New International VersionBefore the years of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On.
New Living TranslationDuring this time, before the first of the famine years, two sons were born to Joseph and his wife, Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, the priest of On.
English Standard VersionBefore the year of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph. Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore them to him.
Berean Standard BibleBefore the years of famine arrived, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On.
King James BibleAnd unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him.
New King James VersionAnd to Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On, bore to him.
New American Standard BibleNow before the year of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, bore to him.
NASB 1995Now before the year of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore to him.
NASB 1977Now before the year of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore to him.
Legacy Standard BibleNow before the year of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore to him.
Amplified BibleNow two sons were born to Joseph before the years of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, bore to him.
Christian Standard BibleTwo sons were born to Joseph before the years of famine arrived. Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest at On, bore them to him.
Holman Christian Standard BibleTwo sons were born to Joseph before the years of famine arrived. Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest at On, bore them to him.
American Standard VersionAnd unto Joseph were born two sons before the year of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bare unto him.
Contemporary English VersionJoseph and his wife had two sons before the famine began.
English Revised VersionAnd unto Joseph were born two sons before the year of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Poti-phera priest of On bare unto him.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationBefore the years of famine came, Joseph had two sons by Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, priest from the city of On.
Good News TranslationBefore the years of famine came, Joseph had two sons by Asenath.
International Standard VersionBefore the years of famine arrived, Joseph fathered two sons with Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, the priest of On.
NET BibleTwo sons were born to Joseph before the famine came. Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, was their mother.
New Heart English BibleTo Joseph were born two sons before the year of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore to him.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd to Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came: which Asenath the daughter of Poti-pherah priest of On bore to him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBefore the years of famine arrived, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On.
World English BibleTo Joseph were born two sons before the year of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore to him. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd to Joseph were born two sons before the year of famine comes, whom Asenath daughter of Poti-Pherah, priest of On, has borne to him,
Young's Literal Translation And to Joseph were born two sons before the year of famine cometh, whom Asenath daughter of Poti-Pherah, priest of On, hath borne to him,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd to Joseph will be born two sons before the years of the famine will come: which Asenath, daughter of Poti-Pherah, priest of Ain, bare to him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd before the famine came, Joseph had two sons born: whom Aseneth the daughter of Putiphare priest of Heliopolis bore unto him.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen, before the famine arrived, Joseph had two sons born, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of Heliopolis, bore for him.
New American BibleBefore the famine years set in, Joseph became the father of two sons, borne to him by Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, priest of Heliopolis.
New Revised Standard VersionBefore the years of famine came, Joseph had two sons, whom Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, bore to him. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd to Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, whom Asiath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bore to him.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd to Yoseph were born two sons, before a year of famine would come in, for Asyath, daughter of Putiphara, Priest of Oun, had given birth by him. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And unto Joseph were born two sons before the year of famine came, whom Asenath the daughter of Poti-phera priest of On bore unto him.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd to Joseph were born two sons, before the seven years of famine came, which Aseneth, the daughter of Petephres, priest of Heliopolis, bore to him.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Seven Years of Plenty… 49So Joseph stored up grain in such abundance, like the sand of the sea, that he stopped keeping track of it; for it was beyond measure. 50Beforethe yearsof faminearrived,twosonswere bornto Josephby Asenathdaughterof Potiphera,priestof On.51Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, saying, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s household.”…
Cross References Genesis 48:5And now your two sons born to you in Egypt before I came to you here shall be reckoned as mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine.
Genesis 46:20Manasseh and Ephraim were born to Joseph in the land of Egypt by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On.
Genesis 50:23He saw Ephraim’s sons to the third generation, and indeed the sons of Machir son of Manasseh were brought up on Joseph’s knees.
1 Chronicles 7:14The descendants of Manasseh: Asriel through his Aramean concubine. She also gave birth to Machir the father of Gilead.
