KJV ORIGINAL
And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Joseph was taken down to Egypt, where Potiphar bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him there. Potiphar was an Egyptian officer who served Pharaoh and was captain of the guard.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse shows Joseph beginning his time as a slave in Egypt after being sold by his brothers, now owned by an important Egyptian official.
📚 Historical Context
This follows Joseph's brothers selling him into slavery after throwing him into a pit. The Ishmaelites (also called Midianites) were traders who carried goods and slaves along caravan routes between regions. Potiphar held a high position in Pharaoh's government, likely responsible for the royal bodyguard or prison system.
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