What is the meaning of Zaphenath-Paneah in Genesis 41:45?

Zaphnath-paaneah, "the Revealer of Secrets."

*Zaphnath-paaneah, in the old Egyptian tongue, is said to have signified "the saviour of the world;" in the Hebrew, as we understand, it might be rendered "the revealer of secrets."

Name given to Joseph by Pharaoh. Gen. 41:45. The learned Jews translate it as a Hebrew name, 'Revealer of secrets,' as in the margin of the A.V.; but as an Egyptian name, which it is, it has been interpreted 'Prince of the life of the world.' In the LXX the name stands Ψονθομφανήχ an equivalent to the Coptic Psotempheneh, which has been thus explained: p represents the article; sote is 'saviour,' m is sign of the genitive case; ph the article; and eneh is 'world.' 'The saviour of the world.' The two latter meanings suit Joseph well, as being a type of Christ.

Zaph’nath pa a ne’ah Treasury of the glorious rest

He names him "Zaphnath-paaneah," or the "Revealer of secrets," as the Coptic, it is said, indicates; and "Saviour of the world," as says another authority. Of course I do not go further here than to notice the double significance of this title which Pharaoh gave to Joseph.

Says JOSEPH to his troubled brethren, "GOD did send me before you to preserve life. … GOD sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance." (Gen. 14:5, 7.) The meaning of the formidable-looking polysyllable — Zaphnath-paaneah — (which Egyptian lips found easier than our own to pronounce) while somewhat uncertain is generally agreed by scholars to have reference to "Food of life," or "Bread of life"; some saying, following the Vulgate — Salvator Mundi — Saviour of the world; others, the Coptic — "Revealer of secrets." Such interpretations are intensely suggestive and interesting when we consider the position of JOSEPH in the scheme of human history. But "JOSEPH died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. And the children of ISRAEL were fruitful and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them." (Ex. 1:6-7.)

We must recall how Israel entered Egypt. Jacob and his sons were driven there through stress of hunger. A severe famine prevailed in Egypt and in the countries surrounding it, but for all the dearth "there was corn in Egypt." Little did aged Jacob dream by what means it was that Egypt had become the life-centre for the surrounding countries; little did he think that the son whom he mourned as dead was by the hand of God raised to chief power in Egypt, and that by his wisdom Joseph (named Zaphnath-paaneah, signifying The food of life, or, of the living*) was the sustainer of life, not only of Egypt, but of the world around it.

Joseph was also given a new name, Zaphnath-paaneah. As to its meaning there are several suggestions — Light of the world; Saviour of the world; Revealer of secrets. They were all true in Joseph's case. His revealing of the royal dreams gave light as to the true state of affairs in Egypt, and his wisdom brought practical salvation in the time of famine. Our Lord is the Light of the World and He has brought into it, in infinite grace, the revelation of the love of God. He is the Revealer of Secrets. He has brought to light the Father's heart. He has opened to us the Father's house with all the love, peace, joy and glory, that belong there. "The Father sent the Son, the Saviour of the world."

So, in verse 43 of our chapter, we see Joseph arrayed in fine linen, with a gold chain about his neck, in the second chariot of the kingdom, and "Bow the knee!" is the cry as he rides through the streets. Moreover a new name is given to him. It is said that Zaphnath-paaneah would have meaning whether it be read as Hebrew or as Egyptian. In the former it would mean "Revealer of secrets," in the latter, "Saviour of the world." We may happily accept both, and see in this double meaning a further type of the One whom we adore. In Him both revelation and redemption have reached their climax and full accomplishment, to our eternal blessing.

Pharaoh gave Joseph the name of Zaphnaph-paaneah, which means in Coptic language "revealer of secrets," but in Egyptian, "Savior of the world" (v.45). both are appropriate as applying to Christ, for He has revealed the Father and the Father's counsels, and by virtue of His great sacrifice on Calvary He is indeed the Savior of the world. As to the wife Joseph was given, Asenath, we are told almost nothing, except that she was a daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. But she is typical of the church, a Gentile bride, being united to the Lord Jesus at a time when He has been rejected by Israel.