Name Changes - Genesis 41:45

Genesis 41:45 Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah and gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt.

The changing of names in biblical times is actually very common. Moses' father-in-law was known as Reuel and Jethro (Ex. 2:18; 3:1). Gideon acquired the name Jerubbaal because he destroyed the altar of Baal at Ophrah (Judges 6:32; 7:1; 8:29). Pharaoh Necho changed the name of King Josiah's oldest son, Eliakim, to Jehoiakim (2 Kings 23:34). The apostle Peter is sometimes called Peter, Simon Peter, Simon, and Cephas (Matt. 14:28; 16:16; 17:25; John 1:42). And Saul is called Paul (Acts 13:9). We do the same today. My name is Joseph, but many call me Joe.