And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard.

GENESIS 37:36KJV
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Genesis 37:36 (KJV)

What does Genesis 37:36 mean?

Genesis 37:36 describes how the Midianites brought Joseph to Egypt and sold him to Potiphar, who was an important official serving Pharaoh and the captain of the guard. This verse marks the beginning of Joseph’s life in Egypt after being sold by his brothers.

In the story, Joseph’s brothers have just sold him to traders, and now those traders—called Midianites—sell Joseph again, this time to Potiphar in Egypt. Potiphar is introduced as a high-ranking officer under Pharaoh, setting the stage for Joseph’s new circumstances and the next major events in his life.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 37:36

  • מִדְיָנִים (Midyanim, "Midianites"): This word refers to a group of traders or people from Midian. Their role as middlemen in Joseph’s story shows how he is moved further from his family and homeland.
  • מָכַר (makhar, "sold"): This word means to sell, often in the sense of selling property or people. Here, it emphasizes Joseph’s loss of freedom and his transition into slavery.
  • פּוֹטִיפַר (Potiphar): This is the Egyptian official’s name, and it identifies the specific person who becomes Joseph’s master.
  • סָרִיס (saris, "officer"): Often understood as a court official or eunuch, this word highlights Potiphar’s trusted position in Pharaoh’s service.
  • שַׂר הַטַּבָּחִים (sar hattabbakhim, "captain of the guard"): This phrase means the chief of the guards or the head of the royal bodyguard, showing Potiphar’s authority and the kind of household Joseph will serve in.

Why Genesis 37:36 matters

  • Genesis 37:36 clarifies that Joseph’s journey into Egypt was not a direct sale by his brothers, but involved the Midianite traders as intermediaries, which adds detail to the unfolding story.
  • The verse introduces Potiphar and his high status, which is important for understanding the opportunities and challenges Joseph will face in the chapters that follow.
  • This verse connects the family drama of Joseph’s betrayal to the larger setting of Egypt, preparing the reader for the significant role Joseph will play in that nation’s history.

Where else these words appear

“Potiphar” Hebrew H6318 · used in 2 verses

  • Genesis 39:1 And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.

“guard” Hebrew H2876 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 39:1 And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.
  • 2 Kings 25:12 But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen.
  • Jeremiah 40:5 Now while he was not yet gone back, he said, Go back also to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people: or go wheresoever it seemeth convenient unto thee to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a reward, and let him go.

“officer” Hebrew H5631 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 39:1 And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:8 And the king of Israel called for one of his officers, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla.
  • Isaiah 56:3 Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.

“sold” Hebrew H4376 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 25:31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.
  • Leviticus 25:42 For they are my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen.
  • Nehemiah 5:8 And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing to answer.