Potiphar

2 definitions found

From Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary [easton]:

  Potiphar
     dedicated to Ra; i.e., to the sun-god, the Egyptian to whom the
     Ishmaelites sold Joseph (Gen. 39:1). He was "captain of the
     guard", i.e., chief, probably, of the state police, who, while
     they formed part of the Egyptian army, were also largely
     employed in civil duties (37:36; marg., "chief of the


     executioners"). Joseph, though a foreigner, gradually gained his
     confidence, and became overseer over all his possessions.
     Believing the false accusation which his profligate wife brought
     against Joseph, Potiphar cast him into prison, where he remained
     for some years. (See {JOSEPH}.)
     

From Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary (late 1800's) [hitchcock]:

  Potiphar, bull of Africa; a fat bull