Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Pharaoh give Joseph an Egyptian name (Tzafnat Paneach)?
A: Pharaoh gave Joseph the Egyptian name Tzafnat Paneach to honor him and integrate him into Egyptian society as a high-ranking official. According to Rashi, the name means 'revealer of hidden things,' reflecting Joseph's ability to interpret dreams. This name change also symbolized his new status and authority in Egypt.
Q: Who was Asenat, and why did Pharaoh give her to Joseph as a wife?
A: Asenat was the daughter of Poti-Phera, the priest of On (a major Egyptian religious center). Pharaoh gave her to Joseph as a wife to elevate his social standing and integrate him into Egyptian nobility. The Midrash suggests that she was actually the daughter of Dinah (Jacob's daughter) and Shechem, adopted by Poti-Phera, making her part of the Israelite family.
Q: What does this verse teach us about Joseph's rise to power in Egypt?
A: This verse highlights Joseph's complete transformation from a slave and prisoner to a trusted leader in Egypt. By giving him an Egyptian name, a high-ranking wife, and authority over the land, Pharaoh officially established Joseph's new role. The Talmud (Sotah 36b) teaches that this was part of Hashem's plan to position Joseph to save his family during the famine.
Q: Why is Joseph's marriage to an Egyptian woman significant?
A: Joseph's marriage to Asenat, an Egyptian woman, was significant because it demonstrated his full acceptance into Egyptian society. However, traditional Jewish sources (like the Midrash) suggest she converted to monotheism, ensuring their children (Ephraim and Menashe) would carry forward the covenant of Abraham. This teaches that even in exile, Joseph maintained his spiritual identity.
Q: How does Joseph's leadership in Egypt apply to us today?
A: Joseph's leadership teaches us about resilience, faith in Hashem, and using our talents for the greater good. Despite being in a foreign land, he remained righteous and used his wisdom to help others. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os) emphasizes that leaders must act with integrity and humility, just as Joseph did, even in challenging circumstances.
The Meaning of Yosef's Egyptian Name: Tzáfenat Páaneach
Rashi explains that Pharaoh gave Yosef the name Tzáfenat Páaneach (צָפְנַת פַּעְנֵחַ) because it means "the one who explains hidden things" (מגלה טמונות), reflecting Yosef's divine gift of interpreting dreams. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 90:4) offers additional interpretations:
Yosef's Marriage to Asenat
Pharaoh gave Yosef Asenat, the daughter of Poti-Fera, as a wife. Rashi notes that Poti-Fera is the same as Potiphar (פוטיפר), Yosef's former master, whose name changed after being castrated (סריס) by angels when he sought to sin with Yosef (based on Bereshit Rabbah 86:3). The Talmud (Sotah 13b) states that Asenat was actually the daughter of Dina, conceived through Shechem, but raised by Potiphar's wife—thus preserving Yosef's lineage within Klal Yisrael.
Yosef's Leadership in Egypt
The verse concludes that "Yosef went out over all the land of Egypt", indicating his authority. Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 1:7) derives from this that a Jewish leader appointed by a non-Jewish king has valid authority, provided the people accept him. The Kli Yakar adds that Yosef's "going out" symbolizes his transition from prisoner to ruler, fulfilling his earlier dreams of leadership (Bereshit 37:5-11).