What is the meaning of Zaphenath-Paneah in Genesis 41:45?

Answer

Genesis 41:45 states, “Pharaoh named Joseph Zaphenath-Paneah and gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, the priest of On, as his wife.” The precise significance of Zaphenath-Paneah remains uncertain, and scholars do not universally agree on its interpretation. It is believed that “paneah” likely denotes “life” or “sustainer of life.” The meaning of “Zaphenath” is more challenging.

Pharaoh bestowed this Egyptian name upon Joseph after he interpreted the king’s dreams and provided counsel on how to address the impending famine (Genesis 41:25-36). As Joseph assumed a prominent role in Pharaoh’s service, it was essential for him to have an Egyptian name, given his position as the second-in-command in Egypt, after the king «Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and traveled throughout all the land of Egypt. », (Genesis 41:46).

Various translations of Zaphenath-Paneah have been suggested. A common interpretation is that the name signifies “the god speaks and he lives” (Strong’s Concordance). There are numerous similar variations. According to The Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible, Zaphenath-Paneah “is most likely a Semitic version of an original Egyptian name meaning ‘says the god, he will live’” (vol. 2, W. A. Elwell, ed., Baker Book House, 1988, p. 2,178). Rendering Zaphenath as “god speaks” or “says the god” aligns with Pharaoh’s recognition that the wise Joseph possessed the “Spirit of God” «Pharaoh said to his servants, Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the Spirit of God? », (Genesis 41:38).

Another interpretation of the meaning of Zaphenath-Paneah suggests that thThe name refers to Joseph’s wisdom in interpreting dreams. In Antiquities of the Jews, the historian Josephus states that Pharaoh “called him Psothom Phanech, out of regard to his prodigious degree of wisdom: for that name denotes the revealer of secrets” II:6:1. Joseph, of course, gave all the glory to God for his ability to discern Pharaoh’s dreams. “I cannot do it,” he told Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires” «And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace. », (Genesis 41:16).

Although the exact definition of Zaphenath-Paneah is uncertain, the name is Egyptian in origin. As Nebuchadnezzar did with Daniel and his friends in Babylon «unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego. », (Daniel 1:7), Pharaoh provided Joseph with a new name as part of his assimilation into the culture and society of Egypt. These biblical heroes prove that a king can change your name, but he can’t change your character.

Despite having been assigned an Egyptian name, Joseph separated himself spiritually from the pagan Egyptian culture. The fact that the name Zaphenath-Paneah is mentioned only once in Scripture seems to support Joseph’s continued identification with his Hebrew heritage and his continued worship of the Lord God.