The Enigmatic Joseph and his Controversial Relatives: Potiphar, Potiphera, and Asenath

In the narrations of the Hebrew Bible, particularly Genesis 46:20 and the surrounding stories, the characters of Potiphar and Potiphera appear alongside Asenath, leading to questions about their relationships and origins. This article explores the enigmatic connections and potential reconciliations of these figures, focusing on their names, roles, and the broader context of Biblical Mythology.

Identification and Context

In Genesis 46:20, Asenath is explicitly identified as the daughter of Potiphera, a priest of On, and is described as the wife of Joseph and the mother of his sons Manasseh and Ephraim. However, this Potiphera is distinct from the Potiphar mentioned earlier in the biblical narrative. The latter is portrayed as an officer of Pharaoh, a captain of the guard, and the husband of a woman who falsely accuses Joseph of attempted rape (Genesis 39).

The name similarity and historical context

The names Potiphar and Potiphera share a striking resemblance, but they refer to different individuals. Potiphar is described as an officer of Pharaoh and a captain of the guard, while Potiphera is identified as a priest of On, the Sun god. The biblical narrative does not offer any direct reconciliation between Joseph and Potiphar after the events of the accusation. Instead, it shifts focus to Joseph’s faithful journey and subsequent rise to power in Egypt, highlighting his relationships with his family and the people of Egypt rather than exploring any potential interactions or resolutions with Potiphar.

The Narrative and Mythological Consistency

The comparison with other myths, such as the Greek story of Aphrodite and Adonis or the Babylonian tale of Ishtar and Dumuzid, reveals a common narrative structure. In these myths, the female doer of seduction, whether Potiphar’s wife or some version of the goddess, is a powerful figure who requires the male to resist out of purity. Consequentially, the male is often taken as the consort, but both versions have a tragic outcome. This structure underscores the importance of both resistance and consortship in the mythological narrative.

Joseph as the dying-rising god paradigm

The biblical narrative of Joseph can be seen as a form of the dying-rising god paradigm, a pattern observed in many cultures. In this paradigm, Joseph is presented as a rich and regal figure whose rise from slavery and imprisonment to the highest position in Egypt is symbolic of the sun's daily cycle. His symbolic descent into the underworld (pit), imprisonment, and the casting off of his garment all reflect the natural cycles of the earth, mirroring the changing seasons and the sun's journey.

The Mythological Roles and Interconnections

The characters in the Joseph narrative serve multiple mythological roles, often blurring boundaries. For instance, Asenath is positioned as both the mother of Joseph's sons and a figure of divine affinity. Her name Asenath, which means increase, suggests a connection to abundance and prosperity, further emphasizing her role as a symbol of fertility and growth, much like the female figures in other mythological narratives.

Joseph and Rachel: Parallel Lines in Myth

Comparatively, Joseph can be seen as the Adonis figure in Hebrew mythology, paralleled with Rachel as the semitic shepherd's Venus. In the story of Jacob, the lover role is played by Rachel, while in the Joseph narrative, the spouse is represented by Asenath. However, in the Testament of the 12 Patriarchs, Joseph instructs his son to bury Asenath near the site where Rachel—his mother—was buried, highlighting a family connection that transcends their roles in the myth.

Conclusion: The Complexity of Biblical Representation

Your question delves into the complexities and inconsistencies often found within the biblical narrative, drawing attention to the interplay between myth and history. Recognizing that the narrative serves a different structural purpose from the myth, it becomes clear that the characters are multifaceted and serve broader symbolic roles. Engaging with this interplay requires an understanding of the structural grammar of myth, which often diverges from the linear consistency of narrative storytelling.

Understanding these layers of mythological and narrative structure can offer a richer appreciation of the Biblical texts, revealing them as a tapestry of interconnected symbols and themes.