Genesis 41:45Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Pharaoh bestowed upon Joseph the name Tzafnath-paneah, intending through this title to acknowledge his profound insight. This designation signifies one who understands the concealed matters. Because Joseph interpreted the mysteries that others could not grasp, Pharaoh honored him with this name. To elevate Joseph’s status further, he arranged for him to wed his daughter Petephrius. However, since Pharaoh's previous master also bore the same name, Scripture specifies him as Petephrius, ‘the priest of Iliopolis.’

Though the name in Hebrew signifies "one who uncovers concealed matters," it is important to recognize that its origin is Egyptian, thus necessitating an interpretation within that linguistic context. In Egyptian, Saphaneth Phaneach (צָֽפְנַ֣ת פַּעְנֵחַ֒), as rendered by the Seventy Interpreters, translates to "savior of the world." Indeed, Joseph played a pivotal role in delivering humanity from the impending famine. It is also noteworthy that he wed the daughter of his former master, who had purchased him. By that time, Joseph had risen to the position of high priest in the region of Iliopolis. Given that only eunuchs were permitted to hold the high priesthood for her deity, this further validates the initial assumptions made by the Jewish authorities that were previously discussed.

What is the significance of the name ‘Psonfomphanich’ (Gen. 41:45)? Joseph, after revealing the interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams, was designated by him as the elucidator of enigmas.

The Pharaoh took Asenekh, the daughter of a priest from Iliopolis, as a wife for his officer, renaming him Psomphthanich. What does this name signify? It translates to "Savior of the world." In this way, Joseph serves as a typology of the God-Man's descent to a fallen humanity, being sent by his father to find his brothers tending to their flocks far from home. His being sold by his brothers to foreign traders anticipated the depths of His humiliation. His imprisonment prefigured His burial, while His unexpected rise to power foreshadowed the glory of His resurrection. The union of Joseph and the priest’s daughter symbolizes the Church of Christ, inclusive of the Gentiles. The deliverance from physical death foretold the ultimate salvation from eternal separation from God.

Tzafnav-paneah. Jerome translates this from the Egyptian as Saviour of the world, acknowledging that the Hebrew can also mean Finder of secrets. This interpretation is supported by Chrysostom, Theodoret, and others, based on the roots צפן meaning to conceal and the Arabic פען meaning to open. Some analyses break it down to mean Scribe of the Divine of the eternal Spirit. The new name given to Joseph could reflect the preference to avoid his prior foreign name, or it may signify his alignment with Pharaoh in a new role. Historically, Egyptian kings often renamed the rulers of conquered nations (2 Chronicles 36:4). The priest of Iliopolis. In the Seventy and in the Vulgate, the Hebrew name He (און) is replaced with Iliopolis. Cyril, in his commentary on Hosea, suggests that the Egyptian name He corresponds to the Greek ilios, or the sun. Strabo observed that this city was historically a prominent center for priests, philosophers, and astronomers.