Genesis - Chapter 40

Genesis 40.1 And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt. Genesis 40.2 And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers. Genesis 40.3 And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound. Genesis 40.4 And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward. Genesis 40.5 And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison. Genesis 40.6 And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad. Genesis 40.7 And he asked Pharaoh’s officers that were with him in the ward of his lord’s house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day? Genesis 40.8 And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you. Genesis 40.9 And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me; Genesis 40.10 And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes: Genesis 40.11 And Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand. Genesis 40.12 And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days: Genesis 40.13 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh’s cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler. Genesis 40.14 But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: Genesis 40.15 For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon. Genesis 40.16 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, I had three white baskets on my head: Genesis 40.17 And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of bakemeats for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head. Genesis 40.18 And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days: Genesis 40.19 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee. Genesis 40.20 And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. Genesis 40.21 And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand: Genesis 40.22 But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them.

Genesis : Chapter 40

Reflection on Genesis 40: Joseph's Trials in Prison

Genesis chapter 40 immerses us in the trials Joseph experienced in prison. This captivating passage illustrates how the divine gift of dream interpretation manifests itself. We discover Joseph's encounter with Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, as well as his interpretation of the dreams about them, followed by the cupbearer's temporary forgetfulness. This chapter addresses essential themes such as patience, the use of divine gifts, and the sovereignty of God over time. Genesis 40 thus sets the stage for Joseph's future exaltation.

Meditation on Related Bible Passages

We invite you to meditate on five biblical passages that align with the profound themes of this revelatory chapter:

Daniel 2:27-28

"Daniel answered the king, 'No wise man, enchanter, magician, or soothsayer can explain to the king the mystery he has inquired about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.' »

Like Joseph in Genesis 40, Daniel emphasizes that it is God who possesses the ability to interpret dreams, thus establishing a model of divine revelation.

Ecclesiastes 9:15-16

“Now there lived a poor but wise man, who by his wisdom saved the city. Yet no one remembered this poor man. Therefore I say that wisdom is better than strength. But the wisdom of the poor is despised, and his words are not heard.” »

This passage reflects Joseph's situation in Genesis 40, where his wisdom was initially overshadowed by forgetfulness.

Isaiah 49:15

"Can a woman forget the child she nurses? Can you not have compassion on the son you have fathered? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!" »

Although the cupbearer forgot Joseph, this verse reminds us that God never forgets His faithful ones.

Psalms 105:19

"Until his prophecy comes true, and the word of the Lord proves it." »

This verse evokes Joseph's time of waiting in prison, revealing how God works even in the darkest moments.

2 Corinthians 1:4

"Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that with the comfort we receive from God we can comfort those who are in any trouble."

Joseph's attitude, helping other prisoners despite his own distress, beautifully illustrates this divine principle of comfort.

Meditating on these passages, we are encouraged to recognize God's sovereignty and to use our gifts to bring hope and comfort to those around us, even in the most difficult times.