Joseph (Son of Jacob)

Joseph is the eleventh son of Jacob, sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, who rose to become second-in-command of Egypt and ultimately saved his entire family — including those who betrayed him — from famine. He is one of the richest types of Christ in the entire Old Testament (CCC 312).

The Story

Joseph was his father's favorite, given a coat of many colors. His brothers, consumed by envy, sold him to Ishmaelite traders for twenty pieces of silver. In Egypt, he was falsely accused and imprisoned, but God was with him. Through the gift of interpreting dreams, he rose to Pharaoh's right hand. When famine struck, his brothers came to Egypt for food — and Joseph, revealing himself to them, forgave them completely: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good" (Genesis 50:20; CCC 312).

Joseph as Type of Christ

The parallels between Joseph and Jesus are extraordinary: both are beloved sons betrayed by their brothers; both are sold for silver; both suffer unjustly; both are raised to a position of glory; both save those who betrayed them through forgiveness; and both declare that what was done against them, God used for the salvation of many. Joseph is perhaps the most detailed type of Christ in the Old Testament (CCC 312).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Joseph's story teach about suffering? Joseph's life is the Old Testament's clearest expression of Providence working through evil: God did not cause his brothers' betrayal, but he drew incomparably greater good from it than would have been possible without it. This is the same mystery at work in the cross (CCC 312).