Exodus 1:6-7Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died, / but the Israelites were fruitful and increased rapidly; they multiplied and became exceedingly numerous, so that the land was filled with them.
Numbers 26:28-37The descendants of Joseph included the clans of Manasseh and Ephraim. / These were the descendants of Manasseh: The Machirite clan from Machir, the father of Gilead, and the Gileadite clan from Gilead. / These were the descendants of Gilead: the Iezerite clan from Iezer, the Helekite clan from Helek, ...
Joshua 17:1-2Now this was the allotment for the tribe of Manasseh as Joseph’s firstborn son, namely for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh and father of the Gileadites, who had received Gilead and Bashan because Machir was a man of war. / So this allotment was for the rest of the descendants of Manasseh—the clans of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These are the other male descendants of the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph.
1 Chronicles 5:23-26Now the people of the half-tribe of Manasseh were numerous. They settled in the land from Bashan to Baal-hermon (that is, Senir, also known as Mount Hermon). / These were the heads of their families: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel. They were mighty men of valor, famous men, and heads of their families. / But they were unfaithful to the God of their fathers, and they prostituted themselves with the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them. ...
1 Chronicles 7:20-29The descendants of Ephraim: Shuthelah, Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eleadah his son, Tahath his son, / Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son. Ezer and Elead were killed by the natives of Gath, because they went down to steal their livestock. / Their father Ephraim mourned for many days, and his relatives came to comfort him. ...
Psalm 105:21-22He made him master of his household, ruler over all his substance, / to instruct his princes as he pleased and teach his elders wisdom.
Acts 7:14Then Joseph sent for his father Jacob and all his relatives, seventy-five in all.
Acts 7:9-10Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him / and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.
Hebrews 11:21By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.
Hebrews 11:22By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his bones.
Romans 9:6-13It is not as though God’s word has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. / Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” / So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring. ...
Treasury of Scripture And to Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bore to him. unto Joseph. 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 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. Asenath. 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 overall the land of Egypt. 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. priest. 2 Samuel 8:18 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiadawas over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers. Jump to Previous AsenathAs'enathBareBirthBoreBornBorneDaughterFamineJosephNeedPotipheraPoti'pheraPoti-PheraPotipherahPoti-PherahPriestTimeJump to Next AsenathAs'enathBareBirthBoreBornBorneDaughterFamineJosephNeedPotipheraPoti'pheraPoti-PheraPotipherahPoti-PherahPriestTimeGenesis 41 1.Pharaoh has two dreams.9.Joseph interprets them.33.He gives Pharaoh counsel, and is highly advanced, and married.46.The seven years of plenty.50.He begets children.53.The famine begins.Before the years of famine arrivedThis phrase sets the chronological context within the narrative of Joseph's life in Egypt. Joseph, having interpreted Pharaoh's dreams, predicted seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine ( Genesis 41:25-30). The timing of the birth of Joseph's sons during the years of plenty highlights God's provision and blessing in Joseph's life before the impending hardship. This period of abundance can be seen as a time of preparation, reflecting the biblical principle of stewardship and foresight ( Proverbs 6:6-8). two sons were born to Joseph
The birth of Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, is significant in the broader narrative of Israel's history. These sons would later become the heads of two of the tribes of Israel, with Ephraim often representing the northern kingdom (Joshua 14:4). The fact that Joseph had two sons during this time of prosperity underscores the theme of fruitfulness and divine blessing, reminiscent of God's promise to Abraham about his descendants (Genesis 12:2). by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On
