40 Bible Verses About Joseph

Joseph, the son of Jacob, is one of the most inspiring figures in the Bible. His life story, filled with trials, triumphs, and divine favor, teaches us about faith, perseverance, and God’s providence. From being sold into slavery by his brothers to rising as Egypt’s second-in-command, Joseph’s journey is a testament to God’s plan and faithfulness. Here are 40 powerful Bible verses about Joseph to encourage and inspire you.

Who Was Joseph in the Bible?

Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel. He was highly favored by his father, which caused envy among his brothers. They sold him into slavery, but God’s plan prevailed as he rose to become a ruler in Egypt, ultimately saving his family from famine. His story is found in Genesis 37–50 and is a profound example of divine intervention, forgiveness, and redemption.

40 Bible Verses About Joseph

Below, we’ve compiled a list of 40 Bible verses about Joseph that span his life’s journey. These verses are organized thematically to help you better understand his story and its significance.

Joseph’s Early Life and Dreams

Joseph’s story begins with his dreams, which foreshadowed his future role and sparked jealousy among his brothers.

1. Genesis 37:3 – “Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him.”

2. Genesis 37:5 – “Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more.”

3. Genesis 37:9 – “Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. ‘Listen,’ he said, ‘I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.’”

4. Genesis 37:11 – “His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.”

Joseph Sold into Slavery

Joseph’s brothers’ jealousy led to his betrayal and sale into slavery.

5. Genesis 37:18 – “But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him.”

6. Genesis 37:23 – “So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the ornate robe he was wearing.”

7. Genesis 37:28 – “So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.”

8. Genesis 37:36 – “Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard.”

Joseph in Potiphar’s House

Even in slavery, Joseph remained faithful to God and excelled in his work.

9. Genesis 39:2 – “The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.”

10. Genesis 39:4 – “Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.”

11. Genesis 39:6 – “So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.”

Joseph’s Integrity and False Accusation

Joseph’s commitment to righteousness led to false accusations and imprisonment.

12. Genesis 39:9 – “No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

13. Genesis 39:12 – “She caught him by his cloak and said, ‘Come to bed with me!’ But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.”

14.Genesis 39:20 – “Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined.”

Joseph’s Gift of Interpreting Dreams

In prison, Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams became evident.

15. Genesis 40:8 – “We both had dreams,” they answered, “but there is no one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.”

16. Genesis 40:12 – “Joseph said to him, ‘This is what it means: The three branches are three days.’”

17. Genesis 40:18 – “Joseph answered, ‘This is what it means: The three baskets are three days.’”

18. Genesis 40:23 – “The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.”

Joseph’s Rise to Power in Egypt

Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams led to his rise as a leader in Egypt.

19. Genesis 41:14 – “So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh.”

20. Genesis 41:16 – “Joseph replied to Pharaoh, ‘It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.’”

21. Genesis 41:25 – “Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, ‘The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do.’”

22. Genesis 41:39-40 – “Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.’”

Joseph’s Reconciliation with His Brothers

Joseph’s forgiveness and reconciliation with his brothers are central to his story.

23. Genesis 42:6 – “Now Joseph was the governor of the land, the person who sold grain to all its people. So when Joseph’s brothers arrived, they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground.”

24. Genesis 42:8 – “Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him.”

25. Genesis 45:1 – “Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, ‘Have everyone leave my presence!’ So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers.”

26. Genesis 45:4-5 – “Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Come close to me.’ When they had done so, he said, ‘I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.’”

27. Genesis 45:14 – “Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping.”

Joseph’s Faith and Trust in God

Throughout his life, Joseph acknowledged God’s hand in his circumstances.

28. Genesis 50:19 – “But Joseph said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God?’”

29. Genesis 50:20 – “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

30. Genesis 50:24 – “Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’”

Additional Bible Verses About Joseph

Here are more verses that highlight Joseph’s life and legacy:

31. Genesis 37:2 – “This is the account of Jacob’s family line. Joseph, a young man of seventeen, was tending the flocks with his brothers.”

32. Genesis 37:4 – “When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.”

33. Genesis 37:14 – “So he said to him, ‘Go and see if all is well with your brothers and with the flocks, and bring word back to me.’”

34. Genesis 39:21 – “The Lord was with Joseph; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.”

35. Genesis 41:41 – “So Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.’”

36. Genesis 41:55 – “When all Egypt began to feel the famine, the people cried to Pharaoh for food. Then Pharaoh told all the Egyptians, ‘Go to Joseph and do what he tells you.’”

37. Genesis 45:7 – “But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.”

38. Genesis 45:9 – “Now hurry back to my father and say to him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; don’t delay.’”

39. Genesis 46:29 – “Joseph had his chariot made ready and went to Goshen to meet his father Israel. As soon as Joseph appeared before him, he threw his arms around his father and wept for a long time.”

40. Genesis 50:26 – “So Joseph died at the age of a hundred and ten. And after they embalmed him, he was placed in a coffin in Egypt.”

Lessons from Joseph’s Life

Joseph’s story teaches us about endurance, faith, and God’s plan for our lives. Even in hardships, Joseph trusted in the Lord and remained faithful. His life reflects God’s sovereignty and how trials can lead to greater blessings.

Conclusion

The story of Joseph is one of faith, redemption, and God’s perfect plan. These 40 Bible verses about Joseph remind us that no matter our circumstances, God is always working behind the scenes for our good. May Joseph’s journey inspire you to trust in God’s perfect plan for your life.

 

Read also: 30 Bible Verses About Ramah