Types are a form of prophecy. Types are not the kind of direct prophecy that makes it clear what will happen beforehand.
Types are a divine foreshadowing of future events, people, or relationships through the historical recording of different ancient events, people, or relationships.
Why is that a prophecy? Because the inspiration of such passages happens centuries before the fulfillment.
How do we know what is a true type? A type is unknown while it happens, and when it is recorded. The only way we know a true prophetic type is if later scripture explicitly identifies it as a shadow of something to come.
*** WARNING ***
Be careful of identifying types unless the scripture explicitly identifies them, else it can lead to the complete allegorization of scripture.
The passages in the Bible that identify types use the word “figure”, “shadow”, or the form “as _____ so______”.
Israel’s holidays are shadows and types of future events according to Paul.
“Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” – Col 2:17
The tabernacle of the Old Testament is a “figure” of the real according to Hebrews 8:5; 9:24; 10:1; 10:19-20.
Notice the “as___ so____” form in this verse describing Jonah as a type of Christ.
“For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” – Matthew 12:40
Jesus said to search the scriptures in search of him (John 5:39). Many places that speak of him are found in types and figures that are only seen as prophetic now that Christ has come. Knowing Christ, we can go back and see him clearly in many passages such as the sacrificial lamb in the account of Isaac and Abraham (Gen 22:7-8; Heb 11:19).
Genesis contains many such types and prophecies. One of the most amazing is found in the life and story of Joseph.
Stephen identifies Joseph as a type of Christ in Acts 7:9 and Acts 7:51-52:
“And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him…” – Acts 7:9
“…as your fathers did [to Joseph], so do ye [to Christ]. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers” – Acts 7:51-52
Prophecy is rich with descriptions of the Lord Jesus Christ. Learn more about types in our lesson about them in Genesis 37. Below are 96 types and similarities between Joseph, Jacob, and his brothers; and Jesus, Israel, and their coming kingdom. Enjoy!
| Type | Antitype | |
| 1. | Joseph was a shepherd – Gen 37:2 | Jesus was the Shepherd – John 10:11 |
| 2. | Joseph was the beloved son of his father – Gen 37:3 | Jesus was God’s beloved Son – Matt 3:17 |
| 3. | Joseph was hated for his words – Gen 37:4 | Jesus was hated for his words – John 15:25;17:14 |
| 4. | Joseph testified what he saw and heard from God in dreams – Gen 37:5 | Jesus testified what he saw and heard from God – John 3:32; John 8:26 |
| 5. | Joseph prophesied about his future reign – Gen 37:7 | Jesus prophesied about his future reign – Matt 19:28 |
| 6. | It was prophesied Joseph’s brothers would bow down to him – Gen 37:7 | It was prophesied all would bow down to the Lord Jesus Christ – Isa 45:23 |
| 7. | Joseph was mocked for saying he would rule over Israel’s sons – Gen 37:8 | They mocked Jesus as the King of the Jews – Luke 23:36-37; Matt 27:29 |
| 8. | He would rule over the sun and moon – Gen 37:9 | Jesus is the Lord of heaven and earth – Matt 28:18 |
| 9. | Joseph(the son) would be greater than his father who would bow to him – Gen 37:10 | David would call his son (Messiah) ‘Lord’ – Matt 22:45 |
| 10. | Joseph was envied by men who tried to kill him – Gen 37:11 | Jesus was envied by men who tried to kill him – Matt 27:18 |
| 11. | Jacob sent Joseph to the sons of Israel who were watching their flock – Gen 37:14 | God sent his Son to the lost sheep of the house of Israel – Matt 15:24 |
| 12. | When Joseph went to his brothers they had departed out of the way – Gen 37:15-17 | When Jesus came to Israel, they had gone astray – Matt 9:36; 18:12; Isa 53:6 |
| 13. | When Joseph came to his brethren they received him not – Gen 37:18 | When Jesus came to his own, his own received him not – John 1:12 |
| 14. | His sons of Israel conspired to kill him – Gen 37:18-20 | The rulers of Israel conspired to kill Jesus – John 11:53 |
| 15. | Joseph had a special coat that was taken by his captors – Gen 37:3,23 | Jesus had a special coat that was taken by his captors – John 19:23; Matt 27:28 |
| 16. | His brothers sat and watched him as he suffered – Gen 37:25 | Men sat and watched as he suffered – Matt 27:36 |
| 17. | A man named Judah conspired to sell Joseph – Gen 37:26-27 | A man named Judas conspired to sell Jesus – Luke 22:4-5 |
| 18. | Joseph was sold for silver (20 pieces) – Gen 37:28 | Jesus was sold for silver (30 pieces) – Matt 26:15 |
| 19. | Joseph suffered for the sins of Israel’s sons – Gen 37:28 | Jesus suffered for the sins of Israel’s sons – Isa 53:3-5 |
| 20. | The father saw Joseph’s blood when his sons offered the blood of an animal – Gen 37:31-33 | God the Father saw the blood of Christ when Israel offered the blood of bulls and goats – Heb 9:12-14 |
| 21. | Joseph went to Egypt – Gen 37:36 | Jesus went to Egypt – Matt 2:14-15 |
| 22. | The LORD was with Joseph – Gen 39:2 | The Word was with God; God was in Christ – John 1:1; Matt 1:23; 2 Cor 5:19 |
| 23. | Joseph became an obedient servant – Gen 39:4 | Christ Jesus became an obedient servant – Phil 2:7-8 |
| 24. | Men were blessed for Joseph’s sake – Gen 39:5 | Men are blessed for Jesus’ sake – Eph 1:3; Eph 4:32 |
| 25. | Joseph grew in favor with God and men – Gen 39:6 | Jesus grew in favor with God and men – Luke 2:52 |
| 26. | Joseph resisted temptation – Gen 39:7-9 | Jesus resisted temptation – Matt 4:3-9 |
| 27. | Joseph gave no answer when he was accused – Gen 39:18-19 | Jesus gave no answer when he was accused – Matt 27:12; Mark 15:3; Isa 53:7 |
| 28. | Sins Joseph did not commit were imputed to him – Gen 39:19-20 | Sins Jesus did not commit were imputed to him – Luke 23:14-15; 2 Cor 5:21 |
| 29. | Joseph went to prison – Gen 39:20 | Jesus went to prison – 1 Pet 3:19; Isa 53:8 |
| 30. | Joseph was given authority over those in prison – Gen 39:22-23 | Jesus was given the keys of death and hell – Rev 1:18 |
| 31. | Joseph was numbered among two transgressors – Gen 40:1-3 | Jesus was numbered among two transgressors – Isa 53:12; Mark 15:28 |
| 32. | Joseph explains the meaning of the bread and the cup in dreams – Gen 40:11-13; Gen 40:16-19 | Jesus explains the meaning of the bread and the cup in the Passover – Luke 22:17-19 |
| 33. | One transgressor with Joseph was blessed and the other was cursed – Gen 40:20-21 | One transgressor with Jesus was blessed and the other was cursed – Luke 23:39-43 |
| 34. | The cursed hanged on a tree – Gen 40:19 | Jesus was made a curse for us hanged on a tree – Gal 3:13 |
| 35. | After three days the blessed was lifted up and exalted – Gen 40:13 | After three days Jesus resurrected and was highly exalted – Luke 24:46; Phil 2:9 |
| 36. | The blessed butler was restored to his prior glory with Pharaoh – Gen 40:21 | Jesus was restored to his prior glory with God in heaven – John 17:5 |
| 37. | Joseph gives glory to God not himself for his judgment – Gen 41:16 | Jesus gives glory to God and not himself for his judgment – John 5:30 |
| 38. | Joseph prophecies of a coming tribulation followed by a time of plenty – Gen 41:27-31 | Jesus prophecies of a coming tribulation followed by the kingdom – Matt 24:21; Mark 1:14 |
| 39. | After Joseph’s miraculous interpretation many believe – Gen 41:37 | After Jesus performs miracles many believe – John 2:23 |
| 40. | After hearing Joseph, Pharaoh stops looking for a man, “Can we find such a one as this?” – Gen 41:33; Gen 41:38 | After hearing Jesus many stop looking for a Messiah – John 6:68; John 7:31 |
| 41. | It is witnessed that Joseph had the Spirit of God – Gen 41:38 | It was witnessed that Jesus had the Spirit of God – John 1:32 |
| 42. | There was none so discreet and wise as Joseph – Gen 41:39 | There was none so discreet and wise as Jesus – Matt 12:42 |
| 43. | Joseph ruled over a house – Gen 41:40 | Christ ruled over a house – Heb 3:6 |
