Genesis 40:14

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

But think {H2142} on me when it shall be well {H3190} with thee, and shew {H6213} kindness {H2617}, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention {H2142} of me unto Pharaoh {H6547}, and bring me {H3318} out of this house {H1004}:

Complete Jewish Bible

But remember me when it goes well with you; and show me kindness, please; and mention me to Pharaoh, so that he will release me from this prison.

Berean Standard Bible

But when it goes well for you, please remember me and show me kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh, that he might bring me out of this prison.

American Standard Version

But have me in thy remembrance when it shall be well with thee, and show kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 40:14](/genesis/40-14 "Joseph's Plea to the Chief Butler") captures Joseph’s poignant human longing for freedom and justice while unjustly imprisoned in Egypt. Following his successful interpretation of the chief butler's dream, Joseph makes a heartfelt plea for remembrance and intervention, hoping that the butler, once restored to Pharaoh's service, would advocate for his release from the prison house.

### CONTEXT
This verse is situated within the broader narrative of [Joseph's unjust imprisonment](/genesis/39-20 "Joseph's unjust imprisonment in Genesis 39:20"). Falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, Joseph, despite his unwavering faithfulness and integrity, finds himself confined to the king's prison. While there, he gains favor with the keeper and is put in charge of other prisoners, including Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker. When both men experience troubling dreams, Joseph, empowered by God, accurately interprets them. The butler's dream foretold his restoration to Pharaoh's service within three days, a prophecy that soon came to pass exactly as Joseph had foretold ([Genesis 40:21](/genesis/40-21 "The chief butler's restoration in Genesis 40:21")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
In [Genesis 40:14](/genesis/40-14 "Joseph's plea to the chief butler"), Joseph, having just delivered a hopeful prophecy to the chief butler, seizes the moment to appeal for personal remembrance and assistance. His request is direct and deeply human, revealing his desire for deliverance from his unjust confinement.

* **"But think on me when it shall be well with thee"**: Joseph's opening phrase is a direct appeal for the butler to remember him once he is restored to his former position. The Hebrew word for "think on me" is _zakhar_ (זָכַר), which means more than a fleeting thought; it implies an active, mindful recollection that leads to action. Joseph is asking for the butler to not merely recall his face, but to actively consider his plight and act on his behalf. This shows Joseph's practical hope amidst his suffering, trusting that a human connection might be the means of his release.
* **"and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me"**: Joseph further implores the butler to demonstrate _chesed_ (חֶסֶד) towards him. This rich Hebrew term is often translated as "steadfast love," "loyal kindness," "mercy," or "unfailing love." It denotes a deep, unwavering commitment or a benevolent act motivated by loyalty or compassion, often implying a covenantal faithfulness. Joseph is appealing to the butler's gratitude and sense of obligation, hoping for a compassionate act that extends beyond mere politeness.
* **"and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house"**: These phrases specify the concrete actions Joseph desires. He wants the butler to speak to Pharaoh about his case, presumably to explain his innocence, and to facilitate his release from the prison. This direct request underscores Joseph's desperate longing for freedom and justice after years of wrongful imprisonment. The "house" refers to the specific prison where he was held, emphasizing his desire to be physically removed from his confinement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Human Dependence vs. Divine Sovereignty**: While Joseph makes a direct appeal for human assistance, the larger narrative of Genesis profoundly illustrates that his ultimate deliverance and elevation came not through human memory or political maneuvering, but through God's perfect timing and sovereign plan ([Genesis 41:14](/genesis/41-14 "Pharaoh sends for Joseph in Genesis 41:14")). This verse highlights Joseph's human effort, but the subsequent events underscore God's ultimate control and faithfulness, contrasting sharply with the butler's initial forgetfulness ([Genesis 40:23](/genesis/40-23 "The chief butler forgets Joseph in Genesis 40:23")).
* **The Nature of Suffering and Hope**: Joseph, though innocent and suffering prolonged injustice, holds onto hope for deliverance. His plea is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the natural desire for freedom and justice, even when God's greater plan is not yet fully revealed. It shows that seeking human aid is not antithetical to faith, but part of navigating life's challenges.
* **Divine Remembrance vs. Human Forgetfulness**: The chief butler's subsequent forgetfulness for two full years ([Genesis 41:1](/genesis/41-1 "Two full years pass in Genesis 41:1")) serves as a stark contrast to God's unfailing remembrance of His covenant and His people. While humans may forget promises and acts of kindness, God never forgets His own, working all things according to His purpose.
* **Justice and Injustice**: Joseph's imprisonment is a clear case of injustice. His plea for release is a cry for the rectification of this wrong, reflecting a universal human yearning for righteousness to prevail. The narrative ultimately affirms that divine justice will be served, though often on a timetable different from human expectation.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph's plea reminds us that even faithful individuals may face prolonged periods of injustice, hardship, and forgotten promises. It is natural and human to seek help and connections during difficult times, and to hope for relief through human means. However, this verse, especially when read in light of the chief butler's subsequent forgetfulness, serves as a powerful reminder that while we may hope in human promises and efforts, our ultimate trust must be placed in God's perfect timing and unwavering faithfulness. He never forgets His own, and His plans will ultimately prevail, often through unexpected means and at the precise moment of His choosing, as seen in Joseph's eventual rise to power and his role in preserving many lives ([Genesis 41:40](/genesis/41-40 "Joseph's elevation to second in command in Genesis 41:40")). We are called to pray, to act, and to hope, but always to rest in God's sovereign care.

### FAQ
**Why did the chief butler forget Joseph, despite his accurate interpretation?**

Answer: The text states simply that the chief butler "did not remember Joseph, but forgot him" ([Genesis 40:23](/genesis/40-23 "The chief butler forgets Joseph in Genesis 40:23")). This forgetfulness highlights human fallibility and self-interest. Once restored to his comfortable position, the butler likely became preoccupied with his duties and perhaps did not want to risk Pharaoh's displeasure by mentioning a prisoner, especially one accused of a serious crime. The narrative emphasizes that it was not until Pharaoh himself had troubling dreams two years later that the butler finally remembered Joseph ([Genesis 41:9-13](/genesis/41-9 "The chief butler remembers Joseph in Genesis 41:9-13")), underscoring that Joseph's release was ultimately orchestrated by God's perfect timing, not human reliability.

**Does Joseph's plea for help indicate a lack of faith in God's plan?**

Answer: Not necessarily. Joseph's request to the butler is a natural human response to an unjust situation. While Joseph clearly trusted God, as evidenced by his integrity in Potiphar's house and his confidence in interpreting dreams, his plea for human intervention demonstrates that faith does not preclude seeking practical solutions or help from others. It is a testament to his human hope and desire for freedom. The subsequent events, where the butler forgets him, then remembers him at God's appointed time, serve to highlight that God's sovereign plan transcends human efforts and failures, ultimately bringing about His perfect will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's unjust suffering, his innocent imprisonment, and his plea for remembrance from one who was restored to power, all prefigure the person and work of Jesus Christ. Like Joseph, Jesus was innocent yet suffered unjustly, betrayed and delivered into the hands of His enemies. He was "forgotten" by many, even by His disciples at times, yet He cried out to His Father in His suffering. Just as Joseph was exalted from the prison to save many, Christ, after His death and resurrection, was exalted to the right hand of God, becoming the ultimate deliverer and provider of spiritual sustenance for all who believe. Joseph's plea for *chesed* (kindness/loyal love) finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who perfectly embodies God's *chesed* towards humanity, remembering us in our fallen state and interceding for us before the Father, ensuring our ultimate deliverance and eternal freedom.

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.