- POTIPHAR dedicated to Ra; i.e., to the sun-God, the Egyptian to whom
the Ishmaelites sold Joseph (Genesis 39:1). He was “captain of the guard”,
i.e., chief, probably, of the state police, who, while they formed part of the
Egyptian army, were also largely employed in civil duties (37:36; marg.,
“chief of the executioners”). Joseph, though a foreigner, gradually gained
his confidence, and became overseer over all his possessions. Believing the
false accusation which his profligate wife brought against Joseph, Potiphar
cast him into prison, where he remained for some years. (See JOSEPH.) - POTIPHERAH a priest of On, whose daughter Asenath became Joseph’s
wife (Genesis 41:45). - POTSHERD a “shred”, i.e., anything severed, as a fragment of
earthenware (Job 2:8; Proverbs 26:23; Isaiah 45:9). - POTTAGE Hebrews nazid, “boiled”, a dish of boiled food, as of lentils
(Genesis 25:29; 2 Kings 4:38). - POTTERS FIELD the name given to the piece of ground which was
afterwards bought with the money that had been given to Judas. It was
called the “field of blood” (Matthew 27:7-10). Tradition places it in the
valley of Hinnom. (See ACELDAMA.) - POTTERY the art of, was early practised among all nations. Various
materials seem to have been employed by the potter. Earthenware is
mentioned in connection with the history of Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18),
of Abraham (18:4-8), of Rebekah (27:14), of Rachel (29:2, 3, 8, 10). The
potter’s wheel is mentioned by Jeremiah (18:3). See also 1 Chronicles
4:23; Psalm 2:9; Isaiah 45:9; 64:8; Jeremiah 19:1; Lamentations 4:2;
Zechariah 11:13; Romans 9:21. - POUND (1.) A weight. Hebrews maneh, equal to 100 shekels (1 Kings
10:17; Ezra 2:69; Nehemiah 7:71, 72). Gr. litra, equal to about 12 oz.
avoirdupois (John 12:3; 19:39).
(2.) A sum of money; the Gr. mna or mina (Luke 19:13, 16, 18, 20, 24,
25). It was equal to 100 drachmas, and was of the value of about $3, 6s.
8d. of our money. (See MONEY.)
- PRAETORIUM The Greek word (praitorion) thus rendered in Mark
15:16 is rendered “common hall” (Matthew 27:27, marg., “governor’s
house”), “judgment hall,” (John 18:28, 33, marg., “Pilate’s house”, 19:9;