Joseph’s Life: The Complete Biblical Story of His Trials, Faith, and Forgiveness

The life of Joseph is one of the most powerful stories recorded in the Bible. It spans from Genesis 30 to 50. Though Joseph’s life took many unexpected turns, the central truth of this story is that God was with him in every situation.

This article outlines Joseph’s life in a chronological format. We have included relevant Scripture references for every major event.

The Birth of Joseph

Joseph’s mother was Rachel. She had struggled with barrenness for many years. Finally, God heard her cry and blessed her with a son Genesis 30:22-24. Because Joseph was born to Jacob in his old age, Jacob loved him more than all his other sons Genesis 37:3.

• Father: Jacob
• Mother: Rachel
• Special Status: The favored son of Jacob

The Ornate Robe

Jacob made a special, ornate robe for Joseph Genesis 37:3. This robe was a visible expression of Jacob’s special affection for him. His brothers saw this special treatment and grew jealous. They hated him so much that they could not speak a kind word to him Genesis 37:4.

Joseph’s Dreams

The First Dream — The Sheaves

Joseph told his brothers about a dream where they were binding sheaves in the field, and his sheaf rose and stood upright, while their sheaves gathered around and bowed down to his Genesis 37:5-7. His brothers responded, “Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us?” And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words Genesis 37:8.

The Second Dream — The Sun, Moon, and Stars

In another dream, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed down to him. Joseph told this dream to his father and brothers Genesis 37:9-10. Jacob rebuked him for this, but he kept the saying in his mind Genesis 37:11.

Joseph Sold by His Brothers

Sent by His Father

Jacob heard that his sons were shepherding the flock near Shechem, so he sent Joseph to check on their welfare Genesis 37:12-14. Joseph obediently went to Shechem, but they were not there. He eventually found them in Dothan Genesis 37:15-17.

The Conspiracy

When the brothers saw him from a distance, they plotted to kill him, saying, “Behold, this dreamer cometh.” Genesis 37:18-20. However, Reuben intervened, suggesting they throw him into a pit instead of killing him, planning to rescue him later and return him to their father Genesis 37:21-22.

Cast into the Pit

When Joseph arrived, they stripped him of his robe and threw him into a dry pit Genesis 37:23-24. While Joseph was in the pit, his brothers sat down to eat Genesis 37:25.

Sold to the Merchants

A caravan of Ishmaelite merchants traveling from Gilead to Egypt came into view. Judah suggested, “What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh.” Genesis 37:26-27. They agreed, pulled Joseph out of the pit, and sold him for twenty shekels of silver Genesis 37:28. The merchants took Joseph to Egypt.

Deceiving Their Father

The brothers dipped Joseph’s robe in goat’s blood and brought it to Jacob, asking, “This have we found: know now whether it be thy son’s coat or no.” Genesis 37:31-32. Jacob recognized it and mourned deeply, believing a wild animal had devoured Joseph Genesis 37:33-35. Meanwhile, Joseph had already been taken to Egypt Genesis 37:36.

Joseph in Potiphar’s House

As a Slave

In Egypt, Joseph was purchased by Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard Genesis 37:36; 39:1. Even as a slave, the Lord was with Joseph, and he prospered in everything he did Genesis 39:2-3.

Potiphar’s Trust

Potiphar recognized that the Lord was with Joseph and made him overseer of his entire household Genesis 39:4. Because of Joseph, the Lord blessed Potiphar’s house and fields Genesis 39:5. Potiphar entrusted everything he had to Joseph’s care Genesis 39:6.

The Temptation by Potiphar’s Wife

Her Request

Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph Genesis 39:7. Joseph refused her, explaining that he would not betray his master’s trust or sin against God Genesis 39:8-9.

Daily Temptation

She spoke to Joseph day after day, but he refused to listen to her or even be near her Genesis 39:10.

Joseph Flees

One day, when no one else was in the house, she caught him by his garment and demanded that he lie with her. But Joseph left his garment in her hand and ran out of the house Genesis 39:11-12.

False Accusation

After he fled, she called the household and falsely accused Joseph of trying to assault her Genesis 39:13-18. When Potiphar heard this, he became angry and had Joseph thrown into prison Genesis 39:19-20.

Joseph in Prison

God’s Presence in Prison

Even in prison, the Lord was with Joseph Genesis 39:21. The prison warden showed him favor and put all the prisoners under his charge Genesis 39:22. Joseph served faithfully there, and the Lord made everything he did succeed Genesis 39:23.

Two Officials

Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker offended their master and were put in the same prison Genesis 40:1-3. The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph’s care Genesis 40:4.

