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BSB
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Genesis 40

BSB·23 verses ·Old Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Some time laterאַחַר֙’a·ḥar — after, behind, followingH310 — Full Word Study →, the king’sמֶֽלֶךְ־me·leḵ- — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → cupbearerמַשְׁקֵ֥הmaš·qêh — Butler, cupbearer, or drink; watered pastureH4945 — Full Word Study → and bakerוְהָאֹפֶ֑הwə·hā·’ō·p̄eh — to bake bread or foodH644 — Full Word Study → offendedחָֽטְא֛וּḥā·ṭə·’ū — To sin; to miss the mark; to commit wrongdoingH2398 — Full Word Study → their masterלַאֲדֹנֵיהֶ֖םla·’ă·ḏō·nê·hem — Lord, master, owner, rulerH113 — Full Word Study →, the kingלְמֶ֥לֶךְlə·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → of Egyptמִצְרָֽיִם׃miṣ·rā·yim — Egypt, the ancient nationH4714 — Full Word Study →. 2Pharaohפַּרְעֹ֔הpar·‘ōh — Egyptian rulerH6547 — Full Word Study → was angryוַיִּקְצֹ֣ףway·yiq·ṣōp̄ — to be angry, to become wrathfulH7107 — Full Word Study → withעַ֖ל‘al — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → his twoשְׁנֵ֣יšə·nê — The number two; a pair or coupleH8147 — Full Word Study → officersסָרִיסָ֑יוsā·rî·sāw — eunuch; court official or chamberlainH5631 — Full Word Study →, the chiefשַׂ֣רśar — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → cupbearerהַמַּשְׁקִ֔יםham·maš·qîm — Butler, cupbearer, or drink; watered pastureH4945 — Full Word Study → and the chiefשַׂ֥רśar — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → bakerהָאוֹפִֽים׃hā·’ō·w·p̄îm — to bake bread or foodH644 — Full Word Study →, 3and imprisoned themוַיִּתֵּ֨ןway·yit·tên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → in the houseבֵּ֛יתbêṯ — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → of the captainשַׂ֥רśar — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → of the guardהַטַבָּחִ֖יםha·ṭab·bå̄·ḥīm — executioner, guard, chefH2876 — Full Word Study →, the same prisonבֵּ֣יתbêṯ — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → whereאֲשֶׁ֥ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → Josephיוֹסֵ֖ףyō·w·sêp̄ — God will increaseH3130 — Full Word Study → was confinedאָס֥וּר’ā·sūr — to bind, fasten, or restrainH631 — Full Word Study →. 4The captainשַׂ֣רśar — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → of the guardהַטַּבָּחִ֧יםhaṭ·ṭab·bā·ḥîm — executioner, guard, chefH2876 — Full Word Study → assignedוַ֠יִּפְקֹדway·yip̄·qōḏ — to visit, oversee, appoint, care forH6485 — Full Word Study → themאִתָּ֖ם’it·tām — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → to Josephיוֹסֵ֛ףyō·w·sêp̄ — God will increaseH3130 — Full Word Study →, and he became their personal attendantוַיְשָׁ֣רֶתway·šā·reṯ — to minister, serve, or attendH8334 — Full Word Study →. After they had beenוַיִּהְי֥וּway·yih·yū — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → in custodyבְּמִשְׁמָֽר׃bə·miš·mār — Guard, custody, or watchful keepingH4929 — Full Word Study → for some timeיָמִ֖יםyā·mîm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study →, 5bothשְׁנֵיהֶ֜םšə·nê·hem — The number two; a pair or coupleH8147 — Full Word Study → of these menאִ֤ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study →the Egyptianמִצְרַ֔יִםmiṣ·ra·yim — Egypt, the ancient nationH4714 — Full Word Study → king’sלְמֶ֣לֶךְlə·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → cupbearerהַמַּשְׁקֶ֣הham·maš·qeh — Butler, cupbearer, or drink; watered pastureH4945 — Full Word Study → and bakerוְהָאֹפֶ֗הwə·hā·’ō·p̄eh — to bake bread or foodH644 — Full Word Study →, whoאֲשֶׁר֙’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → were being heldאֲסוּרִ֖ים’ă·sū·rîm — to bind, fasten, or restrainH631 — Full Word Study → in the prisonבְּבֵ֥יתbə·ḇêṯ — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study →had a dreamוַיַּֽחַלְמוּ֩way·ya·ḥal·mū — to dream; to be in good healthH2492 — Full Word Study → on the sameאֶחָ֔ד’e·ḥāḏ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → nightבְּלַ֣יְלָהbə·lay·lāh — Night, darkness, the period of darknessH3915 — Full Word Study →, and each dreamחֲלֹמ֑וֹḥă·lō·mōw — dream, vision during sleepH2472 — Full Word Study → had its own meaningכְּפִתְר֣וֹןkə·p̄iṯ·rō·wn — explanation or interpretation of signs and dreamsH6623 — Full Word Study →. 6When Josephיוֹסֵ֖ףyō·w·sêp̄ — God will increaseH3130 — Full Word Study → cameוַיָּבֹ֧אway·yā·ḇō — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → to themאֲלֵיהֶ֛ם’ă·lê·hem — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → in the morningבַּבֹּ֑קֶרbab·bō·qer — Morning; daybreak; the early part of the dayH1242 — Full Word Study →, he sawוַיַּ֣רְאway·yar — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → that they were distraughtזֹעֲפִֽים׃zō·‘ă·p̄îm — to rage, fret, or be deeply displeasedH2196 — Full Word Study →. 7So he askedוַיִּשְׁאַ֞לway·yiš·’al — to ask, request, inquire, or demandH7592 — Full Word Study → the officialsסְרִיסֵ֣יsə·rî·sê — eunuch; court official or chamberlainH5631 — Full Word Study → of Pharaohפַרְעֹ֗הp̄ar·‘ōh — Egyptian rulerH6547 — Full Word Study → whoאֲשֶׁ֨ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → were in custodyבְמִשְׁמַ֛רḇə·miš·mar — Guard, custody, or watchful keepingH4929 — Full Word Study → with himאִתּ֧וֹ’it·tōw — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → in his master’sאֲדֹנָ֖יו’ă·ḏō·nāw — Lord, master, owner, rulerH113 — Full Word Study → houseבֵּ֥יתbêṯ — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study →, “Whyמַדּ֛וּעַmad·dū·a‘ — Why? For what reason?H4069 — Full Word Study → are your facesפְּנֵיכֶ֥םpə·nê·ḵem — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → so downcastרָעִ֖יםrā·‘îm — evil, bad, harm, disasterH7451 — Full Word Study → todayהַיּֽוֹם׃hay·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study →?” 8We both had dreamsחֲל֣וֹםḥă·lō·wm — dream, vision during sleepH2472 — Full Word Study →,” they repliedוַיֹּאמְר֣וּway·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “but there is no oneאֵ֣ין’ên — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → to interpret themוּפֹתֵ֖רū·p̄ō·ṯêr — to interpret or explainH6622 — Full Word Study →.” Then Josephיוֹסֵ֗ףyō·w·sêp̄ — God will increaseH3130 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֨אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to themאֲלֵהֶ֜ם’ă·lê·hem — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →, “Don’tהֲל֤וֹאhă·lō·w — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → interpretationsפִּתְרֹנִ֔יםpiṯ·rō·nîm — explanation or interpretation of signs and dreamsH6623 — Full Word Study → belong to Godלֵֽאלֹהִים֙lê·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study →? Tell me your dreamsסַפְּרוּ־sap·pə·rū- — To count, record, or declareH5608 — Full Word Study →.” 