Joseph as a Type of Christ in the Bible
Joseph as a Type of Christ
Joseph, the son of Jacob, is considered a type of Christ in the Bible due to several parallels between their lives. The biblical account of Joseph's life in Genesis provides the foundation for this typology. One of the primary connections is their experiences of being rejected by their brothers. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers [4], while Jesus was rejected by his own people (John 1:11). This rejection is a significant aspect of their stories, highlighting the theme of suffering and redemption.
The New Testament establishes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament types and shadows. In Matthew 1:16, Joseph is listed in Jesus' genealogy, establishing a connection between the two figures [1]. The biblical narrative also highlights Joseph's role as a savior figure, providing for his family during a time of famine (Genesis 45:5-8, 50:20). Similarly, Jesus is seen as a savior, providing spiritual nourishment and salvation to humanity.
Several biblical commentators have noted the typological connections between Joseph and Jesus. John Gill observes that Joseph's experiences, including being sold into slavery and rising to a position of authority, prefigure Christ's own experiences [4]. Matthew Henry also notes that Joseph's life, including his temptation and subsequent righteousness, serves as a type of Christ's own life and ministry [3].
The parallels between Joseph and Jesus include:
- Being beloved of their fathers (Genesis 37:3; Matthew 3:17)
- Being hated by their brothers (Genesis 37:4-8, 18-20; John 1:11, 7:5)
- Being conspired against and sold for silver (Genesis 37:18-20, 28; Matthew 26:14-16, 47-50)
- Being falsely accused and suffering unjustly (Genesis 39:13-20; Matthew 26:59-68)
- Being exalted to a position of authority and saving their people (Genesis 41:41-43, 45:5-8; Philippians 2:9-11)
These typological connections demonstrate that Joseph's story serves as a precursor to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. The biblical narrative and commentators' observations highlight the significance of Joseph as a type of Christ, emphasizing the themes of rejection, suffering, and redemption that are central to both their stories [2].
Sources
- Matthew “Jacob became the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. -- Matthew 1:16”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Types of Christ — Adam -- Ro 5:14; 1Co 15:45. Abel -- Ge 4:8,10; Heb 12:24. Abraham -- Ge 17:5; Eph 3:15. Aaron -- Ex 28:1; Heb 5:4,5; Le 16:15; Heb 9:7,24. Ark -- Ge 7:16; 1Pe 3:20,21. Ark of the Covenant -- Ex 25:16; Ps 40:8; Isa 42:6. Atonement, sacrifices offered on the day of -- Le 16:15,16; Heb 9:12,24. Brazen serpent -- Nu 21:9; Joh 3:14,15. Brazen altar -- Ex 27:1,2; Heb 13:10. Burnt offering -- Le 1:2,4; Heb 10:10. Cities of refuge -- Nu 35:6; Heb 6:18. David -- 2Sa 8:15; Eze 37:24; Ps 89:19,20; Php 2:9. Eliakim -- Isa 22:20-22; Re 3:7. First-fruits -- Ex 22”
- Genesis (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Genesis 39 (introduction): At this chapter we return to the story of Joseph. We have him here, I. A servant, a slave in Potiphar's house (Gen 39:1), and yet there greatly honoured and favoured, I. By the providence of God, which made him, in effect, a master (Gen 39:2-6). 2. By the grace of God, which made him more than a conqueror over a strong temptation to uncleanness (Gen 39:7-12). II. We have him here a sufferer, falsely accused (Gen 39:13-18), imprisoned (Gen 39:19, Gen 39:20), and yet his imprisonment made both honourable and comfortable by the tokens of God's special p”
- Genesis (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Genesis 37:35: And the Midianites sold him into Egypt,.... Or Medanites, who sprung from Medan, a brother of Midian, and son of Keturah, Gen 24:2; and were distinct from the Midianites, though they dwelt near them, and were now in company with them, and with the Ishmaelites, and were all concerned in the buying and selling of Joseph, and therefore this is sometimes ascribed to the one, and sometimes to the other: unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh; the word is sometimes used for an eunuch, but cannot design one here, since Potiphar had a wife, and some say a child; but he eith”