Zaphnath-paaneah

2 definitions found

From Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary [easton]:

  Zaphnath-paaneah
     the name which Pharaoh gave to Joseph when he raised him to the
     rank of prime minister or grand vizier of the kingdom (Gen.
     41:45). This is a pure Egyptian word, and has been variously
     explained. Some think it means "creator," or "preserver of
     life." Brugsch interprets it as "governor of the district of the


     place of life", i.e., of Goshen, the chief city of which was
     Pithom, "the place of life." Others explain it as meaning "a
     revealer of secrets," or "the man to whom secrets are revealed."
     

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

  Zaphnath-paaneah, one who discovers hidden things