Asenath's identity provides insight into the cultural and religious milieu of Egypt. On, also known as Heliopolis, was a major center of worship for the sun god Ra. Potiphera, as a priest of On, held a significant religious position, indicating Joseph's integration into Egyptian society. This marriage alliance reflects Joseph's elevated status in Egypt and God's sovereignty in using even foreign elements to fulfill His purposes. The union of Joseph and Asenath can be seen as a type of Christ's relationship with the Church, where Christ, though divine, is united with humanity (Ephesians 5:31-32). Persons / Places / Events 1. JosephA Hebrew man who rose to power in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. He is known for his ability to interpret dreams and his wise administration during the years of plenty and famine. 2. AsenathThe daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, and the wife of Joseph. She bore Joseph two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. 3. PotipheraA priest of On, an Egyptian city known for its worship of the sun god Ra. He is the father of Asenath. 4. OnAn ancient city in Egypt, also known as Heliopolis, which was a center of worship for the sun god. 5. The Years of FamineA period of severe famine that followed seven years of plenty in Egypt, as foretold by Joseph through Pharaoh's dreams. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in TimingJoseph's sons were born "before the years of famine," illustrating God's perfect timing in preparing Joseph's family for the coming hardship. Trust in God's timing in your own life. Faithfulness in Foreign LandsJoseph remained faithful to God despite being in a foreign land and culture. We are called to maintain our faith and integrity regardless of our circumstances. Family and LegacyThe birth of Joseph's sons signifies the continuation of God's promise to Abraham. Consider how your actions and faith can impact future generations. God's Provision in AdversityJoseph's account is a testament to God's provision and care even in times of adversity. Reflect on how God has provided for you in difficult times. Cultural Integration and InfluenceJoseph's marriage to Asenath shows a blending of cultures. As Christians, we can engage with the world while maintaining our distinct identity in Christ. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 41:50?
2.How does Genesis 41:50 illustrate God's timing in Joseph's life?
3.What role does faith play in Joseph's preparation for fatherhood in Genesis 41:50?
4.How can Joseph's experience in Genesis 41:50 inspire trust in God's promises?
5.What lessons from Genesis 41:50 can be applied to parenting today?
6.How does Genesis 41:50 connect to God's faithfulness throughout Scripture?
7.How does Genesis 41:50 reflect God's sovereignty in Joseph's life and his family's future?
8.What is the significance of Joseph's sons' names in Genesis 41:50?
9.How does Genesis 41:50 illustrate God's faithfulness during times of prosperity and adversity?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 41?
11.Who served as priests in On?
12.What does Zaphenath-Paneah mean?
13.Why does Genesis 46:20 include Joseph’s Egyptian-born children in the lineage, and is there extrabiblical evidence for Joseph’s high status in Egypt?
14.In Genesis 50:15-21, Joseph attributes the brothers' actions to divine planning. How does this fit with secular or historical perspectives that discount supernatural causality?What Does Genesis 41:50 Mean Before the years of famine arrived“Before the years of famine arrived…” (Genesis 41:50) • Timeline matters. God foretold seven plentiful years followed by seven of famine (Genesis 41:29-31). Joseph’s sons were conceived during abundance, underscoring God’s provision ahead of need (cf.Proverbs 10:22;Matthew 6:8). • The phrase highlights divine foresight. Long before the crisis struck (Genesis 41:53-54), the Lord was already preparing blessings that would sustain Joseph’s family line. • It also marks a hinge in Joseph’s life—he is no longer merely the favored son or forgotten prisoner but a statesman whose personal joys occur in the calm before national distress (cf.Genesis 41:46-49).
two sons were born to Joseph“…two sons were born to Joseph…” • Double blessing: In a land that once symbolized Joseph’s slavery, God grants him not one but two children (Genesis 41:51-52). Compare withJob 42:12-13 for the theme of restored fortunes multiplied. • Covenant continuity: Though in Egypt, Joseph remains heir to the promises given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12:2-3;Genesis 35:11-12). His sons will later be adopted by Jacob as full tribal heirs (Genesis 48:5-6), cementing their place within Israel. • Practical provision: The birth of Ephraim (“fruitful”) and Manasseh (“causing to forget”) foreshadows the spiritual and emotional healing God brings through family (Psalm 127:3-5).
