Parashat Mikeitz: What's Going On Here?
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ByHadar Institute

What's going on here? מַה זֶה?

Why is Yosef called צָפְנַת פַּעְנֵחַ (Tzafnat Paneiah)?

After Yosef interprets Pharaoh’s dreams, Pharaoh gives Yosef the name “Tzafnat Paneiah” (Bereishit 41:45).
What is the meaning of this name?
  • Targum Onkelos (an ancient translation of the Torah into Aramaic) translates Tzafnat Paneiah as “the one who reveals mysteries” because Yosef was so good at interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams.
  • Ibn Ezra (Spain, 900 years ago) says that it might be an Egyptian phrase, and we are not sure of its meaning. But he suggests that it could be the Egyptian translation of Yosef (“he will add”).

    • It is a mysterious name, and Egyptologists and commentators continue to debate this question, even today!