Egyptian

Lore & Background

The first mention of Egyptians in these passages is in Abram’s fear that they would kill him to take Sarai (Genesis 12:12), and indeed they found her very fair (Genesis 12:14). Later, Hagar the Egyptian becomes a key figure: she is Sarai’s handmaid (Genesis 16:1), given to Abram as a wife (Genesis 16:3), and her son Ishmael mocks Isaac (Genesis 21:9), with his generations recorded (Genesis 25:12). In Joseph’s time, Potiphar the Egyptian buys Joseph (Genesis 39:1), and the LORD blesses Potiphar’s house because of Joseph (Genesis 39:5). During the famine, Pharaoh directs the Egyptians to go to Joseph (Genesis 41:55), and Joseph sells grain to them (Genesis 41:56). The Egyptians eventually sell their land to Joseph for Pharaoh (Genesis 47:20) and mourn Jacob for seventy days (Genesis 50:3). Cultural separation is emphasized: Egyptians would not eat with Hebrews (Genesis 43:32) and considered shepherds an abomination (Genesis 46:34). The Canaanites also note the Egyptians’ mourning at Atad (Genesis 50:11).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Egyptians as a distinct ethnic group with specific customs and a significant role in the lives of the patriarchs. They are first seen as a potential threat to Abram (Genesis 12:12), but later Hagar, an Egyptian, becomes part of Abraham’s family (Genesis 16:3). The Egyptians are depicted as a people who can be blessed through association with God’s servants, as Potiphar’s household is blessed for Joseph’s sake (Genesis 39:5). During the famine, they rely on Joseph’s administration (Genesis 41:55-56) and ultimately surrender their land to Pharaoh through him (Genesis 47:20). Cultural boundaries are maintained: they refuse to eat with Hebrews (Genesis 43:32) and disdain shepherds (Genesis 46:34). The Egyptians also participate in mourning Jacob (Genesis 50:3), and their mourning is observed by Canaanites (Genesis 50:11). Overall, the Egyptians are presented as a people with whom the Hebrews interact closely, yet with clear social and religious distinctions.

Did You Know?

• Hagar is explicitly called an Egyptian handmaid (Genesis 16:1) and later Sarah’s handmaid (Genesis 25:12).
• Potiphar is identified as an Egyptian officer who bought Joseph (Genesis 39:1).
• The Egyptians would not eat bread with Hebrews, calling it an abomination (Genesis 43:32).
• The Egyptians mourned Jacob for seventy days (Genesis 50:3).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Yuval Noah Harari, Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind (2011), Chapter 11: "Imperial Visions" — Egyptian "Yuval Noah Harari, Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind (2011), Chapter 15: "The Marriage of Science and Empire" — Egyptian "The Egyptian scales of justice are not reversible. There is no justice in Egypt. No reason. Logic committed suicide a while ago. Egypt went crazy. Egypt is ruled by a bunch of lunatics." — Egyptian "We are good fighters but lousy builders. Our last piece of original architecture was during ancient Egypt. What are we known for now?" — Egyptian