9So the chiefשַֽׂר־śar- — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → cupbearerהַמַּשְׁקִ֛יםham·maš·qîm — Butler, cupbearer, or drink; watered pastureH4945 — Full Word Study → toldוַיְסַפֵּ֧רway·sap·pêr — To count, record, or declareH5608 — Full Word Study → Josephלְיוֹסֵ֑ףlə·yō·w·sêp̄ — God will increaseH3130 — Full Word Study → his dreamחֲלֹמ֖וֹḥă·lō·mōw — dream, vision during sleepH2472 — Full Word Study →: “In my dreamבַּחֲלוֹמִ֕יba·ḥă·lō·w·mî — dream, vision during sleepH2472 — Full Word Study → thereוְהִנֵּה־wə·hin·nêh- — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study → was a vineגֶ֖פֶןḡe·p̄en — grapevine; vine plantH1612 — Full Word Study → before meלְפָנָֽי׃lə·p̄ā·nāy — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study →, 10and on the vineוּבַגֶּ֖פֶןū·ḇag·ge·p̄en — grapevine; vine plantH1612 — Full Word Study → were threeשְׁלֹשָׁ֣הšə·lō·šāh — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → branchesשָׂרִיגִ֑םśā·rî·ḡim — Tendril or branch of a vineH8299 — Full Word Study →. As itוְהִ֤יאwə·hî — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → buddedכְפֹרַ֙חַת֙ḵə·p̄ō·ra·ḥaṯ — to bloom, flourish, or spread forthH6524 — Full Word Study →, its blossomsנִצָּ֔הּniṣ·ṣāh — Blossom or hawk; brilliance or swift flightH5322 — Full Word Study → openedעָלְתָ֣ה‘ā·lə·ṯāh — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → and its clustersאַשְׁכְּלֹתֶ֖יהָ’aš·kə·lō·ṯe·hā — cluster of grapesH811 — Full Word Study → ripenedהִבְשִׁ֥ילוּhiḇ·šî·lū — To cook by heat; boil, roast, or bakeH1310 — Full Word Study → into grapesעֲנָבִֽים׃‘ă·nā·ḇîm — Grape or grapes; ripe fruit of the vineH6025 — Full Word Study →. 11Pharaoh’sפַּרְעֹ֖הpar·‘ōh — Egyptian rulerH6547 — Full Word Study → cupוְכ֥וֹסwə·ḵō·ws — Cup; a drinking vessel; one's lot or destinyH3563 — Full Word Study → was in my handבְּיָדִ֑יbə·yā·ḏî — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →, and I tookוָאֶקַּ֣חwā·’eq·qaḥ — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → the grapesהָֽעֲנָבִ֗יםhā·‘ă·nā·ḇîm — Grape or grapes; ripe fruit of the vineH6025 — Full Word Study →, squeezedוָֽאֶשְׂחַ֤טwā·’eś·ḥaṭ — to press, squeeze, or crushH7818 — Full Word Study → themאֹתָם֙’ō·ṯām — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → intoאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → his cupכּ֣וֹסkō·ws — Cup; a drinking vessel; one's lot or destinyH3563 — Full Word Study →, and placedוָאֶתֵּ֥ןwā·’et·tên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → the cupהַכּ֖וֹסhak·kō·ws — Cup; a drinking vessel; one's lot or destinyH3563 — Full Word Study → inעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → his handכַּ֥ףkap̄ — Palm of the hand; hollow of anything; power or controlH3709 — Full Word Study →.” 12Josephיוֹסֵ֔ףyō·w·sêp̄ — God will increaseH3130 — Full Word Study → repliedוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “This is the interpretationפִּתְרֹנ֑וֹpiṯ·rō·nōw — explanation or interpretation of signs and dreamsH6623 — Full Word Study →: The threeשְׁלֹ֙שֶׁת֙šə·lō·šeṯ — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → branchesהַשָּׂ֣רִגִ֔יםhaś·śā·ri·ḡîm — Tendril or branch of a vineH8299 — Full Word Study → are threeשְׁלֹ֥שֶׁתšə·lō·šeṯ — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → daysיָמִ֖יםyā·mîm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study →. 13Withinבְּע֣וֹד׀bə·‘ō·wḏ — still, yet, again, continuing or additional occurrenceH5750 — Full Word Study → threeשְׁלֹ֣שֶׁתšə·lō·šeṯ — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → daysיָמִ֗יםyā·mîm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → Pharaohפַרְעֹה֙p̄ar·‘ōh — Egyptian rulerH6547 — Full Word Study → will lift upיִשָּׂ֤אyiś·śā — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → your headרֹאשֶׁ֔ךָrō·še·ḵā — Head; chief; beginning; topH7218 — Full Word Study → and restoreוַהֲשִֽׁיבְךָ֖wa·hă·šî·ḇə·ḵā — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → yourעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → positionכַּנֶּ֑ךָkan·ne·ḵā — Base, foundation, standing place, or officeH3653 — Full Word Study →. You will putוְנָתַתָּ֤wə·nā·ṯa·tā — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → Pharaoh’sפַּרְעֹה֙par·‘ōh — Egyptian rulerH6547 — Full Word Study → cupכוֹס־ḵō·ws- — Cup; a drinking vessel; one's lot or destinyH3563 — Full Word Study → in his handבְּיָד֔וֹbə·yā·ḏōw — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →, just asכַּמִּשְׁפָּט֙kam·miš·pāṭ — Work, deed, or actionH4639 — Full Word Study → you didהָֽרִאשׁ֔וֹןhā·ri·šō·wn — First, foremost, or former; earliest in time or orderH7223 — Full Word Study → whenאֲשֶׁ֥ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → you wereהָיִ֖יתָhā·yî·ṯā — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → his cupbearerמַשְׁקֵֽהוּ׃maš·qê·hū — Butler, cupbearer, or drink; watered pastureH4945 — Full Word Study →. 14Butכִּ֧יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → whenכַּאֲשֶׁר֙ka·’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → it goes wellיִ֣יטַבyî·ṭaḇ — to be good, to improve, to do wellH3190 — Full Word Study → for you, pleaseנָּ֥אnā — Please, I beseech, I prayH4994 — Full Word Study → rememberזְכַרְתַּ֣נִיzə·ḵar·ta·nî — to remember, recall, or mentionH2142 — Full Word Study → meאִתְּךָ֗’it·tə·ḵā — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → and showוְעָשִֽׂיתָ־wə·‘ā·śî·ṯā- — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → meעִמָּדִ֖י‘im·mā·ḏî — With, alongside, in the presence ofH5978 — Full Word Study → kindnessחָ֑סֶדḥā·seḏ — Covenant loyalty and steadfast kindnessH2617 — Full Word Study → by mentioning meוְהִזְכַּרְתַּ֙נִי֙wə·hiz·kar·ta·nî — to remember, recall, or mentionH2142 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Pharaohפַּרְעֹ֔הpar·‘ōh — Egyptian rulerH6547 — Full Word Study →, that he might bring me outוְהוֹצֵאתַ֖נִיwə·hō·w·ṣê·ṯa·nî — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study → ofמִן־min- — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study → thisהַזֶּֽה׃haz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → prisonהַבַּ֥יִתhab·ba·yiṯ — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study →. 15Forכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → I was kidnappedגֻנֹּ֣בḡun·nōḇ — to steal; to take secretly or by stealthH1589 — Full Word Study → from the landמֵאֶ֖רֶץmê·’e·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → of the Hebrewsהָעִבְרִ֑יםhā·‘iḇ·rîm — Hebrew personH5680 — Full Word Study →, and evenוְגַם־wə·ḡam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → hereפֹּה֙pōh — Here, in this place, to this sideH6311 — Full Word Study → I have doneעָשִׂ֣יתִֽי‘ā·śî·ṯî — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → nothingלֹא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → for whichכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → they should have putשָׂמ֥וּśā·mū — to put, place, set, appointH7760 — Full Word Study → meאֹתִ֖י’ō·ṯî — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → in this dungeonבַּבּֽוֹר׃bab·bō·wr — Pit, cistern, or dungeon; a deep holeH953 — Full Word Study →.” 