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G2501 · Greek · New Testament
Ἰωσήφ
Iōsēph
Proper noun (person)
Joseph — 'May he add / Yahweh increases'

Definition

Iōsēph (Ἰωσήφ) is the Greek rendering of the Hebrew Yosef, meaning "May he add\” or "Yahweh increases.\” It is among the most common names in the NT, borne by multiple figures: Joseph son of Jacob (the patriarch), Joseph husband of Mary, Joseph of Arimathea, Joseph Barnabas (Acts 4:36), and others.

Usage & Theological Significance

The theological depth of Joseph (son of Jacob) is extraordinary — his story in Genesis 37-50 is one of the most developed type-Christ narratives in the OT: (1) Beloved son sent by the father to his brothers. (2) Betrayed and sold by his brothers for pieces of silver. (3) Falsely accused and imprisoned. (4) Exalted to the right hand of the king. (5) Hidden identity revealed — his brothers do not recognize him. (6) Forgiveness extended to those who betrayed him. (7) Savior of many lives, including his enemies.

Joseph of Arimathea mirrors this typological resonance — a wealthy, righteous man who provides his own tomb for Jesus (Matthew 27:57-60), just as Joseph the patriarch provided a place of rest and security in his own "house" (Egypt) for his family. The name Iōsēph in the NT is never merely biographical.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Matthew 27:57-58 As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body.
Acts 7:9 Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him.
Genesis 45:4-5 Then Joseph said to his brothers, 'Come close to me.' When they had done so, he said, 'I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.'
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

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