Verse 35 brings this part of the narrative to a conclusion. Verse 36 is unrelated to what follows in chapter 38, but is a transition to the continuation of the story of Joseph in chapter 39. See 39.1.

Meanwhile the Midianites had sold him in Egypt: Meanwhile, used by both Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation, serves in English as a good introduction to this transition to the episode that follows in chapter 39. Although in verse 28 and also in 39.1 it is the Ishmaelites who took Joseph to Egypt, here in verse 36 the ones who sold Joseph in Egypt are referred to as the Midianites.

There is no question that the different names used in verses 28 and 36 are confusing. However, those who edited the Hebrew text in ancient times held their sources in high esteem, and in this case they saw no need to cover over or remove the discrepancy. Translators are advised to deal with the name in this verse in a way that is consistent with their treatment of verses 25-28. See comments and advice above, particularly at verse 28.

Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh: Potiphar, according to Driver, is an Egyptian name and means “He whom the Ra [or, the sun god] gave.” Officer is literally “eunuch,” a castrated man. However, the term “eunuch” is commonly used to designate a court official or officer, and according to von Rad is not to be taken literally. See 1 Kgs 22.9; 2 Kgs 8.6; 24.12; Est 1.10. Revised Standard Version renders the term “officer,” “official,” or “eunuch.” Pharaoh is not a name but a title that means “king.” In languages in which this title is unknown, it is best to use a known title of the highest ruler. It may be advisable to qualify the title; for example, “the king of Egypt” or “the great chief of the Egyptians.”

Captain of the guard is literally “chief of the slaughterers.” The reference is to the slaughtering of animals. It is sometimes mistakenly rendered “chief of the executioners.” Driver comments “The royal butchers must, it seems, have come in some way to form the royal bodyguard.” Anchor Bible considers Potiphar’s position to be “Chief steward,” that is, the one in charge of the management or administration of the king’s palace. Since the exact function of a person with this title is not known, it is best to use a general description such as Good News Translation “officer of the king’s guards,” or in some languages “boss man of the soldiers who protected the king.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .