Genesis 39:1

French (NBS) 2002 (Nouvelle Bible Segond)

On avait amené Joseph en Egypte; un Egyptien, Potiphar, haut fonctionnaire du pharaon, commandant des gardes, l'acheta aux Ismaélites qui l'y avaient amené.

What Does This Mean?

This verse tells us that Joseph was sold to Egypt by the Ishmaelites and was bought by Potiphar, an important officer of Pharaoh. It describes the beginning of Joseph's life in Egypt.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're a toy that gets moved from one house to another. Joseph was like a toy that the Ishmaelites gave to Potiphar, who then took care of him in Egypt.

Historical Background

Genesis was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC. The audience was the Israelites who were about to enter the Promised Land. The cultural setting was that of the ancient Near East, where slavery and the movement of people were common.

Living It Out Today

Just like Joseph's journey to Egypt, we often find ourselves in new and unfamiliar situations. How we handle these situations can shape our future and impact those around us.

Topics

• slavery
• faithfulness
• perseverance
• divine providence
• leadership
• family

Related Verses

• Genesis 37:28
• Genesis 37:36
• Genesis 41:12
• Acts 7:9
• Hebrews 11:22

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Potiphar?

Potiphar was an Egyptian officer in Pharaoh's court, responsible for the royal guard. He bought Joseph as a slave.

What does 'captain of the guard' mean?

It refers to a high-ranking officer in the military or palace guard, someone trusted by Pharaoh to handle important matters.

Why were the Ishmaelites involved?

The Ishmaelites were traders who had previously taken Joseph from his family and were now selling him to Potiphar.

How did Joseph end up in Egypt?

Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and eventually ended up being sold to Potiphar in Egypt.