Joseph Was the Son of Who in the Bible?

Joseph is a central figure in the Bible, appearing prominently in both the Old and New Testaments. However, two distinct individuals named Joseph play pivotal roles in biblical history: Joseph, the son of Jacob, and Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. While their stories are different, both are marked by faith, obedience, and extraordinary contributions to God’s plan for humanity.

This article explores the answer to the question, “Joseph was the son of who in the Bible?” by examining these two significant figures, their backgrounds, and their importance in biblical narratives. Understanding their lineage helps us grasp the depth of their stories and their roles in God’s redemptive history.

Joseph in the Old Testament: Son of Jacob

The Lineage of Old Testament Joseph

In the Old Testament, Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob, also known as Israel, and the firstborn son of Rachel, Jacob’s favored wife. Jacob was the son of Isaac and the grandson of Abraham, placing Joseph within the lineage of God’s covenantal promise.

Genesis 30:22-24 recounts Joseph’s birth:

“Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and enabled her to conceive. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son and said, ‘God has taken away my disgrace.’ She named him Joseph, and said, ‘May the Lord add to me another son.’”

Joseph’s name, meaning “He will add,” reflects Rachel’s hope for another child. Eventually, she bore a second son, Benjamin, completing her role in Jacob’s family.

Joseph’s Role in the Family

Jacob favored Joseph above all his sons because he was the child of his old age and his beloved wife, Rachel. This favoritism led Jacob to gift Joseph a richly ornamented robe, often called the “coat of many colors” (Genesis 37:3-4). However, this special treatment incited jealousy among Joseph’s brothers.

Joseph’s Faith and Journey

Joseph’s story is marked by trials and triumphs. His brothers sold him into slavery out of envy, leading to his descent into Egypt. Yet, God’s favor never left Joseph. He rose to prominence in Egypt, becoming Pharaoh’s second-in-command and saving many lives during a severe famine (Genesis 41:41-49).

Joseph’s lineage as Jacob’s son positioned him as a key figure in preserving God’s covenant with Abraham’s descendants. His faith and resilience exemplify trust in God amidst adversity.

Joseph in the New Testament: Earthly Father of Jesus

The Lineage of New Testament Joseph

The New Testament introduces Joseph as a descendant of King David, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would come from David’s line (Jeremiah 23:5-6). Joseph’s genealogy is presented in two Gospels:

Matthew’s Account (Matthew 1:1-16)

Matthew traces Joseph’s lineage through Solomon, David’s son, emphasizing Jesus’ legal right to the throne of Israel.

Luke’s Account (Luke 3:23-38)

Luke provides a different genealogy, tracing Joseph’s ancestry through Nathan, another son of David. This account emphasizes Jesus’ biological connection to David through Mary, while still acknowledging Joseph as his earthly father.

Both genealogies highlight Joseph’s critical role in fulfilling the Messianic prophecies.

Joseph’s Role as Jesus’ Earthly Father

Joseph was betrothed to Mary when she became pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Although initially troubled, Joseph obeyed God’s command through an angel to take Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:18-24).

As Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph provided protection, guidance, and support. He took Mary and the infant Jesus to Egypt to escape King Herod’s wrath (Matthew 2:13-15), fulfilling the prophecy, “Out of Egypt I called my son” (Hosea 11:1).

Joseph’s faith, humility, and obedience demonstrate his devotion to God’s will, making him a model of righteousness.

Key Differences Between the Two Josephs

Time Period and Role

The Old Testament Joseph lived during the Patriarchal period and was instrumental in saving Israel from famine.

The New Testament Joseph lived during the Roman era and served as the earthly guardian of Jesus, the Savior of the world.

Lineage

The Old Testament Joseph was the son of Jacob and Rachel.

The New Testament Joseph was the son of Jacob (or Heli, according to Luke’s genealogy) and a descendant of David.

Significance in God’s Plan

The Old Testament Joseph preserved the lineage of Israel, ensuring the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Abraham.

The New Testament Joseph played a vital role in God’s plan for salvation by protecting and raising Jesus.

Lessons from the Lives of Both Josephs

Faithfulness in Trials

Both Josephs endured significant challenges:

The Old Testament Joseph faced betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment.

The New Testament Joseph dealt with societal judgment and the responsibility of raising the Messiah.

In both cases, their unwavering faith in God enabled them to fulfill their roles in His divine plan.

Obedience to God’s Will

Obedience is a hallmark of their lives:

The Old Testament Joseph obeyed God’s guidance through dreams, leading to the survival of many.

The New Testament Joseph obeyed angelic instructions, ensuring Jesus’ safety and fulfillment of prophecy.

Humility and Service

Both Josephs exemplified humility. Despite their roles of influence, they served God and others selflessly.

Conclusion

Joseph’s identity in the Bible is multifaceted. In the Old Testament, Joseph was the son of Jacob and Rachel, a man whose faith and perseverance saved the nation of Israel. In the New Testament, Joseph was the earthly father of Jesus, a righteous man who obeyed God and protected the Savior of the world.

Both Josephs teach us timeless lessons about faith, obedience, and humility. By understanding their lineage and roles, we gain a deeper appreciation for their contributions to God’s redemptive history. Their stories remind us that God’s plans often unfold through ordinary people who trust Him in extraordinary ways.