Potiphar

Potiphar (Egyptian Pa-di-pa-Re, meaning "he whom Ra gave") was the Egyptian captain of the guard to whom the Ishmaelites sold Joseph (Gen. 37:36; 39:1). He recognized Joseph's abilities and eventually made him overseer of his entire household, so that "the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake" (Gen. 39:5). When Potiphar's wife falsely accused Joseph of attempting to assault her after he fled her advances, Potiphar had Joseph imprisoned — though notably not executed, which the charge would normally have warranted, perhaps suggesting some residual belief in Joseph's innocence (Gen. 39:20). His name and title connect him to the royal administration and the cult of the sun-god Ra.