BIBL 410 WEEKLY STUDY 8 COMPREHENSIVE EXAM: THE
LIFE OF JOSEPH
Part I: True/False (with Explanation)
Instructions: For each statement, mark it as True or False. If false, explain why it is incorrect based on the
course material.
1. T/F—The rest of Genesis is devoted solely to the story of Joseph.
o Answer: False
o Rationale: While the story of Joseph is a major focus and regarded as one of the world's
best short stories, the rest of Genesis is not devoted solely to him. It also includes the
episode involving Judah and Tamar (chapter 38) and Jacob’s farewell blessing (chapter
49) .
2. T/F—Jacob formally adopted Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, as his own.
o Answer: True
o Rationale: On his deathbed, Jacob blessed Joseph's sons and intentionally adopted
them, declaring, "And now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt
before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, as
Reuben and Simeon are" . This act elevated them to the status of tribal patriarchs.
3. T/F—Reuben, as the firstborn, received the primary blessing and birthright from Jacob.
o Answer: False
o Rationale: Reuben lost the blessing of the firstborn due to his sin with Bilhah, his
father's concubine (Genesis 35:22). The birthright was given to Joseph (signified by the
double portion through his sons), and the leadership blessing passed to Judah .
4. T/F—Joseph held the position of a royal cupbearer in Potiphar's house before being appointed
to a higher office.
, o Answer: False
o Rationale: In Potiphar's house, Joseph was first made a personal servant and then
overseer of Potiphar's entire household, a role akin to a "comptroller" (mer-per). The
cupbearer was a position held by another prisoner Joseph met later in Pharaoh's prison .
5. T/F—According to Hebrews 11, Joseph is remembered for his faith in giving instructions
concerning his bones and the exodus of Israel from Egypt.
o Answer: True
o Rationale: Hebrews 11:22 specifically highlights Joseph's faith: "By faith Joseph, when
he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders
concerning his bones." This demonstrated his unwavering belief in God's promise to
return his people to Canaan .
Part II: Multiple Choice
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.
6. What is the meaning of the Hebrew expression keṯoneṯ passîm, used to describe Jacob's gift to
Joseph?
a) A royal signet ring
b) A coat of many colors, a long-sleeved robe, or an ornamented tunic
c) A shepherd's staff
d) A pair of sandals
o Answer: b) A coat of many colors, a long-sleeved robe, or an ornamented tunic
o Rationale: This gift from Jacob was a further evidence of his preference for Joseph,
causing his brothers to hate him even more. The exact meaning of the Hebrew phrase is
debated, but these are the three principal translations .
7. What was the basic theme of Joseph's two dreams?
a) Impending famine and economic prosperity
b) His brothers' hatred and plot against him
c) His future supremacy and rulership over his family
d) The future slavery of Israel in Egypt
o Answer: c) His future supremacy and rulership over his family
LIFE OF JOSEPH
Part I: True/False (with Explanation)
Instructions: For each statement, mark it as True or False. If false, explain why it is incorrect based on the
course material.
1. T/F—The rest of Genesis is devoted solely to the story of Joseph.
o Answer: False
o Rationale: While the story of Joseph is a major focus and regarded as one of the world's
best short stories, the rest of Genesis is not devoted solely to him. It also includes the
episode involving Judah and Tamar (chapter 38) and Jacob’s farewell blessing (chapter
49) .
2. T/F—Jacob formally adopted Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, as his own.
o Answer: True
o Rationale: On his deathbed, Jacob blessed Joseph's sons and intentionally adopted
them, declaring, "And now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt
before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, as
Reuben and Simeon are" . This act elevated them to the status of tribal patriarchs.
3. T/F—Reuben, as the firstborn, received the primary blessing and birthright from Jacob.
o Answer: False
o Rationale: Reuben lost the blessing of the firstborn due to his sin with Bilhah, his
father's concubine (Genesis 35:22). The birthright was given to Joseph (signified by the
double portion through his sons), and the leadership blessing passed to Judah .
4. T/F—Joseph held the position of a royal cupbearer in Potiphar's house before being appointed
to a higher office.
, o Answer: False
o Rationale: In Potiphar's house, Joseph was first made a personal servant and then
overseer of Potiphar's entire household, a role akin to a "comptroller" (mer-per). The
cupbearer was a position held by another prisoner Joseph met later in Pharaoh's prison .
5. T/F—According to Hebrews 11, Joseph is remembered for his faith in giving instructions
concerning his bones and the exodus of Israel from Egypt.
o Answer: True
o Rationale: Hebrews 11:22 specifically highlights Joseph's faith: "By faith Joseph, when
he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders
concerning his bones." This demonstrated his unwavering belief in God's promise to
return his people to Canaan .
Part II: Multiple Choice
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.
6. What is the meaning of the Hebrew expression keṯoneṯ passîm, used to describe Jacob's gift to
Joseph?
a) A royal signet ring
b) A coat of many colors, a long-sleeved robe, or an ornamented tunic
c) A shepherd's staff
d) A pair of sandals
o Answer: b) A coat of many colors, a long-sleeved robe, or an ornamented tunic
o Rationale: This gift from Jacob was a further evidence of his preference for Joseph,
causing his brothers to hate him even more. The exact meaning of the Hebrew phrase is
debated, but these are the three principal translations .
7. What was the basic theme of Joseph's two dreams?
a) Impending famine and economic prosperity
b) His brothers' hatred and plot against him
c) His future supremacy and rulership over his family
d) The future slavery of Israel in Egypt
o Answer: c) His future supremacy and rulership over his family
