph through the ups and downs of his life, but we do not always notice the significance that the Bible assigns to his name. We identify with Jacob’s love for Joseph as we imagine him wearing an elaborate and colorful robe (Gen 37:3); we are shocked by his brothers’ jealousy and hatred when they sell him into Egyptian slavery (37:28); we are upset when he is falsely accused and thrown into Potiphar’s jail (39:20); and we rejoice in his vindication when Pharaoh appoints him to the highest post in his kingdom (41:38-39). Finally, after Joseph confronts the brothers who betrayed him and reveals his identity amidst an outpouring of emotion, we are deeply moved (45:1-3). All these important and impactful events become even more significant when we understand that Joseph’s name alludes to the idea of “gathering together,” so that the biblical figure fulfills God’s vision of unity and shalom.
Joseph’s name (יוֹסֵף; yosef) is base on a Hebrew verb (יאֹסֵף; yosef) that literally means “he takes away.” What can be so significant in this meaning? Nothing on the surface. But ancient Hebrew is a root-based language and the root of his name is אָסַף (asaf), which means “to gather, collect, bring in, or assemble.” A keyword with this same root is אָסִיף (asif), meaning “harvest” — that which is collected. Joseph’s name is related to the idea of “taking away” in a sense of “gathering” (taking the crops away from the field) as occurs in collecting a harvest.
Now ponder the dream of grain sheaves bowing to Joseph (Gen 37:7) in light of his name’s allusion to “gathering” and “harvest.” Suddenly, Joseph is “taken away” to Egypt (removed from his homeland). At Potiphar’s house, Joseph was put in charge of everything, the “household and field,” except the food his master ate (39:5-6). In jail, Joseph encountered the royal cup-bearer and a chief baker, people whose livelihood is directly associated with food and harvest (40:1). More, Pharaoh’s dream was about the harvest (41:26-27), and as a result of this dream, Joseph was put in charge of Egypt’s harvest and future food supply (41:47-49). Are you beginning to see a common thread running through these stories? There are so many more connections to the idea of “harvesting” and “gathering” in Joseph’s narrative!
In the end, Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt because of a famine (a lack of harvested food) and, eventually, the entire family is gathered there. Thus, Joseph’s entire life reflects the notion of “gathering” and “harvesting” reflected in his Hebrew name! Considering the Hebrew terminology that stands behind these stories can help us to see Scripture in new and deeper ways. Perhaps it’s time that you committed to taking your first steps in the study of Biblical Hebrew.
Wow, thank you for this insight! The stone that the builders’ rejected became the chief cornerstone (Psalm 118:22). Joseph was the “grain” that was rejected by his brothers and discarded (transplanted to Egypt) and would later become the chief foundational grain around which his brothers (the builders) would gather/assemble. Joseph saved his family from temporal famine anciently. Joseph's descendants in the latter-days through Ephraim and Manasseh will gather Israel spiritually. See Deuteronomy 33:16-17 I wish I could influence everyone to read Gen.49:22through26 and then read your thoughts again, especially combined with reading Gen.50:25 in light of Ezekiel-37. But on a sad note, hours before reading this glorious study of ancient Hebrew, I saw 373 (37:3) in the nomenclature of Iran's latest technology. Shalom. Can you name a Hebrew English bible i can buy and study.Thank you. It all depends on what you want to use it for. To learn Hebrew, to read devotionally? I use the Koren Bible as well as Artscroll Tanakh.
Joseph was sold by his brothers. Yahshua was sold by His brothers too. Well, actually by a disciple of his (no family relation).
The manifold/multifaceted wisdom of G_d keeps us in awe! :) Me too
Interesting. I don't give much thought on my name, all I know is it means "to add". That explains why I always get called upon to organize a reunion or to mend everything whenever theres conflict on my friends and family but it gets tiring to be a mediator. LOL, well you are being true to your name :)
Wow! The hand of God was upon Joseph even from his naming (infancy.) This essay has opened a deeper appreciation of his words, “You meant (my bondage) for harm but God meant it for good.” I am glad you see the greater purpose behind these words. Hebrew opens up the texts in a way English cannot. We are very happy that you’ve joined our discussion forum. Would you believe that these articles are only a taste of what Israel Bible Center has to offer? We also provide comprehensive teaching on a variety of biblical, historical, and cultural topics. You might begin with The Stories of the Jewish Christ: Among the Rabbis or . You’ll be amazed at the Jewish world that awaits you. Don’t delay another minute: enroll now!
Wow - thank you! There is also meaning and great irony in that, as a foreigner, "he takes away" *everything* from the Egyptians (livestock/land/freedom), taxing and enslaving the entire nation while giving the best to his own family; the catalyst for their own later enslavement and preparation for God's plan. I am glad you see the irony, friend :) We are very happy that you’ve joined our discussion forum. Would you believe that these articles are only a taste of what Israel Bible Center has to offer? We also provide comprehensive teaching on a variety of biblical, historical, and cultural topics. You might begin with Biblical Hebrew I: First Steps or The First Commandment: Deuteronomy in the Gospels. You’ll be amazed at the Jewish world that awaits you. Don’t delay another minute: enroll now!
Bible as Jewish literature / folk tales. then this is setting the brain re-working other Biblical tales Read The Oracle, by Jonathan Chan, then tell me about folk tales.
Load more commentsThank you.