The Dreams and Their Interpretations

One night, both of them had dreams, and they were troubled in the morning Genesis 40:5-6. Joseph asked them why they looked sad. They said no one could interpret their dreams. Joseph replied, “Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.” Genesis 40:8.

The Cupbearer’s Dream

The cupbearer saw a vine with three branches, and he squeezed the grapes into Pharaoh’s cup Genesis 40:9-11. Joseph explained the three branches were three days, and that in three days Pharaoh would restore him to his position Genesis 40:12-13. Joseph asked him to remember him, saying he was innocent Genesis 40:14-15.

The Baker’s Dream

The baker saw three baskets of bread on his head, with birds eating from the top basket Genesis 40:16-17. Joseph explained the three baskets were three days, and that in three days Pharaoh would execute him Genesis 40:18-19.

Fulfillment

On the third day, Pharaoh’s birthday, he restored the cupbearer to his position and executed the baker, exactly as Joseph had interpreted Genesis 40:20-22. But the cupbearer forgot Joseph Genesis 40:23.

Pharaoh’s Dreams — Joseph’s Interpretation

Pharaoh’s Two Dreams

Two full years later, Pharaoh had two dreams Genesis 41:1.

The First Dream

Seven fat, healthy cows came up out of the Nile and grazed. Then seven ugly, thin cows came up and devoured the fat cows Genesis 41:2-4.

The Second Dream

Seven good, plump heads of grain grew on one stalk. Then seven thin, scorched heads of grain sprouted and swallowed the good heads Genesis 41:5-7.

No One Could Interpret

Pharaoh summoned all the magicians and wise men of Egypt, but no one could interpret the dreams Genesis 41:8. Then the cupbearer remembered Joseph and told Pharaoh about the Hebrew young man in prison Genesis 41:9-13.

Joseph Brought Before Pharaoh

Pharaoh sent for Joseph. He shaved, changed his clothes, and came before Pharaoh Genesis 41:14. Pharaoh said, “I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.” Joseph replied, “It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” Genesis 41:15-16.

Joseph’s Interpretation

Joseph explained that Pharaoh’s two dreams were one and the same Genesis 41:25.

• Seven good cows and seven good heads of grain — seven years of abundance Genesis 41:26-27.
• Seven thin cows and seven scorched heads of grain — seven years of famine Genesis 41:27-31.
• The dream was given twice because the matter is fixed by God, and He will do it soon Genesis 41:32.

Joseph’s Advice

Joseph advised Pharaoh to appoint a discerning man to store a fifth of the harvest during the years of abundance, so that the grain could be distributed during the years of famine Genesis 41:33-36.

Joseph as Ruler of Egypt

Pharaoh’s Decision

The advice pleased Pharaoh. He asked his servants, “Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?” Genesis 41:38. Pharaoh appointed Joseph as ruler over all of Egypt Genesis 41:39-41.

Joseph’s Authority

Pharaoh put his signet ring on Joseph’s hand, clothed him in fine linen, and put a gold chain around his neck. He had Joseph ride in his second chariot Genesis 41:42-43.

Pharaoh also gave Joseph the Egyptian name Zaphnath-paaneah and gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potipherah priest of On, as his wife Genesis 41:45.

Joseph’s Age

Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh Genesis 41:46.

Storing Grain

During the seven years of abundance, Joseph stored grain in vast quantities, like the sand of the sea Genesis 41:47-49.

Joseph’s Sons

Before the famine came, Joseph had two sons Genesis 41:50.

• Manasseh — Joseph said, “For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house.” Genesis 41:51.
• Ephraim — Joseph said, “For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.” Genesis 41:52.

Joseph During the Famine

The seven years of abundance ended, and the famine came just as Joseph had predicted Genesis 41:53-54. Joseph opened the storehouses and sold grain to the people Genesis 41:55-56. The famine spread throughout the surrounding nations, and people from all over came to Egypt to buy grain Genesis 41:57.

Jacob’s Sons Arrive from Canaan

There was famine in Canaan too. Jacob heard there was grain in Egypt, so he sent his ten sons to buy some, keeping Benjamin home Genesis 42:1-4.

Joseph Recognizes His Brothers

Brothers Bow Down

Joseph’s brothers came and bowed down to him with their faces to the ground Genesis 42:6. Joseph recognized them immediately, but he made himself strange unto them Genesis 42:7.

Accused as Spies

Joseph accused them of being spies Genesis 42:9. They explained they were brothers, sons of one father, and that one was no longer with them, and their youngest was with their father Genesis 42:11-13.

