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Joseph Facts & Worksheets

Joseph is a prominent figure in the Bible, particularly in the Book of Genesis. He was the son of Jacob (also known as Israel) and Rachel.

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Joseph is a prominent figure in the Bible, particularly in the Book of Genesis. He was the son of Jacob (also known as Israel) and Rachel. The story of Joseph begins in Genesis 37.

See the fact file below for more information on Joseph, or you can download our 29-page Joseph worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

EARLY LIFE OF JOSEPH

  • Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of his beloved wife, Rachel. Because he was born in Jacob’s old age, Joseph was particularly favored by his father. Jacob gave Joseph a special robe of many colors, which further accentuated his favoritism.
  • Joseph had dreams that he believed were prophetic. In one dream, he saw himself and his brothers binding sheaves of grain, and his sheaf stood upright while his brothers’ sheaves bowed down to it. 
  • In another dream, the sun, moon, and eleven stars (representing his father, mother, and brothers) bowed down to him. 
  • Joseph shared these dreams with his brothers, which intensified their jealousy and resentment toward him.
  • Joseph’s brothers, consumed by jealousy, plotted against him.
  • One day, when Joseph went to check on his brothers, who were tending their flocks, they seized him and threw him into a pit. Eventually, they decided to sell him to a passing group of traders. Joseph was taken to Egypt as a slave.
  • In Egypt, Joseph was purchased by Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. Despite his circumstances, Joseph displayed great competence, diligence, and integrity. He rose to a position of trust in Potiphar’s household and managed his affairs.
  • Potiphar’s wife, who was attracted to Joseph, made advances towards him. However, Joseph refused her advances, maintaining his loyalty to his master and his commitment to moral conduct. 
  • Frustrated, Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph of attempting to assault her. As a result, Joseph was unjustly thrown into prison.

THE GOVERNOR OF EGYPT

  • Pharaoh had two troubling dreams that deeply troubled him. In the first dream, he saw seven fat and healthy cows being devoured by seven thin and sickly cows. 
  • In the second dream, he saw seven plump and good ears of grain being consumed by seven thin and withered ears. These dreams troubled Pharaoh, and none of his wise men could interpret their meaning.
  • The cupbearer, who had previously been imprisoned with Joseph, remembered Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams and informed Pharaoh about him. Joseph was summoned from prison to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. 
  • With God’s help, Joseph interpreted the dreams as a message from God. He explained that the dreams indicated that there would be seven years of abundant harvests followed by seven years of severe famine.
  • Recognizing the significance of Joseph’s interpretation, Pharaoh was impressed by Joseph’s wisdom and discernment.
  • He appointed Joseph as the overseer of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh himself. Joseph was entrusted with the task of preparing for the upcoming famine during the seven years of abundance. He was given authority over the land, the grain supply, and the people of Egypt.
  • Joseph implemented a plan to store excess grain during the years of plenty. He oversaw the collection and storage of food throughout the land of Egypt. 
  • The abundance of grain during the prosperous years ensured that Egypt was well-prepared to withstand the coming famine.
  • As second-in-command, Joseph held immense authority and power. He managed the distribution of food during the famine, not only to the Egyptians but also to people from surrounding lands who sought relief. Joseph’s wisdom, administrative skills, and faithfulness to God played a significant role in Egypt’s survival during this time.

REUNITING WITH HIS FAMILY

  • During the severe famine, Joseph’s brothers traveled to Egypt to buy grain because Egypt had stored food supplies under Joseph’s administration. They did not recognize Joseph, who was now a powerful Egyptian official.
  • Joseph recognized his brothers, but he decided to test them before revealing his identity. He accused them of being spies and put them in custody for three days. 
  • On the third day, Joseph released them but kept one of his brothers, Simeon, as a hostage until they brought their youngest brother, Benjamin, to him.
  • Joseph sent his brothers back to Canaan with grain for their families but secretly returned their payment in their sacks. 
  • When they discovered the money, they became fearful and returned to Egypt, bringing Benjamin with them as Joseph had requested.
  • Joseph was deeply moved when he saw his younger brother, Benjamin. He then revealed himself to his brothers, expressing his identity as Joseph, their long-lost brother.
  • His brothers were stunned and filled with remorse for their past actions.
  • Instead of seeking revenge, Joseph embraced his brothers with forgiveness and reassured them that their actions were part of God’s plan.
  • He explained that it was through their betrayal and subsequent events that he ended up in a position to save their lives during the famine. Joseph urged his brothers not to be distressed but rather to rejoice in their reunion.
  • Joseph sent his brothers back to Canaan to bring their father, Jacob, and their families to Egypt, where they would be provided for during the remaining years of the famine. When Jacob learned that Joseph was alive and the ruler of Egypt, he joyfully agreed to go and see his long-lost son.

