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Joseph
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Boyd’s Bible Dictionary
:
(increase). (1)
Son
of
Jacob
and
Rachel
(
Gen. 37:3
3
Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors. (Genesis 37:3)
); sold into
Egypt
; promoted to high office by the
Pharaoh
; rescued his family from
famine
; settled them in
Goshen
; died at advanced
age
; bones carried back to
Shechem
(Gen. 37-50). (2) An Issacharite (
Num. 13:7
7
Of the tribe of Issachar, Igal the son of Joseph. (Numbers 13:7)
). (3) Two who returned (
Ezra 10:42
42
Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph. (Ezra 10:42)
;
Neh. 12:14
14
Of Melicu, Jonathan; of Shebaniah, Joseph; (Nehemiah 12:14)
). (4)
Three
of Christ’s ancestors (
Luke 3:24,26,30
24
Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph, (Luke 3:24)
26
Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda, (Luke 3:26)
30
Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim, (Luke 3:30)
). (5)
Husband
of
Mary
, and a
carpenter
at
Nazareth
(
Matt. 1:19; 13:55
19
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. (Matthew 1:19)
55
Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? (Matthew 13:55)
;
Luke 3:23
23
And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli, (Luke 3:23)
;
John 1:45
45
Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. (John 1:45)
). (6) Of
Arimathea
, a member of the
Sanhedrim
, who acknowledged Christ (
Matt. 27:57-59
57
When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:
58
He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
59
And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, (Matthew 27:57‑59)
; Mark 15.43;
Luke 23:51
51
(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. (Luke 23:51)
). (7) The
apostle
Barsabas
, substituted for
Judas
(
Acts 1:23
23
And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. (Acts 1:23)
).
Concise Bible Dictionary
:
1.
Eleventh
son
of
Jacob
and first of
Rachel
. The interesting history of Joseph is too well known to need being given in its detail, but attention should be given to the many respects in which Joseph was a striking
type
of
the
Lord
Jesus
. He was the beloved one of his
father
: this with the intimations given to him of his future position, destined for him by
God
in the midst of his family, stirred up the envy of his
brethren
and resulted in his being sold to the
Gentiles
: as the Lord was hated by His brethren the Jews, and sold by one of them. Joseph was accounted as dead. He was brought very low, being cast into
prison
, under a false accusation against him because he would not
sin
: his feet were “made
fast
in the
stocks
,” and the
iron
entered his
soul
: in all these circumstances he was foreshadowing the Lord in His humiliation.
On the elevation of Joseph to
power
he was unknown to his brethren, as the Lord in exaltation is now to His brethren after the
flesh
. During this
time
he had a Gentile wife and
children
and became “fruitful”: so while the Lord is rejected by the Jews, God is gathering from the nations a people for His name. Joseph ruled over the Gentiles, as the Lord will do. Then all Joseph’s brethren bowed down to him, as eventually all
the
twelve
tribes will
bow
down to the Lord. This is followed by all the descendants of Jacob being placed in a fruitful part of the country, as the nation will be gathered to the pleasant land in the
millennium
.
The beautiful and touching way in which Joseph dealt with his brethren, will be repeated in a magnified way by the Lord’s tender and loving dealing with the
remnant
of
Judah
when they come to speak to Him about the wounds in His hands, and to mourn over the way He was treated by them. They will then see that, notwithstanding their hatred, He laid the foundation in His
death
for their future
blessing
.
When Jacob prophetically blessed His sons, Joseph had a prominent place (
Gen. 49:22-26
22
Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall:
23
The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him:
24
But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)
25
Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:
26
The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren. (Genesis 49:22‑26)
). He was to be very fruitful, with branches running over the wall: so the blessing of
Israel
through Christ extends to the Gentiles. He was sorely grieved, hated, and shot at, as was the Lord; but his bow abode in strength, and from him was the
shepherd
, the stone of Israel (two titles of the Lord). Then the blessings of
heaven
and of
the deep
, of the
breasts
and of the womb, are multiplied on the
head
and on the
crown
of Joseph, as the one separated from his brethren: all foreshadowing, though to be far exceeded by, the many crowns and the
glory
in heaven and on
earth
of the true
Nazarite
, now sanctified in heavenly glory, the Lord Jesus. For the blessing by
Moses
compare
Deuteronomy 33:13-17
13
And of Joseph he said, Blessed of the Lord be his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath,
14
And for the precious fruits brought forth by the sun, and for the precious things put forth by the moon,
15
And for the chief things of the ancient mountains, and for the precious things of the lasting hills,
16
And for the precious things of the earth and fulness thereof, and for the good will of him that dwelt in the bush: let the blessing come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the top of the head of him that was separated from his brethren.