16When the chiefשַׂר־śar- — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → bakerהָאֹפִ֖יםhā·’ō·p̄îm — to bake bread or foodH644 — Full Word Study → sawוַיַּ֥רְאway·yar — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → thatכִּ֣יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → the interpretationפָּתָ֑רpā·ṯār — to interpret or explainH6622 — Full Word Study → was favorableט֣וֹבṭō·wḇ — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study →, he saidוַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙way·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Josephיוֹסֵ֔ףyō·w·sêp̄ — God will increaseH3130 — Full Word Study →, “Iאֲנִי֙’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → tooאַף־’ap̄- — Also, moreover, even, indeedH637 — Full Word Study → had a dreamבַּחֲלוֹמִ֔יba·ḥă·lō·w·mî — dream, vision during sleepH2472 — Full Word Study →: There wereוְהִנֵּ֗הwə·hin·nêh — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study → threeשְׁלֹשָׁ֛הšə·lō·šāh — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → basketsסַלֵּ֥יsal·lê — Basket, typically woven container for carrying or storing itemsH5536 — Full Word Study → of white breadחֹרִ֖יḥō·rî — white, whiteness; purity or clarityH2751 — Full Word Study → onעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → my headרֹאשִֽׁי׃rō·šî — Head; chief; beginning; topH7218 — Full Word Study →. 17In the topהָֽעֶלְי֔וֹןhā·‘el·yō·wn — Most High, elevated, supremeH5945 — Full Word Study → basketוּבַסַּ֣לū·ḇas·sal — Basket, typically woven container for carrying or storing itemsH5536 — Full Word Study → were all sorts ofמִכֹּ֛לmik·kōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → bakedאֹפֶ֑ה’ō·p̄eh — to bake bread or foodH644 — Full Word Study → goodsמַאֲכַ֥לma·’ă·ḵal — Food, sustenance, or provisions for eatingH3978 — Full Word Study → for Pharaohפַּרְעֹ֖הpar·‘ōh — Egyptian rulerH6547 — Full Word Study →, but the birdsוְהָע֗וֹףwə·hā·‘ō·wp̄ — birdH5775 — Full Word Study → were eatingאֹכֵ֥ל’ō·ḵêl — to eat, consume, devourH398 — Full Word Study → themאֹתָ֛ם’ō·ṯām — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → out ofמִן־min- — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study → the basketהַסַּ֖לhas·sal — Basket, typically woven container for carrying or storing itemsH5536 — Full Word Study → onמֵעַ֥לmê·‘al — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → my headרֹאשִֽׁי׃rō·šî — Head; chief; beginning; topH7218 — Full Word Study →.” 18Josephיוֹסֵף֙yō·w·sêp̄ — God will increaseH3130 — Full Word Study → repliedוַיַּ֤עַןway·ya·‘an — To answer, respond, or testifyH6030 — Full Word Study →, “Thisזֶ֖הzeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → is the interpretationפִּתְרֹנ֑וֹpiṯ·rō·nōw — explanation or interpretation of signs and dreamsH6623 — Full Word Study →: The threeשְׁלֹ֙שֶׁת֙šə·lō·šeṯ — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → basketsהַסַּלִּ֔יםhas·sal·lîm — Basket, typically woven container for carrying or storing itemsH5536 — Full Word Study → are threeשְׁלֹ֥שֶׁתšə·lō·šeṯ — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → daysיָמִ֖יםyā·mîm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study →. 19Withinבְּע֣וֹד׀bə·‘ō·wḏ — still, yet, again, continuing or additional occurrenceH5750 — Full Word Study → threeשְׁלֹ֣שֶׁתšə·lō·šeṯ — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → daysיָמִ֗יםyā·mîm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → Pharaohפַרְעֹ֤הp̄ar·‘ōh — Egyptian rulerH6547 — Full Word Study → will lift offיִשָּׂ֨אyiś·śā — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → your headרֹֽאשְׁךָ֙rō·šə·ḵā — Head; chief; beginning; topH7218 — Full Word Study → and hangוְתָלָ֥הwə·ṯā·lāh — to hang, suspend, or hang upH8518 — Full Word Study → youאוֹתְךָ֖’ō·wṯ·ḵā — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → onעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → a treeעֵ֑ץ‘êṣ — Tree; wood; timberH6086 — Full Word Study →. Then the birdsהָע֛וֹףhā·‘ō·wp̄ — birdH5775 — Full Word Study → will eatוְאָכַ֥לwə·’ā·ḵal — to eat, consume, devourH398 — Full Word Study → the fleshבְּשָׂרְךָ֖bə·śā·rə·ḵā — Flesh; body; meat; human natureH1320 — Full Word Study → of your bodyמֵעָלֶֽיךָ׃mê·‘ā·le·ḵā — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study →.” 