Genesis 41:45

Zaphnath-paaneah, i.e. The revealer of secrets, as the Hebrews generally understand it, and with them most others. Poti-pherah, not that Potiphar, Genesis 39:1; both because he had another title, and dwelt in another place; and because it is not probable Joseph would have married the daughter of so unchaste a mother; but another and a greater person. It is the observation of a late ingenious and learned writer, that among the Egyptians there were three words, or endings of words, near akin, but differing in signification, and in the degree of dignity and authority, to which those names were annexed: Phar, which belonged to inferior officers; and Pherah, which was given to those of greater dignity and power; and Pharaoh, which was appropriated to the king. Priest, or prince, as the word signifies, Exodus 18:1 2 Samuel 8:18, 2 Samuel 20:26, and elsewhere. This sense is the more probable, both from Joseph's high quality, and from his holy disposition, whereby he hated idolatry, and would never have married the daughter of an idolatrous priest. On was a famous city of Egypt, called also Aven, Ezekiel 30:17, and afterwards, as some think, Heliopolis, now Damiata. See Jeremiah 43:13. Joseph went out over all the land, upon his employment, and to execute the king's command, and his own counsel.