| 44. | Pharaoh makes Joseph ruler over all – Gen 41:40-41 | Christ is given all power in heaven and earth, far above all principality and power – Matt 28:18; Eph 1:21 |
| 45. | Joseph will rule by his word – Gen 41:40 | Christ will rule by his word – John 12:48 |
| 46. | Joseph is equal to Pharaoh, except in position – Gen 41:40 | Jesus is equal to God, He and the Father are one, except in position – Phil 2:6; John 10:30 |
| 47. | Joseph receives new royal clothes with golden accessories – Gen 41:42 | Christ receives new royal clothes with gold accessories – Rev 1:13 |
| 48. | All bowed their knee to Joseph – Gen 41:43 | Every knee will bow to the Lord Jesus Christ – Phil 2:10 |
| 49. | Without Joseph they could do nothing – Gen 41:44 | Without Christ they could do nothing – John 15:5 |
| 50. | Joseph is a revealer of secret things from God – Gen 41:15-16, 45 | Jesus is a revealer of the secret things of God – Matt 13:35 |
| 51. | Joseph began his work for Pharaoh when he was thirty years old – Gen 41:46 | Jesus began his ministry at thirty years old – Luke 3:23 |
| 52. | Joseph provided bread for the nation of Egypt – Gen 41:54 | Jesus provided bread for the nation of Israel – Matt 15:32-37 |
| 53. | When people hungered Pharaoh said, “Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do.” – Gen 41:55 | When people thirsted Mary said about Jesus, “Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.” – John 2:5 |
| 54. | All nations came to Joseph in Egypt for provision – Gen 41:57 | All nations will come to Jesus in Israel for provision – Isa 2:2; Zech 8:23; Rev 22:2 |
| 55. | Joseph knew men – Gen 42:7 | Jesus knew men – John 2:24 |
| 56. | Joseph does not reveal himself to them until they mourn for him – Gen 42:7 | Jesus will not reveal himself to them as King until they mourn for him – Zech 12:10 |
| 57. | Israel must retrieve Benjamin (the son of sorrow) to receive life – Gen 42:15 | Israel must receive the Man of Sorrows to receive life – Isa 53:3; John 14:6 |
| 58. | The sons of Israel were guilty of Joseph’s blood – Gen 42:21-22 | Israel was guilty of Christ’s blood – Matt 27:24 |
| 59. | Joseph wept for the sons of Israel – Gen 42:24 | Jesus wept for sons of Israel – John 11:35; Luke 19:41 |
| 60. | Joseph provides for their journey – Gen 42:25 | Jesus provided for their journey – Luke 9:3; Matt 6:33 |
| 61. | Jacob experiences a time of trouble with the remnant of his sons – Gen 42:36-38 | The remnant of Israel goes through a time called Jacob’s trouble – Jer 30:7 |
| 62. | They cannot go to the kingdom of the Lord without Benjamin – Gen 43:3-5 | Israel will not see the kingdom without Jesus Christ – Matt 21:43 |
| 63. | Judah is surety for a better promise to Jacob – Gen 43:9 | Jesus is the surety of a better testament to Israel – Heb 7:22 |
| 64. | Joseph prepares a place for them when he sees them coming back – Gen 43:16 | The father prepares a place for the prodigal son when he returns – Luke 15:11-23 |
| 65. | Joseph gives the last brother more blessing than the first – Gen 43:34 | Jesus taught the first will be last, and the last will be first – Matt 20:16 |
| 66. | Judah takes responsibility for the cup of Joseph for his brother – Gen 44:16 | Jesus takes responsibility for the cup of the Lord for the sake of his brothers – Matt 26:42 |
| 67. | Judah substitutes himself for the sons of Israel – Gen 44:33 | Jesus substitutes himself for all – Matt 20:28 |
| 68. | Joseph’s brothers were afraid when he revealed himself alive – Gen 45:3 | The disciples were afraid when Jesus revealed himself alive – Luke 24:37 |
| 69. | Joseph was sent from God to save the world and Israel – Gen 45:5-7; Psa 105:17 | Jesus was sent from God to save the world and Israel – John 3:16-17 |
| 70. | Joseph sends the sons of Israel to witness his glory, salvation, and kingdom – Gen 45:9-13 | Jesus sends his disciples to Jacob to witness his glory, salvation, and coming kingdom – Matt 28:19-20; Acts 1:3 |
