Genesis 40: Hope Deferred, but God Remembered
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.
And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers.
And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.
And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.
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.
And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.
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?
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.
And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me;
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:
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.
And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days:
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.
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.
And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand:
But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them.
Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.
Genesis 40 offers a poignant glimpse into Joseph's continued trials, even as glimmers of hope begin to emerge. Still imprisoned after false accusations (Genesis 39:11-20), Joseph's unwavering character shines as he interprets the dreams of two fellow prisoners. This chapter reveals not only Joseph's God-given ability but also the complexities of human nature and God's sovereign timing. It serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, God is at work, orchestrating events for His ultimate purpose.
Pharaoh's Displeasure and a Prison Encounter (Genesis 40:1-4)
The narrative introduces two new inmates to the prison where Joseph is held: Pharaoh's chief cupbearer and chief baker. Genesis 40:2 states that Pharaoh was angry with both of them. Since both the cupbearer and the baker handled Pharaoh’s food and drink, perhaps Pharaoh was concerned about an assassination attempt. The text doesn't explicitly detail their offenses, leaving room for speculation. Were they suspected of poisoning, negligence, or some other transgression? Whatever the reason, their imprisonment alongside Joseph sets the stage for a divine encounter.
The text notes that the cupbearer and baker were put in custody in the house where Joseph was confined (Genesis 40:3). Interestingly, Joseph is placed in a position of responsibility over them. Genesis 40:4 mentions that the captain of the guards assigned Joseph to these two men, and this term, “captain of the guards,” is different than the one used for the warden running the prison. That means it could refer to Potiphar. If that is the case, it’s possible Potiphar did not believe the charge his wife had brought against Joseph. This detail, while subtle, hints at the possibility of Potiphar's continued awareness of Joseph's integrity and competence. It is also possible that Potiphar, knowing well Joseph’s managerial skills, personally placed other prisoners under Joseph’s control. Regardless, Joseph's diligence and character, previously recognized (Genesis 39:21-23), continue to open doors for him, even within the confines of imprisonment.
Dreams and Divine Interpretation (Genesis 40:5-8)
One night, both the cupbearer and the baker experience vivid and unsettling dreams. Disturbed by their dreams, they looked distraught (Genesis 40:6). Joseph, ever observant and empathetic, notices their distress. In Genesis 40:7, he inquires, "Why do you look so sad today?" This simple act of concern speaks volumes about Joseph's character. Even in his own suffering, Joseph was making time to minister to the hurting (see 2 Corinthians 1:3-7).
Joseph, recognizing the significance of their dreams, immediately acknowledges God's role in their interpretation. He displays confidence in God by reminding them that only God could interpret dreams. He declares in Genesis 40:8, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams." Joseph's confidence in God is striking. He doesn't claim the ability to interpret dreams himself but acknowledges that the power and wisdom come from God alone. This humility and faith are key to understanding Joseph's character and his relationship with God. In our suffering, a common temptation is to stop believing that God will use us. Joseph’s example prompts us not to fall into that wrong thinking.
The Cupbearer's Dream: Restoration Foretold (Genesis 40:9-15)
The chief cupbearer recounts his dream first. He saw a vine with three branches, which budded, blossomed, and produced ripe grapes. In the dream, he squeezed the grapes into Pharaoh's cup and placed it in his hand (Genesis 40:9-11). Joseph interprets the dream as a sign of restoration. In just three days, the cupbearer would be released from prison and reinstated to his former position (Genesis 40:12-13).
Seizing the opportunity, Joseph makes a request. Knowing that the cupbearer will soon be in Pharaoh's presence, Joseph asks him to remember him and mention his plight to Pharaoh, hoping for his own release. He pleads in Genesis 40:14-15, "When all goes well for you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. For I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon." Joseph points out that he and the cupbearer were both wrongly convicted (Genesis 40:15), so he must have been hopeful that his favor would soon lead to release. This reveals Joseph's human desire for freedom and justice. While he trusts in God's plan, he also takes practical steps to advocate for himself.
The Baker's Dream: A Grim Prophecy (Genesis 40:16-19)
Emboldened by the cupbearer's positive interpretation, the chief baker shares his dream. He saw three baskets of baked goods on his head, and birds were eating from the top basket (Genesis 40:16-17). Sadly, Joseph's interpretation brings devastating news. In three days, Pharaoh would lift up the baker's head—but not to restore him. Instead, he would be impaled, and the birds would feed on his flesh (Genesis 40:18-19). The expression "to lift one's head" evokes a person looking downwards in defeat or shame as their face is raised into a more confident posture (Psalm 3:3). Both men will have their "heads lifted" by Pharaoh, but the baker will immediately be executed, and his corpse left to rot. This stark contrast between the two interpretations highlights the unpredictable nature of life and the weight of Joseph's responsibility as God's messenger.
Fulfillment and Forgotten Promises (Genesis 40:20-23)
Three days later, on Pharaoh's birthday, Joseph's interpretations come to pass exactly as he had foretold. Pharaoh restored the chief cupbearer to his original position (Genesis 40:21) and hanged the chief baker (Genesis 40:22). For a moment, it looked like Joseph was about to get his “get-out-of-jail-free card.” Yet, the cupbearer, overjoyed with his restored position, forgets Joseph. Genesis 40:23 somberly states, "The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him." Either out of fear, caution, or some other motive, he says nothing. He does not lose memory of Joseph, but "forgets" him by setting his plea out of his mind.
This is how our circumstances go at times, too. Victory appears to be right on the horizon, then suddenly life takes a hard left and the joy we thought was coming disappears. This apparent setback is a test of Joseph's faith and patience. It underscores the reality that God's timing is often different from our own. Though people may leave us and forget us, God never will. It will be another two years before a situation inspires the cupbearer to mention Joseph and his remarkable ability (Genesis 41:1, 9–14).
Genesis 40 is a powerful reminder that even when hope seems lost, God is still working behind the scenes. Joseph's story teaches us the importance of faithfulness, humility, and trust in God's sovereign plan, even when that plan involves waiting and enduring hardship. It encourages us to remain observant and compassionate toward others, even in our own suffering, knowing that God can use us to bring hope and healing to those around us.
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.
And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers.
And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.
And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.
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.
And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.
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?
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.
And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me;
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:
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.
And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days:
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.
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.
And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand:
But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them.
Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.
Genesis 40 offers a poignant glimpse into Joseph's continued trials, even as glimmers of hope begin to emerge. Still imprisoned after false accusations (Genesis 39:11-20), Joseph's unwavering character shines as he interprets the dreams of two fellow prisoners. This chapter reveals not only Joseph's God-given ability but also the complexities of human nature and God's sovereign timing. It serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, God is at work, orchestrating events for His ultimate purpose.
Pharaoh's Displeasure and a Prison Encounter (Genesis 40:1-4)
The narrative introduces two new inmates to the prison where Joseph is held: Pharaoh's chief cupbearer and chief baker. Genesis 40:2 states that Pharaoh was angry with both of them. Since both the cupbearer and the baker handled Pharaoh’s food and drink, perhaps Pharaoh was concerned about an assassination attempt. The text doesn't explicitly detail their offenses, leaving room for speculation. Were they suspected of poisoning, negligence, or some other transgression? Whatever the reason, their imprisonment alongside Joseph sets the stage for a divine encounter.
The text notes that the cupbearer and baker were put in custody in the house where Joseph was confined (Genesis 40:3). Interestingly, Joseph is placed in a position of responsibility over them. Genesis 40:4 mentions that the captain of the guards assigned Joseph to these two men, and this term, “captain of the guards,” is different than the one used for the warden running the prison. That means it could refer to Potiphar. If that is the case, it’s possible Potiphar did not believe the charge his wife had brought against Joseph. This detail, while subtle, hints at the possibility of Potiphar's continued awareness of Joseph's integrity and competence. It is also possible that Potiphar, knowing well Joseph’s managerial skills, personally placed other prisoners under Joseph’s control. Regardless, Joseph's diligence and character, previously recognized (Genesis 39:21-23), continue to open doors for him, even within the confines of imprisonment.