RELEVANCE IN CHRISTIAN FAITH

  • Patriarch in the Messianic Lineage: Joseph was part of the lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, both the Gospels of Matthew and Luke trace Jesus’ genealogy back to Joseph. 
  • This connection emphasizes Joseph’s role as a key figure in the ancestry of Jesus, highlighting his importance in the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the coming Messiah.
  • Foreshadowing of Jesus: The life of Joseph contains various parallels and foreshadowings of the life of Jesus. Just as Joseph was betrayed by his own brothers, sold for silver, and falsely accused, Jesus, too, was betrayed by one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, for thirty pieces of silver and was unjustly accused and crucified. 
  • Joseph’s life serves as a type or symbol of Jesus, illustrating themes of redemption, forgiveness, and God’s providence.
  • Lessons in Forgiveness and God’s Providence: Joseph’s story showcases the power of forgiveness and the working of God’s providence in human lives. 
  • Despite the hardships he endured, Joseph forgave his brothers and recognized that God had a purpose in all that had happened to him. This example serves as an inspiration for Christians to extend forgiveness and trust in God’s plan, even in challenging circumstances.
  • Example of Faithfulness and Integrity: Joseph’s character, faithfulness, and integrity in the face of adversity serve as a model for Christians. 
  • He remained committed to God’s principles and displayed moral uprightness even in difficult situations. Joseph’s steadfastness in his faith can encourage believers to remain faithful to God and uphold righteous values.

PRESERVATION OF THE ISRAELITE FAMILY

  • Joseph’s journey from being sold into slavery by his brothers to become a powerful ruler in Egypt ultimately led to the preservation of the Israelite family. 
  • Through a series of events, Joseph rose to prominence as the second-in-command to Pharaoh and was able to provide food and shelter for his family during a severe famine. He reunited with his brothers, forgave them for their betrayal, and brought his father, Jacob, and the entire family to Egypt, where they settled in the land of Goshen.
  • The same family would flourish for the next 400 years, giving rise to the Jewish people, who would later follow Moses to the promised land.

Joseph Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Joseph across 29 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Joseph. Joseph is a prominent figure in the Bible, particularly in the Book of Genesis. He was the son of Jacob (also known as Israel) and Rachel.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Joseph (Bible) Old Testament Facts
  2. Joseph’s Family
  3. Joseph the Dreamer
  4. The Beautiful Gift
  5. “People of the Black Land”
  6. Joseph in Egypt
  7. Joseph the Interpreter
  8. A Good Strategist
  9. The Value of Forgiveness
  10. Joseph’s Maze
  11. Jews After Joseph

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Joseph in history?

Joseph, also known as Joseph the Carpenter, was the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus Christ in Christian tradition. He played a significant role in the early life of Jesus, according to the New Testament.

What is Joseph’s significance in Christianity?

Joseph is highly regarded in Christianity for his obedience and faithfulness to God. He accepted the divine message from an angel that Mary’s child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and took on the role of raising Jesus as his own son, providing him with protection and guidance.

Where is Joseph mentioned in the Bible?

Joseph is prominently featured in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. The Gospel of Matthew includes the story of the angel’s visitation to Joseph, informing him of the miraculous conception of Jesus. In the Gospel of Luke, Joseph is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus.

What profession is associated with Joseph in religious texts?

Joseph is often described as a carpenter in Christian tradition, based on references to him in the Bible. He is referred to as a “tekton” in Greek, which typically denotes a craftsman or artisan, and is commonly interpreted as a carpenter.

Are there any feast days or celebrations dedicated to Joseph?

Yes, the Roman Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of St. Joseph on March 19th each year, honoring Joseph’s role as the foster father of Jesus. Additionally, May 1st is celebrated as the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, acknowledging his role as a laborer and a model for workers. Other Christian denominations may have different dates and customs to honor Joseph as well.

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Link will appear as Joseph Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, August 2, 2023

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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