The Test

To test them, Joseph put one of them in prison and sent the others back with grain, commanding them to bring their youngest brother back Genesis 42:14-20. He also had their money secretly placed back in their sacks Genesis 42:25.

Brothers’ Remorse

When they got home and found the money, they were frightened Genesis 42:27-28, 35. They said to one another, “We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.” Genesis 42:21. Reuben reminded them of his earlier warning Genesis 42:22. Joseph heard their words and turned away, weeping Genesis 42:24.

Brothers Return with Benjamin

The Famine Intensifies

The famine grew severe and the grain ran out Genesis 43:1-2. Judah took responsibility for Benjamin and persuaded his father to send him Genesis 43:8-10. The brothers returned to Egypt with Benjamin Genesis 43:15.

Invited to Joseph’s House

Joseph invited them to his house Genesis 43:16-17. He released Simeon to them Genesis 43:23. When Joseph saw Benjamin, his heart was moved. He went into his room and wept, then washed his face and came out Genesis 43:29-31.

The Meal

At the meal, Benjamin was given five times as much food as the others Genesis 43:34.

The Final Test — The Silver Cup

Hiding the Cup

Joseph instructed his steward to fill the brothers’ sacks with grain, put their money back, and place his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack Genesis 44:1-2. After they left, Joseph sent the steward after them to accuse them of stealing the cup Genesis 44:3-6.

The Cup is Found

The steward searched the sacks, and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack Genesis 44:7-12. The brothers tore their clothes and returned to the city Genesis 44:13.

Judah’s Plea

Judah stood before Joseph and begged to take Benjamin’s place as a slave. He explained the terrible toll it would take on their elderly father if Benjamin didn’t return Genesis 44:18-34.

Joseph Reveals Himself

Joseph could not control himself any longer. He sent everyone out and declared to his brothers, “I am Joseph; doth my father yet live?” Genesis 45:1-3. His brothers were terrified and could not answer him.

God’s Plan

Joseph called them closer and said, “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.” He explained that God had sent him ahead of them to preserve a remnant and save their lives during the famine Genesis 45:4-8.

Forgiveness and Reunion

Joseph embraced Benjamin and wept, and he kissed all his brothers and wept over them Genesis 45:14-15. It was a reunion that had been years in the making.

Family Moves to Egypt

When Pharaoh heard that Joseph’s brothers had come, he was pleased. He sent wagons to bring Joseph’s family to Egypt Genesis 45:16-21. The brothers returned to Canaan and told Jacob that Joseph was alive and ruler of Egypt Genesis 45:25-26. Jacob didn’t believe them at first, but when he saw the wagons, his spirit revived Genesis 45:27-28.

Joseph Meets His Father

Joseph prepared his chariot and went to meet his father in Goshen. When he saw him, he threw his arms around his neck and wept for a long time Genesis 46:28-29. Joseph settled his father and family in Egypt Genesis 47:11-12.

Joseph’s Final Days

Jacob’s Death

Jacob lived in Egypt for seventeen years Genesis 47:28. Before he died, he made Joseph swear to bury him in Canaan Genesis 47:29-31. Joseph promised he would.

Jacob died Genesis 49:33. Joseph threw himself on his father’s face and wept Genesis 50:1. With Pharaoh’s permission, Joseph had Jacob embalmed and buried in the cave of Machpelah in Canaan Genesis 50:4-14.

The Brothers’ Fear

After Jacob died, the brothers were afraid that Joseph would now repay them for their evil deeds Genesis 50:15. They came to him and pleaded for his forgiveness Genesis 50:16-17.

Joseph’s Forgiveness

Joseph wept. He told them, “Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” He reassured them that he would not seek revenge and promised to provide for them and their families Genesis 50:19-21.

Joseph’s Last Words — Faith in God’s Promise

Joseph lived to be one hundred and ten years old Genesis 50:22. Before he died, he said to his brothers, “I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” Joseph also made the children of Israel swear that they would carry his bones up from Egypt Genesis 50:24-25.

Joseph died, and his body was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt Genesis 50:26. When the Israelites left Egypt, Moses took Joseph’s bones with them Exodus 13:19.

Hebrews 11:22 — “By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.”

Lessons from Joseph’s Life

Conclusion

Joseph’s life clearly shows one truth: Even evil intentions cannot ultimately prevent God from accomplishing His purposes.

Joseph fell into a pit, became a slave, was in prison, and was forgotten. But God was with him in every situation. Finally, God lifted him to a high position, and through him, saved many lives.

Genesis 50:20 — “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.”