Log inSign up

Genesis 41 · a question people ask

Joseph married the daughter of an Egyptian priest. Does Genesis say anything about it?

In the text

Genesis records it without comment: Pharaoh "gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On as a wife" (41:45), and she bore Manasseh and Ephraim (41:50). Later Jacob claims those two sons as his own: "Ephraim and Manasseh, even as Reuben and Simeon, will be mine" (48:5).

The verses

“Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphenath-Paneah. He gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On as a wife. Joseph went out over the land of Egypt.”
Genesis 41:45 · World English Bible
“To Joseph were born two sons before the year of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore to him.”
Genesis 41:50 · World English Bible
“Now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you into Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh, even as Reuben and Simeon, will be mine.”
Genesis 48:5 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Genesis 41

Genesis 41: From the dungeon to Pharaoh

Two years after the cupbearer forgot him, Joseph was brought from the dungeon to interpret Pharaoh's dreams, saying, "It isn’t in me. God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace." Pharaoh called him "a man in whom is the Spirit of God" and set him over Egypt at thirty. He stored grain for the famine and named his sons Manasseh and Ephraim, forgetting and fruitful.

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekGenesis 41 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Genesis 41

All questions about Genesis →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions