Genesis 40:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Pharaoh's {H6547} cup {H3563} was in my hand {H3027}: and I took {H3947} the grapes {H6025}, and pressed {H7818} them into Pharaoh's {H6547} cup {H3563}, and I gave {H5414} the cup {H3563} into Pharaoh's {H6547} hand {H3709}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Pharaoh's cup was in my hand, so I took the grapes and pressed them into Pharaoh's cup, and gave the cup to Pharaoh."

Berean Standard Bible

Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand, and I took the grapes, squeezed them into his cup, and placed the cup in his hand.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 40:11 captures a crucial detail from the chief butler's dream, recounted to Joseph in Pharaoh's prison. This verse meticulously describes the butler's act of taking grapes, pressing them into Pharaoh's cup, and then presenting the cup to the king. This seemingly simple, yet highly specific, sequence of actions forms the cornerstone of Joseph's divinely inspired interpretation, signaling the butler's imminent restoration to his esteemed position of service and setting the stage for Joseph's own eventual deliverance and elevation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 40:11 is embedded within the broader narrative of Joseph's time in Egypt, specifically during his unjust imprisonment (as detailed in [Genesis 39](/genesis/39 "Joseph's Imprisonment and Faithfulness")). Having been sold into slavery by his brothers ([Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Joseph Sold into Slavery")) and then falsely accused by Potiphar's wife ([Genesis 39:19-20](/genesis/39-19-20 "Potiphar's Wife Accuses Joseph")), Joseph finds himself in the royal prison, which is under the charge of the captain of the guard. Here, he encounters two high-ranking officials of Pharaoh's court—the chief butler and the chief baker—who have incurred Pharaoh's displeasure and are also imprisoned. The immediate literary context of this verse is the chief butler's recounting of his troubling dream to Joseph, whom God has gifted with the ability to interpret dreams. This specific detail of the dream, along with the baker's dream, serves as the narrative catalyst for Joseph to demonstrate his unique spiritual insight, paving the way for his eventual release and elevation in [Genesis 41](/genesis/41 "Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams and Rises to Power").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Egypt, the roles of chief butler (or cupbearer) and chief baker were positions of immense trust and proximity to the Pharaoh. The cupbearer, in particular, was responsible not only for serving the king's beverages but also for ensuring their safety, often by tasting them first to prevent poisoning. This made them highly trusted confidants, privy to court secrets and often acting as advisors. The act of pressing fresh grapes directly into a cup, as described in the dream, reflects a practice of preparing fresh, unfermented grape juice, which was common alongside fermented wine. The detail emphasizes the immediacy and purity of the service, highlighting the intimate and vital nature of the butler's role in the Pharaoh's daily life and security. The setting within a royal prison for high-ranking officials underscores the absolute power of the Pharaoh and the severe consequences for those who displeased him.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's active involvement in human affairs, even through seemingly mundane dreams and the misfortunes of His servants. God orchestrates events, even in a foreign land and through the actions of non-believers, to fulfill His purposes, as seen in Joseph's life and his ultimate role in preserving his family ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God Meant It for Good")). Secondly, the verse underscores **God-Given Gifts and Their Purpose**, specifically Joseph's unique ability to interpret dreams. This gift is not for personal gain but is exercised in service to others, even in obscurity, ultimately leading to God's glory and the advancement of His redemptive plan. Finally, it touches upon the theme of **Restoration and Reversal of Fortune**, as the dream explicitly foreshadows the butler's return to his former position, mirroring the pattern of divine restoration seen throughout Scripture for those who humble themselves and trust in God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 40:11 provides a vivid, almost ritualistic, depiction of the chief butler's dream: "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." This verse is not merely descriptive but is laden with symbolic significance, crucial for Joseph's interpretation.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cup (Hebrew, _kôwç'_):** This word (H3563) refers to a vessel for drinking, but often carries figurative weight, representing one's "lot" or "portion" (as if a potion). In this context, the cup is not just a container but symbolizes the butler's specific duty and his direct access to Pharaoh. Its presence in his hand signifies his rightful place and function within the royal court.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** The word (H3027) for "hand" here is a primitive term with a vast array of meanings, including power, means, direction, and authority. The phrase "Pharaoh's cup was in my hand" (H3027) and "I gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand" (H3709, _kaph_, the hollow hand or palm) emphasizes the butler's direct control over the king's drink and his authorized role in serving it. The hand is the instrument of service, trust, and transfer of authority.
* **Pressed (Hebrew, _sâchaṭ'_):** This verb (H7818) specifically means "to tread out" or "squeeze," particularly grapes. The immediacy of "pressing" fresh grapes directly into the cup, rather than pouring from a stored vessel or fermented wine, highlights the freshness, purity, and perhaps the life-giving nature of the drink. It underscores the specific, intimate, and trusted nature of the butler's service, distinguishing it from the more common serving of fermented wine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Pharaoh's cup [was] in my hand":** This opening clause immediately establishes the central object of the dream—the king's cup—and its intimate connection to the butler. The cup in his hand signifies his position, responsibility, and the authority inherent in his role as cupbearer. It suggests a state of readiness and active engagement in his duties.
* **"and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh's cup":** This describes the action of preparing the drink. The act of "taking the grapes" and "pressing them" directly into the cup emphasizes the freshness and purity of the beverage. It is a direct, unmediated process from the vine to the cup, highlighting the butler's personal involvement and the immediate, unadulterated nature of the service he provides to the king. This detail is crucial for Joseph's interpretation, signifying a swift return to his duties.
* **"and I gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand":** The culmination of the sequence, this final action signifies the completion of the butler's service and the restoration of his direct access and function before Pharaoh. The transfer of the cup into Pharaoh's own hand symbolizes the re-establishment of trust, favor, and the resumption of the butler's esteemed position in the royal court. It is the definitive act of service that underscores his restored status.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Imagery** to create a vivid and tactile scene of the butler's dream, allowing the reader (and Joseph) to visualize the precise actions. The description of "taking the grapes," "pressing them," and "giving the cup" engages the senses and makes the dream feel tangible. **Symbolism** is pervasive, with the "cup" representing the butler's office and the "grapes" and their fresh pressing symbolizing the purity and immediacy of his restored service. The entire sequence functions as a **Prophetic Type**, where the specific actions in the dream serve as a direct foreshadowing of future events—the butler's literal restoration to his office. The meticulous detail in the dream also highlights **Divine Revelation**, as God communicates His sovereign plan through these specific, seemingly ordinary, actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 40:11 powerfully illustrates God's intricate involvement in human affairs, demonstrating His sovereignty even over the dreams of pagan officials. This seemingly minor detail within the chief butler's dream becomes a pivotal point through which God reveals His plan and orchestrates events for Joseph's ultimate elevation and the preservation of His covenant people. It underscores that God's providence extends to every circumstance, using even imprisonment and obscure details to advance His redemptive purposes. The narrative highlights that God-given gifts, like Joseph's ability to interpret dreams, are not for personal aggrandizement but are tools for service, revealing divine truth, and bringing about God's will in the world, often in unexpected ways and through faithful obedience in challenging circumstances.

* [Genesis 28:12-15](/genesis/28-12-15 "Jacob's Dream at Bethel - God's Promise")
* [Daniel 2:28-30](/daniel/2-28-30 "Daniel Interprets Nebuchadnezzar's Dream")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 40:11 invites us to consider the profound truth that God is at work in the smallest details of our lives, even in our dreams and in seemingly insignificant encounters. Just as the chief butler's dream, with its specific actions, held immense significance for his future, so too can the seemingly ordinary moments of our lives be imbued with divine purpose. Joseph's faithfulness in interpreting the dream, even while unjustly imprisoned, serves as a powerful reminder that our God-given gifts and our calling to serve God and others are not contingent upon our circumstances. We are called to exercise faithfulness and trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He can use our obedience in obscure or difficult situations to pave the way for His extraordinary intervention and the fulfillment of His larger plan. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of attentiveness to God's leading, recognizing that He often speaks and acts through unexpected means, bringing about good even from situations that seem bleak or unjust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my perception of "small" or "insignificant" details in my own life in light of God's sovereignty?**
* **In what ways am I called to exercise faithfulness and use my God-given abilities, even when my circumstances are challenging or I feel overlooked?**
* **How does the theme of restoration in this narrative encourage me in areas of my life where I long for God's renewal or reversal of fortune?**

### FAQ
**Why is the preparation of fresh grape juice, rather than wine, significant in the butler's dream?**

Answer: The act of pressing fresh grapes directly into the cup to serve Pharaoh suggests immediacy, purity, and the life-giving nature of the drink. Unlike fermented wine, which requires time and process, fresh juice emphasizes the butler's direct and immediate access to the king, symbolizing his swift and unblemished restoration to his position of trusted service. It highlights the specific nature of his role as a taster and server of the king's beverages, underscoring the intimate trust placed in him. This detail was crucial for Joseph's accurate interpretation, indicating a rapid return to favor rather than a prolonged period of waiting or judgment.

**How does this seemingly minor detail in the butler's dream contribute to the larger narrative of Joseph's life?**

Answer: This seemingly minor detail is profoundly crucial because it provides the specific imagery that Joseph, empowered by God, interprets with divine accuracy. His precise interpretation of the butler's dream, based on this detail, establishes his prophetic gift and credibility within Pharaoh's household, even while he is still a prisoner. This event directly leads to the butler remembering Joseph two years later when Pharaoh himself has troubling dreams ([Genesis 41:9-13 "The Chief Butler Remembers Joseph to Pharaoh"]). The butler's recollection of Joseph's gift ultimately paves the way for Joseph's release from prison and his astonishing elevation to second-in-command over all Egypt ([Genesis 41:39-41 "Joseph Appointed Ruler Over Egypt"]), fulfilling God's earlier prophetic dreams given to Joseph in [Genesis 37:5-11 "Joseph's Dreams of His Family Bowing Down"].

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Genesis 40:11, particularly Joseph's role in interpreting the dream and facilitating the butler's restoration, serves as a profound **type** or foreshadowing of Christ. Joseph, though innocent of any wrongdoing, suffers unjustly in prison, yet faithfully serves and brings revelation and hope to others, ultimately leading to their restoration. This powerfully mirrors Christ, who, though sinless, suffered and was "imprisoned" by death on the cross ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "He Was Pierced for Our Transgressions")), yet through His sacrifice, He brings the ultimate revelation of God's redemptive plan and offers restoration to all humanity. The chief butler's restoration to Pharaoh's presence, facilitated by Joseph's divine insight, serves as a beautiful picture of the believer's restoration to fellowship with God, made possible solely through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, our true and ultimate deliverer. Just as Joseph was the key to the butler's freedom and return to service, so Jesus is the "key" to our spiritual freedom and our return to a right relationship with God, enabling us to serve Him in His kingdom ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Delivered from Darkness into the Kingdom of Light")). He is the one who "gives life to the world" ([John 6:33](/john/6-33 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")), much like the fresh grapes in the dream symbolized life and restoration.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 1:11

O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.

Nehemiah 2:1

¶ And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, [that] wine [was] before him: and I took up the wine, and gave [it] unto the king. Now I had not been [beforetime] sad in his presence.

1 Kings 10:5

And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.

2 Chronicles 9:4

And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her.

Leviticus 10:9

Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: [it shall be] a statute for ever throughout your generations:

Genesis 49:11

Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes:

Proverbs 3:10

So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.