Updated on

Egypt

Egypt Region

RegionOld Testament & New Testament
26.8206°N, 30.8025°E View on Map

About Egypt

Egypt plays a significant role throughout the Bible, from the time of Abraham to the flight of the Holy Family. Joseph was sold into slavery there and rose to become second to Pharaoh, saving his family during famine. The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for 400 years before God delivered them through Moses in the Exodus. Jesus' family fled to Egypt to escape King Herod, fulfilling the prophecy "Out of Egypt I called my son."

Events at Egypt

JosephLinked to this placeJosephSold into Egypt as a slave; rose to govern the land

History of Egypt

  1. Patriarchalc. 1900 BC

    Abraham goes to Egypt during a famine in Canaan

    GEN 12:10-20
  2. Patriarchalc. 1898 BC

    Joseph is sold into slavery and taken to Egypt

    GEN 37:28
  3. Patriarchalc. 1885 BC

    Joseph rises to become second in command over Egypt

    GEN 41:39-44
  4. Patriarchalc. 1876 BC

    Jacob and his family settle in Egypt during the famine

    GEN 46:1-7
  5. Exodusc. 1526 BC

    Moses is born and placed in a basket on the Nile

    EXO 2:1-10
  6. Exodusc. 1446 BC

    God sends ten plagues on Egypt through Moses

    EXO 7:14-12:30
  7. Exodusc. 1446 BC

    Israel leaves Egypt in the Exodus; Pharaoh's army drowns

    EXO 14:21-31
  8. New Testamentc. 4 BC

    Joseph, Mary, and Jesus flee to Egypt to escape Herod

    MAT 2:13-15

Notable Characters in Egypt

Locations Related to Egypt

Biblical Significance of Egypt

Egypt plays a central role in biblical history as both a place of refuge and a place of oppression. Abraham went there during famine, as did Jacob's family, where Joseph had risen to power. For 400 years, Israel lived in Egypt, first as guests and then as slaves. The Exodus from Egypt became the defining event of Israel's identity, commemorated annually in Passover. The ten plagues demonstrated God's power over Egypt's gods, and the parting of the Red Sea showed his ability to save. Egypt remained a major power throughout biblical history, sometimes allied with Israel, sometimes threatening it. The prophets warned against trusting in Egypt rather than God. In the New Testament, Egypt became a refuge again when Joseph took Mary and Jesus there to escape Herod. Matthew saw this as fulfilling Hosea's prophecy: 'Out of Egypt I called my son.'

Frequently Asked Questions