The story of Joseph is one of the most loved in the whole Bible — a story of a favored son, a bitter betrayal, and a forgiveness that saved a family.
Joseph rose from a pit and a prison to become the second most powerful man in Egypt. You’ll find his story in the book of Genesis, chapters 37–50.
The Story of Joseph
Joseph was one of twelve brothers, and his father Jacob loved him most — even giving him a beautiful coat of many colors. Joseph also had dreams that his family would one day bow to him, and his brothers’ jealousy grew into hatred.
One day they seized him, threw him into a pit, and sold him to traders bound for Egypt. To cover it up, they dipped his coat in blood and told their father a wild animal had killed him.
In Egypt, Joseph served faithfully and God blessed his work — but he was falsely accused and thrown into prison. Even there he kept trusting God, and correctly explained the dreams of two fellow prisoners.
Years later, Pharaoh had dreams no one could explain. Joseph was called from his cell and revealed their meaning: seven years of plenty, then seven of famine. Pharaoh was so impressed he made Joseph second-in-command over all Egypt.
When the famine spread, Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt for food — and bowed before him without knowing who he was. Joseph forgave them completely, and the whole family was reunited.
Key Verses
“Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours.” Genesis 37:3
“And sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver.” Genesis 37:28
“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.” Genesis 50:20
Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), a public-domain translation.
What the Story of Joseph Teaches Us
Joseph’s story is a reminder that God can bring good out of the worst that happens to us. As Joseph told his brothers, what they meant for evil, God meant for good.
It’s also one of the Bible’s most powerful pictures of forgiveness. Joseph had every reason for revenge, and chose grace instead.
Color the story. Joseph’s coat of many colors is one of 28 scenes in our Genesis Coloring Book — Volume 1, each paired with a Bible verse. See it in the shop →
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Joseph in the Bible?
Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and his father’s favorite. He was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers but rose to become the second most powerful leader in Egypt, where he saved his family and many others from famine.
What was the coat of many colors?
It was a special, colorful robe that Jacob gave Joseph as a sign of his love. It made Joseph’s brothers jealous because it showed their father loved Joseph most.
Why did Joseph’s brothers sell him?
They were jealous of his special coat and angry about his dreams, which suggested they would one day bow to him. Out of jealousy, they sold him to traders going to Egypt.
What does Joseph’s story teach about forgiveness?
Though his brothers deeply wronged him, Joseph chose to forgive rather than take revenge — trusting that God had used even their betrayal for good.
Where is the story of Joseph in the Bible?
The story of Joseph is found in the book of Genesis, chapters 37 through 50.