by Asenath daughter of Potiphera“…by Asenath daughter of Potiphera…” • God’s sovereignty over unlikely unions. Joseph marries an Egyptian of priestly lineage (Genesis 41:45). Similar to Rahab and Ruth later joining Israel (Joshua 6:25;Ruth 4:13-17), Asenath’s inclusion anticipates Gentile participation in God’s plan (Romans 11:17). • Cultural contrast. While Joseph remains faithful to the God of his fathers, Asenath’s background emphasizes the power of the true God to transcend cultural and religious barriers (2 Kings 5:15;Acts 10:34-35). • Redemption of circumstances: Joseph’s earlier encounter with Potiphar’s household (Genesis 39:1-20) ended in false accusation; now a new household connection becomes a channel of blessing.
priest of On“…priest of On.” • On (Heliopolis) was a center of sun-god worship. By marrying into this family, Joseph visibly stands as a witness to the Most High in the heart of Egyptian religion (Psalm 105:21-23). • Political alliance: Pharaoh’s arrangement (Genesis 41:45) secures Joseph’s standing, enabling him to implement the grain program that will save many lives (Genesis 41:55-57; 50:20). • Spiritual contrast: While On revered Ra, Joseph’s life testifies that only the God of Abraham reveals the future and controls harvest and famine (Isaiah 46:9-10;Daniel 2:20-22).
summaryGenesis 41:50 shows God working ahead of calamity, granting Joseph two sons during years of plenty through a wife from Egypt’s priestly class. The verse underscores divine timing, the multiplication of covenant blessings, and the Lord’s ability to weave His purposes through unlikely relationships and settings. Long before scarcity strikes, God’s faithfulness is already providing legacy, comfort, and testimony to His supremacy. Verses 50, 51. - And unto Joseph wore born two sons before the years of famine came, (literally, before the coming of the gears of famine) ,which Asenath the daughter of Poti-pherah priest of On bare unto him.And Joseph called, the name of the firstborn Manasseh ("Forgetting," from nashah, to forget): For God (Elohim; Joseph not at the moment thinking of his son's birth in its relations to the theocratic kingdom, but simply in its connection with the overruling providence of God which had been so signally illustrated in his elevation, from a position of obscurity in Canaan to such conspicuous honor in the land of the Pharaohs), said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house. Not absolutely (Calvin, who censures Joseph on this account, vix tamen in totem potest excusari oblivio paternae domus) , as events subsequently proved, but relatively, the pressure of his former affliction being relieved by his present happiness, and the loss of his father's house in some degree compensated by the building of a house for himself.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Beforeבְּטֶ֥רֶם(bə·ṭe·rem)Preposition-b | Adverb
Strong's 2962:Non-occurrence, not yet, beforethe yearsשְׁנַ֣ת(šə·naṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8141:A yearof famineהָרָעָ֑ב(hā·rā·‘āḇ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7458:Famine, hungerarrived,תָּב֖וֹא(tā·ḇō·w)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gotwoשְׁנֵ֣י(šə·nê)Number - mdc
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)sonsבָנִ֔ים(ḇā·nîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1121:A sonwere bornיֻלַּד֙(yul·laḏ)Verb - QalPass - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3205:To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineageto Josephוּלְיוֹסֵ֤ף(ū·lə·yō·w·sêp̄)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3130:Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelitesby Asenathאָֽסְנַ֔ת(’ā·sə·naṯ)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 621:Asenath -- perhaps 'belonging to Neith', the wife of Josephdaughterבַּת־(baṯ-)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1323:A daughterof Potiphera,פֶ֖רַע(p̄e·ra‘)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6319:Poti-Pherapriestכֹּהֵ֥ן(kō·hên)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3548:Priestof On.אֽוֹן׃(’ō·wn)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 204:On -- a city in northern Egypt
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OT Law: Genesis 41:50 To Joseph were born two sons before (Gen. Ge Gn) |
