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Joseph

Biblical
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Favored son of Jacob, sold into Egyptian slavery by his brothers, who rose to vizier and saved his family during famine.

Detailed Definition
Joseph interpreted dreams, saved nations from famine, and forgave his brothers. His coat and trials are iconic. In poetry, Joseph symbolizes providence in suffering, the triumph of integrity, and reconciliation across betrayal and time.
Example
Example in poetry:
In John Milton’s "Paradise Lost," Joseph’s dreams and forgiveness (Genesis 37–50) prefigure Christ’s rejection and reconciliation; In William Blake’s "The Four Zoas," Joseph represents the betrayed who saves; In Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s "The Seraphim," Joseph symbolizes the interpreter of divine purpose; In George Herbert’s "The Church-porch," Joseph’s coat and prison model suffering before exaltation; In John Keble’s "Lyra Innocentium," Joseph represents the provider in famine; In Christina Rossetti’s "Goblin Market," Joseph’s grain prefigures sustenance in crisis.
Additional Notes
Joseph: Patriarch, son of Jacob; sold into Egypt, rose to power, saved his family (Genesis 37–50). In poetry, Joseph embodies dreams, betrayal, forgiveness, and providential reversal (“you meant evil… God meant good”). His coat, prison, and famine management offer rich symbols—ideal for poems on resilience, reconciliation, or the hidden hand of God in suffering.
Also Known As
Joseph son of Jacob Joseph the Dreamer Joseph husband of Mary
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