Bible Figure
Potiphar
biblical person in the Book of Genesis's account of Joseph
Potiphar was the Egyptian officer who purchased Joseph as a slave and placed him over his household before Joseph was falsely accused by Potiphar's wife.
Biography
Genesis 37 identifies Potiphar as an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh who bought Joseph. Seeing that the Lord prospered Joseph, Potiphar entrusted his household and possessions to him. Potiphar's wife repeatedly attempted to seduce Joseph; after he refused and fled, she falsely accused him of assault. Potiphar became angry and had Joseph imprisoned, where God's providential care continued.
Biblical Significance
Potiphar's household is the setting for Joseph's tested integrity. Joseph's faithfulness under temptation and injustice becomes another stage in God's providential movement of him toward authority in Egypt.