The Message of Joseph's Name
Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel (Gen 35:24), is a vibrant character in the Hebrew Bible. We know that God is with Joseph through the ups and downs of his life, but we do not always notice the significance that the Bible assigns to his name. We identify with Jacob’s love for Joseph as we imagine him wearing an elaborate and colorful robe (Gen 37:3); we are shocked by his brothers’ jealousy and hatred when they sell him into Egyptian slavery (37:28); we are upset when he is falsely accused and thrown into Potiphar’s jail (39:20); and we rejoice in his vindication when Pharaoh appoints him to the highest post in his kingdom (41:38-39). Finally, after Joseph confronts the brothers who betrayed him and reveals his identity amidst an outpouring of emotion, we are deeply moved (45:1-3). All these important and impactful events become even more significant when we understand that Joseph’s name alludes to the idea of “gathering together,” so that the biblical figure fulfills God’s vision of unity and shalom.
Joseph’s name (יוֹסֵף; yosef) is based on a Hebrew verb that literally means “he takes away.” What can be so significant in this meaning? Nothing on the surface. But ancient Hebrew is a root-based language, and the root of his name is אָסַף (asaf), also means “to gather, collect, bring in, or assemble.” A helpful keyword with this same root is אָסִיף (asif), meaning “harvest” — literally "that which was collected or gathered." Joseph’s name is related to the idea of “taking away” in the sense of “gathering” (just as the crops are taken away from the field) as occurs during the harvest.
Now consider the dream of the grain sheaves bowing to Joseph (Gen 37:7) in light of his name’s allusion to “gathering” and “harvesting.” Suddenly, Joseph is “taken away” to Egypt (removed from his homeland). At Potiphar’s house, Joseph was put in charge of everything, the “household and field,” except the food his master ate (39:5-6). In jail, Joseph encountered the royal cupbearer and a chief baker, people whose livelihood is directly associated with food and harvest as well (40:1). Moreso, Pharaoh’s dream was about the harvest (41:26-27), and as a result of this dream explanation, Joseph was put in charge of Egypt’s harvest and future food supply (41:47-49). Are you beginning to see a common thread running through these stories? There are so many more connections to the idea of “harvesting” and “gathering” in Joseph’s narrative and his name is a key!
In the end, Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt because of a famine (a lack of harvested food) and, eventually, the entire family is gathered there. Thus, Joseph’s entire life reflects the notion of “gathering” and “harvesting” all bound up within his Hebrew name! Considering the Hebrew terminology that stands behind these stories can help us see Scripture in new and deeper ways. But we have to look below the surface of English to see it.
Maybe it’s time that you committed to taking your first steps in the study of Biblical Hebrew? However much you decide to advance yourself in this area, it will only enhance your walk of faith. There is a book I co-authored a couple of years ago that might get you started. I am pleased to say that other readers really love it.
Read Hebrew in 22 Days or Less
Learn how to read Hebrew in 22 days or less, studying only one letter of the Hebrew Alphabet per day. This book will get you reading short Hebrew words on the very first day. The authors will walk you through all 22 Hebrew letters, giving you clear instructions, plenty of examples and easy-to-follow practice to get you reading Hebrew immediately.