Bible Characters
Joseph: From the Pit to the Throne of Egypt's Viceroy (+Quiz)
A coat of many colors, dreams, a pit, Potiphar's house, and a great act of forgiveness.
Joseph the Righteous, Jacob's beloved son, walked the most dizzying path in the Bible - from a pit to Pharaoh's palace. His story, which closes the Book of Genesis, is a lesson in providence, patience, and forgiveness - and among the most beloved in Bible quizzes.
▶ Play now: the Joseph quiz — 50 questions per level
The Coat of Many Colors and the Dreams
Jacob loved Joseph and made him a coat of many colors. Joseph dreamed that his sheaves, and even the sun and moon, bowed down to him - and his brothers envied and hated him. The dreams, which seemed like arrogance, later proved to be prophecy.
The Sale and the Pit
When Joseph came to his brothers at Dothan, they threw him into a pit and then sold him to Ishmaelites who went down to Egypt. They dipped the coat in blood and showed it to their father - and Jacob mourned for years over the son he believed was dead.
Potiphar's House and Prison
In Egypt Joseph was sold to Potiphar and succeeded in everything he did. Potiphar's wife tried to seduce him, and Joseph refused - "How could I do this great evil?" For his refusal he was thrown into prison, and even there he interpreted the dreams of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker.
Pharaoh's Dream
Two years later Pharaoh dreamed of seven cows and seven ears of grain. Joseph was summoned from prison and interpreted: seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. He advised storing up grain, and Pharaoh appointed him viceroy over all Egypt.
The Reunion with His Brothers
During the years of famine Joseph's brothers came down to buy food and did not recognize him. Joseph tested them, and at last revealed himself to them in tears: "I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?" He did not take revenge, but saw in it all the hand of providence.
"God Meant It for Good"
Joseph brought all of Jacob's household down to Egypt and settled them in the land of Goshen. After their father's death the brothers feared revenge, and Joseph comforted them: "You intended evil against me - but God meant it for good." His forgiveness is among the greatest in the Bible.
Play the Joseph quiz
Bible Quiz now has a dedicated Joseph quiz — real questions from the bank across five difficulty levels, 50 questions per level, from the easy questions up to the "Super-Rabbi" level with exact verses and numbers. You can also reach it from the character area or the game screen, via the "by hero" button.
FAQ
Why did the brothers envy Joseph?
Because of Jacob's love for him, the coat of many colors, and his dreams in which they bowed down to him.
How did Joseph rise to power in Egypt?
He interpreted Pharaoh's dream about the seven years of plenty and famine, and Pharaoh appointed him viceroy.
What did Joseph interpret in Pharaoh's dream?
Seven good cows and ears of grain = seven years of plenty, and seven bad ones = seven years of famine.
Did Joseph take revenge on his brothers?
No - he forgave them and said, "You intended evil against me, but God meant it for good."