| 71. | Joseph tells Israel not to regard their stuff when they come – Gen 45:20 | Jesus tells the remnant of Israel not to regard their stuff in the kingdom – Matt 6:25-32 |
| 72. | The sons of Israel preach to Jacob “Joseph is alive!” – Gen 45:26 | The twelve disciples preach to Israel, “Jesus is alive!” – Acts 2:32 |
| 73. | When Jacob first hears he believes not – Gen 45:26 | When the twelve first hear Jesus is alive they believe not – Lk 24:41 |
| 74. | Jacob’s spirit revives after hearing the words of Joseph and saw the wagons – Gen 45:27 | Israel receives life when they hear the gospel and see the Spirit working in the apostles – Acts 2:38-41 |
| 75. | Joseph provides what they need from Pharaoh to bring Jacob to him – Gen 46:5 | Jesus sends the Spirit to the twelve disciples to bring Israel to Christ – Acts 1:7-8 |
| 76. | Joseph is believed to be alive after thought to be dead – Gen 45:28 | Jesus is believed to be alive after being dead – Acts 25:19 |
| 77. | Jacob is brought to the land of Goshen by the wagons of Pharaoh – Gen 46:5 | Israel is brought back to their promised land by the Gentiles – Isa 60:9 |
| 78. | Pharaoh gives Israel the best of the land – Gen 47:6 | Israel will eat the riches of the Gentiles – Isa 61:6 |
| 79. | Men come to Joseph for the bread of life – Gen 47:15 | Jesus is the bread of life – John 6:35 |
| 80. | Joseph was a saviour of men – Gen 47:25 | Jesus is the Saviour of all men – Luke 2:11 |
| 81. | Joseph purchases dying men to save them – Gen 47:23-25 | Jesus bought people with a price – 1 Pet 1:18-19 |
| 82. | Joseph brought grace to men – Gen 47:25 | Grace came by Jesus Christ – John 1:17 |
| 83. | Joseph lived with Israel 34 years – Gen 37:2;Gen 47:28 | Jesus lived with Israel into his 34th year (count the Passover feasts) – Luke 3:23 |
| 84. | Israel receives strength when Joseph comes to him while he is dying – Gen 48:2 | Israel will revive when Christ returns to them when dead – John 11:24-25 |
| 85. | Joseph is called a fruitful branch – Gen 49:22 | Jesus is the righteous Branch, and fruitful vine – Jer 23:5; John 15:1 |
| 86. | Joseph is called the stone of Israel – Gen 49:24 | Jesus is the stone of stumbling and Israel’s rock of offence – 1 Pet 2:4-8; 1 Cor 10:4 |
| 87. | Joseph embalms Israel – Gen 50:2 | Jesus preserves Israel – Jude 1:1; Isa 49:6 |
| 88. | Joseph enters the land the first time in mourning, and the next time in conquering – Gen 50:10-11; Josh 24:32 | Jesus comes to Israel the first time in suffering, but will come again to conquer – Luke 24:46; Rev 19:11 |
| 89. | The sons of Israel confess their sins for forgiveness – Gen 50:17 | Israel must confess their sins for forgiveness – Lev 26:40; 1 John 1:7 |
| 90. | Israel receives forgiveness through the promise to their father – Gen 50:17 | Israel receives forgiveness through the promises to the fathers – Rom 11:27 |
| 91. | Joseph told his brethren to fear not – Gen 50:19 | Jesus told his disciples to fear not – Matt 17:7; Matt 28:10 |
| 92. | Joseph forgave his brethren that wronged him – Gen 50:19 | Jesus forgave those that wronged him – Luke 23:34 |
| 93. | His brothers thought evil against Joseph, but God meant it unto good – Gen 50:20 | Israel thought to do evil to Jesus, but God meant it unto good – Acts 2:23-24; 1 Pet 1:3 |
| 94. | Joseph promised comfort and nourishment to his brothers – Gen 50:21 | Jesus promised the Comforter to the disciples – John 15:26 |
| 95. | Joseph died with a rich man’s tomb – Gen 50:26 | Jesus died with a rich man’s tomb – Matt 27:57-60 |
| 96. | Joseph’s bones are not found where he died – Gen 50:25; Exo 13:19 | The bones of Jesus are not found where he died (or was buried) – Matt 28:6 |
These types were all discussed along with other prophecies in our 49 week study of Genesis which can be found here.
Top of the Page
Article Index Published: August 22, 2015
Last Modified: August 31, 2018
Article Index Published: August 22, 2015
Last Modified: August 31, 2018
Receive articles like this in our weekly email update sent free to subscribers.