17
His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh. (Deuteronomy 33:13‑17)
. Joseph, when about to die, had
faith
that God would surely deliver Israel from
Egypt
and gave directions concerning his bones (Gen. 37-50;
Exod. 13:19
19
And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you. (Exodus 13:19)
). For the Egyptian king under whom it is supposed that Joseph lived, see EGYPT.
2.
Father of
Igal
, of
Issachar
(
Num. 13:7
7
Of the tribe of Issachar, Igal the son of Joseph. (Numbers 13:7)
).
3.
Son of
Asaph
: appointed to the service of song (
1 Chron. 25:2,9
2
Of the sons of Asaph; Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asarelah, the sons of Asaph under the hands of Asaph, which prophesied according to the order of the king. (1 Chronicles 25:2)
9
Now the first lot came forth for Asaph to Joseph: the second to Gedaliah, who with his brethren and sons were twelve: (1 Chronicles 25:9)
).
4.
One who had married a strange wife (
Ezra 10:42
42
Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph. (Ezra 10:42)
).
5.
Priest
“of
Shebaniah
” who returned from exile (
Neh. 12:14
14
Of Melicu, Jonathan; of Shebaniah, Joseph; (Nehemiah 12:14)
).
6.
Husband
of
Mary
the
mother
of Jesus. He was “a just
man
,” and was obedient to the instructions he received from God as to his wife, and in protecting the infant Jesus. He was of the
house
and lineage of
David
, his genealogy being given in Matthew 1 and perhaps in Luke 3. The visit to
Jerusalem
, when the Lord was twelve years old, is the last incident recorded of him. He is once called “the
carpenter
” (
Matt. 13:55
55
Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? (Matthew 13:55)
), as is the Lord also in
Mark 6:3
3
Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. (Mark 6:3)
. It was a
custom
for all Jews to learn a trade (
Matt. 1:16-25
16
And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
17
So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
20
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22
Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24
Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25
And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. (Matthew 1:16‑25)
;
Matt. 2:13,19
13
And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. (Matthew 2:13)
19
But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, (Matthew 2:19)
;
Luke 1:27
27
To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. (Luke 1:27)
;
Luke 2:4-43
4
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
21
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22
And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
23
(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
24
And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
25
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26
And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27
And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28
Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33
And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34
And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35
(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
36
And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
37
And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38
And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
39
And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
40
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
41
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
42
And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
43
And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. (Luke 2:4‑43)
;
Luke 3:23
23
And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli, (Luke 3:23)
;
Luke 4:22
22
And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son? (Luke 4:22)
;
John 1:45
45
Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. (John 1:45)
;
John 6:42
42
And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? (John 6:42)
).
7.
Joseph of Arimathæa, an honorable
counselor
, and a rich man. He was a secret
disciple
of Jesus, and had not consented to the action of the
Sanhedrim
in condemning the Lord. He boldly asked for the body of Jesus, and interred it in his own
new
tomb
, thus fulfilling
Isaiah 53:9
9
And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. (Isaiah 53:9)
(
Matt. 27:57,59
57
When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: (Matthew 27:57)
59
And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, (Matthew 27:59)
;
Mark 15:43
43
Joseph of Arimathea, an honorable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus. (Mark 15:43)
;
Luke 23:50
50
And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just: (Luke 23:50)
;
John 19:38
38
And after this Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. (John 19:38)
).
8-10.
Son of
Mattathias
; son of
Juda
; and son of
Jonan
—
three
in the
genealogy of the Lord Jesus
(
Luke 3:24,26,30
24
Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph, (Luke 3:24)
26
Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda, (Luke 3:26)
30
Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim, (Luke 3:30)
).
11.
Disciple, also called
BARSABAS
, surnamed
JUSTUS
, who, with
Matthias
, was selected as fit to take the place of
Judas
, but the
lot
fell on Matthias (
Acts 1:23
23
And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. (Acts 1:23)
).
Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:
Number:
3130
(
find all occurrences in KJV Bible
)
Transliteration:
Yowceph
Phonic:
yo-safe’
Meaning:
future of
3254
; let him add (or perhaps simply active participle adding); Joseph, the name of seven Israelites
KJV Usage:
Joseph. Compare
3084
Jackson’s
Dictionary of Scripture Proper Names
:
let him add : add thou Jehovah (Ps. 81:5)
Potts’
Bible Proper Names
:
He adds; to increase; to perfect; progressive:―name of several Israelites, Gen. 30:24. {Addit}
Call: 1-630-543-1441
“Study to show thyself approved unto God, … rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
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