### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yôwçêph**, represented by `{{H3130}}`, is the name **Joseph**. It appears **213 times** across **193 unique verses**. The name's meaning, "let him add," is established at his birth when Rachel declared, "The LORD shall add `{{H3254}}` to me another son" [[Genesis 30:24]]. While famously belonging to Jacob's favored son, the name also comes to represent his descendants as the "house of Joseph" and carries prophetic weight for the nation of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Joseph's `{{H3130}}` life is a story of divine providence. As the son of Jacob's `{{H3290}}` old age `{{H2208}}`, he was loved `{{H157}}` more than his brothers and given a coat `{{H3801}}` of many colours `{{H6446}}` [[Genesis 37:3]]. After sharing dreams `{{H2472}}` that foretold his rule, his brothers sold `{{H4376}}` him into slavery in Egypt `{{H4714}}` ([[Genesis 37:5]], [[Genesis 37:28]]). Despite this betrayal, the LORD `{{H3068}}` was with Joseph, making him a prosperous `{{H6743}}` man `{{H376}}` in Potiphar's `{{H6318}}` house [[Genesis 39:2]]. Even when unjustly cast into prison `{{H5470}}`, the LORD was with him and gave him favour `{{H2580}}` [[Genesis 39:21]]. Ultimately, his God-given ability to interpret `{{H6622}}` Pharaoh's `{{H6547}}` dreams led to his exaltation over all the land of Egypt ([[Genesis 41:14]], [[Genesis 41:41]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are key to understanding the context of Joseph and his legacy:
* `{{H1062}}` **bekôwrâh** (birthright): Though not the firstborn son, the birthright `{{H1062}}` of Reuben was given to the sons of Joseph `{{H3130}}`, elevating his lineage within Israel [[1 Chronicles 5:1]].
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): The term "house of Joseph" grows to signify his descendants as a major part of Israel. Prophets refer to the troubles of the house `{{H1004}}` of Joseph and God's promise to save `{{H3467}}` it ([[Amos 5:6]], [[Zechariah 10:6]]).
* `{{H2472}}` **chalôwm** (a dream): Dreams `{{H2472}}` are a driving force in Joseph's story, from those that provoked his brothers' hatred [[Genesis 37:5]] to those whose interpretation `{{H6623}}` led to his rise to power [[Genesis 40:8]].
* `{{H251}}` **'ach** (a brother): The complex relationship between Joseph and his brethren `{{H251}}` forms the core of his narrative, moving from their betrayal to their ultimate plea for his forgiveness `{{H5375}}` [[Genesis 50:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological and prophetic weight of the name Joseph `{{H3130}}` is significant.
* **Promise and Posterity:** Jacob's blessing names Joseph `{{H3130}}` a "fruitful `{{H6509}}` bough" `{{H1121}}` [[Genesis 49:22]]. This was fulfilled through his sons, Ephraim `{{H669}}` and Manasseh `{{H4519}}`, who became two distinct tribes of Israel, securing for Joseph a double portion `{{H2256}}` of the inheritance [[Ezekiel 47:13]].
* **Divine Providence:** The repeated statement that "the LORD was with Joseph" underscores God's sovereignty and faithfulness through hardship ([[Genesis 39:2]], [[Genesis 39:21]]). Joseph affirms this when he tells his brothers, "am I in the place of God?" acknowledging God's hand in his life [[Genesis 50:19]].
* **Symbol of Afflicted Israel:** In later prophecies, "Joseph" is used as a name for the northern kingdom or the afflicted people of God. Amos calls for justice for the "remnant `{{H7611}}` of Joseph" [[Amos 5:15]] and mourns that the people are not grieved `{{H2470}}` for the "affliction `{{H7667}}` of Joseph" [[Amos 6:6]].
* **Future Restoration:** The name carries the hope of restoration. God promises to save `{{H3467}}` the house `{{H1004}}` of Joseph and show mercy `{{H7355}}` [[Zechariah 10:6]]. Prophecy declares the house of Joseph will be a flame `{{H3852}}` that devours `{{H398}}` the house of Esau `{{H6215}}` [[Obadiah 1:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3130}}` **Yôwçêph** is far more than a personal name. It begins with the patriarch whose life demonstrates God's power to bring prosperity out of suffering. The name then expands to represent the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, recipients of the birthright blessing. Finally, it serves as a prophetic symbol for the people of Israel, encapsulating their affliction and the promise of their ultimate restoration by a gracious God.
TRV