Dreams and Divine Interpretation (Genesis 40:5-8)
One night, both the cupbearer and the baker experience vivid and unsettling dreams. Disturbed by their dreams, they looked distraught (Genesis 40:6). Joseph, ever observant and empathetic, notices their distress. In Genesis 40:7, he inquires, "Why do you look so sad today?" This simple act of concern speaks volumes about Joseph's character. Even in his own suffering, Joseph was making time to minister to the hurting (see 2 Corinthians 1:3-7).
Joseph, recognizing the significance of their dreams, immediately acknowledges God's role in their interpretation. He displays confidence in God by reminding them that only God could interpret dreams. He declares in Genesis 40:8, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams." Joseph's confidence in God is striking. He doesn't claim the ability to interpret dreams himself but acknowledges that the power and wisdom come from God alone. This humility and faith are key to understanding Joseph's character and his relationship with God. In our suffering, a common temptation is to stop believing that God will use us. Joseph’s example prompts us not to fall into that wrong thinking.
The Cupbearer's Dream: Restoration Foretold (Genesis 40:9-15)
The chief cupbearer recounts his dream first. He saw a vine with three branches, which budded, blossomed, and produced ripe grapes. In the dream, he squeezed the grapes into Pharaoh's cup and placed it in his hand (Genesis 40:9-11). Joseph interprets the dream as a sign of restoration. In just three days, the cupbearer would be released from prison and reinstated to his former position (Genesis 40:12-13).
Seizing the opportunity, Joseph makes a request. Knowing that the cupbearer will soon be in Pharaoh's presence, Joseph asks him to remember him and mention his plight to Pharaoh, hoping for his own release. He pleads in Genesis 40:14-15, "When all goes well for you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. For I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon." Joseph points out that he and the cupbearer were both wrongly convicted (Genesis 40:15), so he must have been hopeful that his favor would soon lead to release. This reveals Joseph's human desire for freedom and justice. While he trusts in God's plan, he also takes practical steps to advocate for himself.
The Baker's Dream: A Grim Prophecy (Genesis 40:16-19)
Emboldened by the cupbearer's positive interpretation, the chief baker shares his dream. He saw three baskets of baked goods on his head, and birds were eating from the top basket (Genesis 40:16-17). Sadly, Joseph's interpretation brings devastating news. In three days, Pharaoh would lift up the baker's head—but not to restore him. Instead, he would be impaled, and the birds would feed on his flesh (Genesis 40:18-19). The expression "to lift one's head" evokes a person looking downwards in defeat or shame as their face is raised into a more confident posture (Psalm 3:3). Both men will have their "heads lifted" by Pharaoh, but the baker will immediately be executed, and his corpse left to rot. This stark contrast between the two interpretations highlights the unpredictable nature of life and the weight of Joseph's responsibility as God's messenger.
Fulfillment and Forgotten Promises (Genesis 40:20-23)
Three days later, on Pharaoh's birthday, Joseph's interpretations come to pass exactly as he had foretold. Pharaoh restored the chief cupbearer to his original position (Genesis 40:21) and hanged the chief baker (Genesis 40:22). For a moment, it looked like Joseph was about to get his “get-out-of-jail-free card.” Yet, the cupbearer, overjoyed with his restored position, forgets Joseph. Genesis 40:23 somberly states, "The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him." Either out of fear, caution, or some other motive, he says nothing. He does not lose memory of Joseph, but "forgets" him by setting his plea out of his mind.
This is how our circumstances go at times, too. Victory appears to be right on the horizon, then suddenly life takes a hard left and the joy we thought was coming disappears. This apparent setback is a test of Joseph's faith and patience. It underscores the reality that God's timing is often different from our own. Though people may leave us and forget us, God never will. It will be another two years before a situation inspires the cupbearer to mention Joseph and his remarkable ability (Genesis 41:1, 9–14).
Genesis 40 is a powerful reminder that even when hope seems lost, God is still working behind the scenes. Joseph's story teaches us the importance of faithfulness, humility, and trust in God's sovereign plan, even when that plan involves waiting and enduring hardship. It encourages us to remain observant and compassionate toward others, even in our own suffering, knowing that God can use us to bring hope and healing to those around us.