Asenath, Egyptian Wife of Joseph

Though Joseph spent time in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, God had not forgotten him.

Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream, alerting him that Egypt would enjoy seven years of plenty followed by seven years of drought. He advised Pharaoh to gather up grain during the good years and store them as a reserve for the years of famine.

Not only did Pharaoh follow Joseph’s advice, but he appointed him in charge of the task of gathering and storing the grain.

Joseph was thirty years old when Pharaoh placed him second in command over all the land. He gave Joseph his signet ring off his hand, clothed Joseph in fine clothes, and placed a gold necklace round his neck. He placed Joseph in the second chariot and paraded him around the land, with the people bowing down to him, saying, “Bend the knee.”

Then Pharaoh gave Joseph a new name and gave him an Egyptian wife, Asenath, daughter of an Egyptian priest.

During the years of plenty, Asenath bore Joseph two sons. He named the first Manasseh, saying, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s house.” (Genesis 41:51 ESV) The name Manasseh means, “causing to forget.” He named the second Ephraim, saying, ““For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” (v. 52) The name Ephraim means “doubly fruitful.”

Though Joseph married into a family of priests who engaged in idol worship, Joseph didn’t forget his godly heritage. He found comfort in his wife and sons after the treatment he’d received from his brothers, and he praised God for His blessings.

It’s easy to forget our faith when we’re surrounded by unbelievers. But oh what a blessing we can be to others if we hold tight to our faith and share it in love with those around us. 

Asenath in Scripture: Genesis 41:37-52