20On the thirdהַשְּׁלִישִׁ֗יhaš·šə·lî·šî — Third; one of three parts; third in rank or sequenceH7992 — Full Word Study → dayבַּיּ֣וֹםbay·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study →, which was Pharaoh’sפַּרְעֹ֔הpar·‘ōh — Egyptian rulerH6547 — Full Word Study → birthdayי֚וֹםyō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study →, he heldוַיַּ֥עַשׂway·ya·‘aś — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → a feastמִשְׁתֶּ֖הmiš·teh — Feast, banquet, or festive mealH4960 — Full Word Study → for allלְכָל־lə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → his officialsעֲבָדָ֑יו‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study →, and inבְּת֥וֹךְbə·ṯō·wḵ — midst, among, between, throughH8432 — Full Word Study → their presence he lifted upוַיִּשָּׂ֞אway·yiś·śā — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → the headsרֹ֣אשׁ׀rōš — Head; chief; beginning; topH7218 — Full Word Study → of the chiefשַׂ֣רśar — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → cupbearerהַמַּשְׁקִ֗יםham·maš·qîm — Butler, cupbearer, or drink; watered pastureH4945 — Full Word Study → and the chiefשַׂ֥רśar — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → bakerהָאֹפִ֖יםhā·’ō·p̄îm — to bake bread or foodH644 — Full Word Study →. 21Pharaoh restoredוַיָּ֛שֶׁבway·yā·šeḇ — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → the chiefשַׂ֥רśar — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → cupbearerהַמַּשְׁקִ֖יםham·maš·qîm — Butler, cupbearer, or drink; watered pastureH4945 — Full Word Study → toעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → his positionמַשְׁקֵ֑הוּmaš·qê·hū — Butler, cupbearer, or drink; watered pastureH4945 — Full Word Study →, so that he once again placedוַיִּתֵּ֥ןway·yit·tên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → the cupהַכּ֖וֹסhak·kō·ws — Cup; a drinking vessel; one's lot or destinyH3563 — Full Word Study → inעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → Pharaoh’sפַּרְעֹֽה׃par·‘ōh — Egyptian rulerH6547 — Full Word Study → handכַּ֥ףkap̄ — Palm of the hand; hollow of anything; power or controlH3709 — Full Word Study →. 22Butוְאֵ֛תwə·’êṯ — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → Pharaoh hangedתָּלָ֑הtā·lāh — to hang, suspend, or hang upH8518 — Full Word Study → the chiefשַׂ֥רśar — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → bakerהָאֹפִ֖יםhā·’ō·p̄îm — to bake bread or foodH644 — Full Word Study →, just asכַּאֲשֶׁ֥רka·’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → Josephיוֹסֵֽף׃yō·w·sêp̄ — God will increaseH3130 — Full Word Study → had describedפָּתַ֛רpā·ṯar — to interpret or explainH6622 — Full Word Study → to them in his interpretation. 23The chiefשַֽׂר־śar- — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → cupbearerהַמַּשְׁקִ֛יםham·maš·qîm — Butler, cupbearer, or drink; watered pastureH4945 — Full Word Study →, however, did notוְלֹֽא־wə·lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → rememberזָכַ֧רzā·ḵar — to remember, recall, or mentionH2142 — Full Word Study → Josephיוֹסֵ֖ףyō·w·sêp̄ — God will increaseH3130 — Full Word Study →; he forgot all about himוַיִּשְׁכָּחֵֽהוּ׃פway·yiš·kā·ḥê·hū — to forget, neglect, lose memory ofH7911 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — Genesis 40
Chapter Overview

Chapter 40 Overview

Genesis 40 marks a pivotal moment in Joseph's journey from slavery to exaltation. While imprisoned unjustly, Joseph encounters Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker, also imprisoned for offenses against their king. Through divinely-given interpretations of their dreams, Joseph demonstrates the supernatural wisdom that God has placed within him. Yet this chapter also reveals a painful truth: human gratitude is fleeting, and God's plans advance not through man's remembrance but through His sovereign providence.

Verses 1-5: The Setting and the Dreams

Joseph's circumstances have not improved since chapter 39. After Potiphar's wife falsely accused him, he was cast into the royal prison (39:20). Now two high-ranking Egyptian officials—the chief butler (cupbearer) and the chief baker—are imprisoned there as well, having displeased Pharaoh (verses 1-2). The captain of the guard places them under Joseph's care (verse 3), revealing that Joseph has gained favor even in prison through his faithful character.

Both men dream dreams on the same night (verse 5), and both awake troubled. This is no accident: God is orchestrating events according to His plan. Joseph's gift for dream interpretation, mentioned earlier in his own prophetic dream (37:5-11), is about to become the instrument of his advancement.

Verses 6-8: Joseph's Compassionate Inquiry

Joseph's pastoral instinct shines through immediately. Seeing the officers' sadness, he asks tenderly about their distress (verses 6-7). Their response—that they have dreamed but lack an interpreter—opens the door for Joseph's testimony. Notice verse 8: Joseph's reply is theologically profound. Rather than claiming personal skill, he asks, "Do not interpretations belong to God?" This is Joseph's foundational conviction: all true wisdom originates from the Lord, not from human cleverness. Joseph invites them to share their dreams, positioning himself as God's vessel, not as a fortune-teller.

Verses 9-13: The Butler's Dream and Its Interpretation

The chief butler's dream is straightforward and positive. A vine bears fruit in rapid succession, he presses grapes into Pharaoh's cup, and hands it to his master (verses 9-11). Joseph's interpretation is equally direct: the three branches represent three days, and within that time, Pharaoh will restore the butler to his position (verses 12-13). The symbolism is transparent—budding, blossoming, and ripening grapes represent quick progression toward restoration.

Joseph then makes a personal request (verses 14-15): when the butler is restored, remember Joseph and mention his case to Pharaoh. Joseph's words reveal his innocence and his longing for freedom. He emphasizes that he was "stolen away" from Canaan and has done nothing to deserve imprisonment. This is an appeal born of desperation, yet it demonstrates faith that God will vindicate him.

Verses 16-19: The Baker's Dream and Its Dark Interpretation

Encouraged by the favorable interpretation given to the butler, the baker eagerly shares his dream (verses 16-17). However, his dream carries ominous elements: three baskets, bakemeats being eaten by birds. Joseph must deliver a word of judgment: within three days, Pharaoh will remove the baker's head and hang him, his flesh consumed by birds (verses 18-19). The interpretation mirrors the dream's structure but with tragic finality. Joseph does not soften the message, demonstrating his commitment to truth over comfort.

Verses 20-23: The Fulfillment and Forgotten Promise

On Pharaoh's birthday (verse 20), both interpretations come to pass exactly as spoken. The butler is restored; the baker is hanged (verses 21-22). Yet in that moment of vindication, the butler forgets Joseph entirely (verse 23). This is the chapter's bitter ending—a test of Joseph's faith. He has done good, spoken truth, and asked for help, yet he remains imprisoned and abandoned.

Application for Today

Genesis 40 teaches us that faithfulness and integrity do not guarantee immediate earthly relief. Joseph served faithfully in prison, interpreted truthfully even when it brought bad news, and appealed for help—only to be forgotten. Yet God was never forgetting. The butler's forgetfulness became the instrument of God's timing. We are called to remain faithful, to speak truth, and to trust that God's memory never fails, even when human gratitude does.

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