Asenath may be a lesser-known figure in the Bible. However, her family had a major impact on the history of Christianity. Her husband, Joseph, played a vital role as second-in-command to the Pharaoh in Egypt, and through their marriage, Asenath gave birth to two sons. These sons became heads of the tribes of Israel. After all this suffering, Joseph received the double blessing of having two tribes from his name.
Where Does the Bible Mention Asenath?
The Bible mentions Asenath in the book of Genesis. In chapter 41, Joseph has just impressed Pharaoh by interpreting his dreams. Because of this, Pharaoh puts him in charge of the palace, making Joseph his second-in-command. After he puts Joseph in control of Egypt, he adorns him with his signet ring, robes of fine linen, and a gold necklace. He also gives him Asenath as his wife.
“Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah and gave him Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt” (Genesis 41:45).
Asenath is mentioned again several verses later. Genesis 41:50 states, “Before the years of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On.” Asenath bore Joseph two sons: Manasseh and Ephraim. The Bible mentions Asenath and her sons a third time in Genesis 46. In this chapter, Jacob travels to be reunited with his beloved son, Joseph. God tells Jacob he will make him into a great nation. Scripture lists all the descendants of Jacob that came to Egypt, including Manasseh and Ephraim, who were born there. With these two grandsons’ Jacob’s family numbered seventy people in all.
What Kind of Family Did Asenath and Joseph Have?
As stated above, Asenath and Joseph had two sons. Manasseh’s name meant “forgetfulness or he that is forgotten.” After naming his son, Joseph said, “It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household” (Genesis 41:51). Matthew Henry explains that while we bear our troubles when we endure them, happy circumstances afterward may help us leave them behind. Henry explains that Joseph’s explanation of Manasseh’s name may mean he wanted to forget the unpleasant memories and treatment he received at his father Jacob’s house. Pharaoh gave him a new robe which could signify leaving his robe of many colors he had when he was younger behind. The coat was tied to his brothers’ jealousy and betrayal. Jacob could leave his difficult memories behind and look toward the future with his new family.
Ephraim means “fruitful or increasing.” In Genesis 41:52, Joseph says he chooses this name “because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.” Before his status elevation and his sons’ births, Joseph experienced much hardship in Egypt. When he worked as Potiphar’s attendant in Genesis 39, his master’s wife took notice of his good looks and build. She asked him to come to bed with him, but he refused. Joseph repeatedly refused until Potiphar’s wife lied and told her husband Joseph had come to sleep with her. Potiphar grew furious and threw Joseph in prison. Joseph was eventually freed when he interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams and gave him wise counsel. With his imprisonment behind him, Joseph is again moving forward with the birth of his sons. His wife has been fruitful, and his family is increasing.
Do We Know Whether Asenath Followed Egyptian Gods?
In Genesis, we learn Asenath is the daughter of Potiphera, Priest of On. According to Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, the term Potiphera referred to “priests of foreign gods in foreign lands.” Daily News Egypt tells us the city of On was also called Heliopolis or “City of the Sun,” and the people worshipped the sun god. While Asenath was from this community, whether she continued to follow these pagan practices after her marriage to Joseph is unknown. Rabbinic legend gives one point of view. In this viewpoint, Asenath is fully Egyptian, follows Egyptian religious practices, but later converts to the Jewish faith. We do know that Joseph’s sons became the heads of tribes of Israel. Their faith could have come from their father or perhaps their mother if she came to know and follow Yahweh.
Advice for When Your Spouse Doesn’t Share Your Faith
In 2 Corinthians 6:14, Paul states, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” This verse refers to the practice of two oxen working together. Both the oxen would be attached to a bar. If one was weaker than the other, it would slow the stronger one down. Similarly, this can happen if a Christian marries an unbeliever.
Pray for Your Spouse
The Bible tells us to pray for others. Spouses married to unbelievers can pray their husbands or wives will turn their hearts toward God. Ephesians 6:18 says, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” God hears all our prayers, and while it is eventually up to your spouse whether they will follow Christ, you can pray their mind and heart will be open to faith.
Pray with Other Women
All women need prayer, regardless of their marital status. Praying with others is a powerful way to present our requests before God. Finding other women married to unbelievers can also be a way to form a community with others in similar situations. Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” We are not meant to go through life alone. Whether celebrating success or sharing burdens, praying together brings strength and unity. On praying with others, iBelieve contributor Debbie McDaniel says, “He raises up those who feel defeated and hopeless… He gives us peace and confidence in Him. He reminds us that we need each other; we are His family. There is unity, and we are stronger together than apart.”
Live as an Example
Jesus came to earth and modeled how we should live as Christians. Many people came to believe he was the Son of God after being in his presence. Spouses can be an example of Christ-centered faith in their homes. Leading by example can be a powerful way to turn someone’s heart toward God. 1 Peter 3:1-2 states, “Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.”
Asenath came from a culture that worshipped false gods. However, God used her to give birth to two future leaders of the tribes of Israel. It is unclear whether Asenath adopted the faith of her husband, Joseph, but the blessing of their marriage remains clear. This emphasizes that God can use anyone to impact the world for Christ, no matter their background.
Further Reading:
What Is the Story of Joseph’s Coat of Many Colors and its Meaning Today?
What Do We Know about Potiphar's Wife?
Photo Credit: Getty Images/BibleArtLibrary
Jenna Brooke Carlson is an elementary dual language teacher in the Chicago suburbs. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Word Weavers, she enjoys spending time with other writers and perfecting her craft. Her debut novel, Falling Flat, spreads the message that healing can occur, even after tragedy. Along with writing, she’s pursuing her dreams of creating a community of brave young women, who she can encourage to live out their dreams amid challenges and imperfection. Her days are busy, but she’s determined she can conquer anything with a fuzzy blanket and a hot cup of tea. To find out more about Jenna, visit her website at jennabrookecarlson.com.
This article is part of our People of Christianity catalog that features the stories, meaning, and significance of well-known people from the Bible and history. Here are some of the most popular articles for knowing important figures in Christianity:
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