Joseph and Jesus: Unearthing Symbolisms within the Bible and the Qur’an

The International Journal of Religion and Spirituality in Society, Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 117-128, 2011

11 Pages Posted: 12 Oct 2011 Last revised: 18 Dec 2013

See all articles by Abdulla Galadari

Abdulla Galadari

Khalifa University of Science & Technology

Date Written: October 11, 2011

Abstract

This study investigates the parallel symbolisms linguistically in the narrations of the stories of Joseph and Jesus in the Bible and the Qur’an, in an attempt to resurrect their inner meanings. It uses a unique method of Scriptural hermeneutics to allow Scriptures to be the sole interpreter of itself. Joseph had been left in a pit (cistern) by his brethren. He was taken out by a caravan and sold for twenty pieces of silver. Jesus was betrayed for thirty pieces of silver. In Egypt, Joseph enters the prison, which is described in the Bible also as a pit (cistern). Two others enter the prison with him, the cupbearer and the baker. Jesus is also crucified with two thieves. The cupbearer and the baker have similarities to the Last Supper, as Jesus distributes bread and wine. By interpreting their respective dreams, Joseph tells the cupbearer that he will be restored to his position in three days, while the baker will be crucified. Jesus informs one of the thieves that he will be with him in his kingdom, implying that one of the thieves is saved, while the other is not. In the story of Joseph, the fulfillment of the dreams occurred after three days, which coincided with Pharaoh’s birthday. After crucifixion, Jesus enters a pit of grave, which is also described as a prison by Peter in the Bible, and is fulfilled in three days when he is resurrected. Joseph asks the cupbearer to remember him when he returns to Pharaoh, but the cupbearer forgets. One of the thieves asks Jesus to remember him when he returns to his kingdom, and Jesus promises him that they will be together. This study also unlocks the mystery in the relationship between Jews and Samaritans. There are many parallel symbolisms in the narration of both stories within Scriptures that this study attempts to unearth from linguistic and narrative perspectives.

Keywords: Joseph, Jesus, Christ, Scriptures, Comparative Study, Bible, Qur’an, Exegesis, Communion, Eucharist, Crucifixion, Resurrection, Samaritans, Jews, Hermeneutics, Prophecy

Suggested Citation

Galadari, Abdulla, Joseph and Jesus: Unearthing Symbolisms within the Bible and the Qur’an (October 11, 2011). The International Journal of Religion and Spirituality in Society, Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 117-128, 2011, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1942280

Abdulla Galadari (Contact Author)

Khalifa University of Science & Technology ( email )

Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates

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