Reading outline · Narrative
Joseph in Genesis
Joseph’s dreams and his father’s favour provoke conflict with his brothers.
This outline follows the main passages. Open each reading to follow the story in full.
In this outline
A family divided
Joseph’s dreams and his father’s favour provoke conflict with his brothers.
Jacob lived in the land of his father’s travels, in the land of Canaan. This is the history of the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brothers. He was a boy with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s …
The pit
The brothers see Joseph approaching near Dothan. They strip his robe and put him into a pit before he is taken away.
His brothers went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem. Israel said to Joseph, “Aren’t your brothers feeding the flock in Shechem? Come, and I will send you to them.” He said to him, “Here I am.” He said to him, “Go now, see whether it is well …
In an Egyptian household
Joseph serves in Potiphar’s house. After the accusation by his master’s wife, he is imprisoned.
Joseph was brought down to Egypt. Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the hand of the Ishmaelites that had brought him down there. The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man. He was in the house …
Dreams in confinement
The cupbearer and baker tell their dreams to Joseph in prison.
After these things, the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker offended their lord, the king of Egypt. Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief cup bearer and the chief baker. He put them in custody in the house of the captain of the …
Famine and recognition
Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams. Later, famine brings his brothers to Egypt; he eventually reveals his identity.
At the end of two full years, Pharaoh dreamed, and behold, he stood by the river. Behold, seven cattle came up out of the river. They were sleek and fat, and they fed in the marsh grass. Behold, seven other cattle came up after them out of the …
Reunion and reassurance
Jacob comes to Egypt. After Jacob’s death Joseph reassures the brothers who fear retaliation.
Israel traveled with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father, Isaac. God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, “Jacob, Jacob!” He said, “Here I am.” He said, “I am God, the God of …
Places in this story
Egypt CanaanSources & reading notes
Introductions and explanations are editorial writing. Quoted text retains its named edition; selections may be shortened with an ellipsis.
A family divided. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
The pit. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
In an Egyptian household. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Dreams in confinement. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Famine and recognition. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Reunion and reassurance. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Original scene outline
A family divided
Joseph’s dreams and his father’s favour provoke conflict with his brothers.
The pit
The brothers see Joseph approaching near Dothan. They strip his robe and put him into a pit before he is taken away.
In an Egyptian household
Joseph serves in Potiphar’s house. After the accusation by his master’s wife, he is imprisoned.
Dreams in confinement
The cupbearer and baker tell their dreams to Joseph in prison.
Famine and recognition
Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams. Later, famine brings his brothers to Egypt; he eventually reveals his identity.
Reunion and reassurance
Jacob comes to Egypt. After Jacob’s death Joseph reassures the brothers who fear retaliation.