TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
Complete Jewish Bible
In the uppermost basket there were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds ate them out of the basket on my head."
Berean Standard Bible
In the top basket were all sorts of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.”
American Standard Version
and in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of baked food for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head.
World English Bible Messianic
In the uppermost basket there were all kinds of baked food for Pharaoh, and the birds ate them out of the basket on my head.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
And in the vppermost basket there was of all maner baken meates for Pharaoh: and the birdes did eate them out of the basket vpon mine head.
Young's Literal Translation
and in the uppermost basket are of all kinds of Pharaoh's food, work of a baker; and the birds are eating them out of the basket, from off my head.'
See also
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 1,190 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Genesis 40 verses 5–19
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.
6 And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.
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?
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.
9 And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me;
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:
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.
12 And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
18 And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days:
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.
Observe, I. The special providence of God, which filled the heads of these two prisoners with unusual dreams, such as made extraordinary impressions upon them, and carried with them evidences of a divine origin, both in one night. Note, God has immediate access to the spirits of men, which he can make serviceable to his own purposes whenever he pleases, quite beyond the intention of those concerned. To him all hearts are open, and anciently he spoke not only to his own people, but to others, in dreams, Job 33:15. Things to come were thus foretold, but very obscurely.
II. The impression which was made upon these prisoners by their dreams (Gen 40:6): They were sad. It was not the prison that made them sad (they were pretty well used to that, and perhaps lived jovially there), but the dream. Note, God has more ways than one to sadden the spirits of those that are to be made sad. Those sinners that are hardy enough under outward troubles, and will not yield to them, yet God can find out a way to punish; he can take off their wheels, by wounding their spirits, and laying loads upon them.
III. Joseph's great tenderness and compassion towards them. He enquired with concern, Wherefore look you so sadly today? Gen 40:7. Joseph was their keeper, and in that office he was mild. Note, It becomes us to take cognizance of the sorrows even of those that are under our check. Joseph was their companion in tribulation, he was now a prisoner with them, and had been a dreamer too. Note, Communion in sufferings helps to work compassion towards those that do suffer. Let us learn hence, 1. To concern ourselves in the sorrows and troubles of others, and to enquire into the reason of the sadness of our brethren's countenances; we should be often considering the tears of the oppressed, Ecc 4:1. It is some relief to those that are in trouble to be taken notice of. 2. To enquire into the causes of our own sorrow, "Wherefore do I look so sadly? Is there a reason? Is it a good reason? Is there not a reason for comfort sufficient to balance it, whatever it is? Why art thou cast down, O my soul?"
IV. The dreams themselves, and the interpretation of them. That which troubled these prisoners was that being confined they could not have recourse to the diviners of Egypt who pretended to interpret dreams: There is no interpreter here in the prison, Gen 40:8. Note, There are interpreters which those that are in prison and sorrow should wish to have with them, to instruct them in the meaning and design of Providence (Elihu alludes to such, when he says, If there be an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show unto man his uprightness, Job 33:23, Job 33:24), interpreters to guide their consciences, not to satisfy their curiosity. Joseph hereupon directed them which way to look: Do not interpretations belong to God? He means the God whom he worshipped, to the knowledge of whom he endeavours hereby to lead them. Note, It is God's prerogative to foretel things to come, Isa 46:10. He must therefore have the praise of all the gifts of foresight which men have, ordinary or extraordinary. Joseph premises a caveat against his own praise, and is careful to transmit the glory to God, as Daniel, Dan 2:30. Joseph suggests, "If interpretations belong to God, he is a free agent, and may communicate the power to whom he pleases, and therefore tell me your dreams." Now, 1. The chief butler's dream was a happy presage of his enlargement, and re-advancement, within three days; and so Joseph explained it to him, Gen 40:12, Gen 40:13. Probably it had been usual with him to press the full-ripe grapes immediately into Pharaoh's cup, the simplicity of that age not being acquainted with the modern arts of making the wine fine. Observe, Joseph foretold the chief butler's deliverance, but he did not foresee his own. He had long before dreamt of his own honour, and the obeisance which his brethren should do to him, with the remembrance of which he must now support himself, without any new or fresh discoveries. The visions that are for the comfort of God's saints are for a great while to come, and relate to things that are very far off, while the foresights of others, like this recorded there, look but three days before them. 2. The chief baker's dream portended his ignominious death, Gen 40:18, Gen 40:19. The happy interpretation of the other's dream encouraged him to relate his. Thus hypocrites, when they hear good things promised to good Christians, would put in for a share, though they have no part nor lot in the matter. It was not Joseph's fault that he brought him no better tidings. Ministers are but interpreters, they cannot make the thing otherwise than it is; if therefore they deal faithfully, and their message prove unpleasing, it is not their fault. Bad dreams cannot expect a good interpretation.
V. The improvement Joseph made of this opportunity to get a friend at court, Gen 40:14, Gen 40:15. He modestly bespoke the favour of the chief butler, whose preferment he foretold: But think of me when it shall be well with thee. Though the respect paid to Joseph made the prison as easy to him as a prison could be, yet none can blame him for being desirous of liberty. See here, 1. What a modest representation he makes of his own case, Gen 40:15. He does not reflect upon his brethren that sold him; he only says, I was stolen out of the land of the Hebrews, that is, unjustly sent thence, no matter where the fault was. Nor does he reflect on the wrong done him in this imprisonment by his mistress that was his prosecutrix, and his master that was his judge; but mildly avers his own innocence: Here have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon. Note, When we are called to vindicate ourselves we should carefully avoid, as much as may be, speaking ill of others. Let us be content to prove ourselves innocent, and not be fond of upbraiding others with their guilt. 2. What a modest request he makes to the chief butler: "Only, think of me. Pray do me a kindness, if it lie in your way." And his particular petition is, Bring me out of this house. He does not say, "Bring me into Pharaoh's house, get me a place at court." No, he begs for enlargement, not preferment. Note, Providence sometimes designs the greatest honours for those that least covet or expect them.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 5–19. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Genesis 40:17 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Genesis 40:17 recounts a pivotal detail from the chief baker's dream, as narrated to Joseph in an Egyptian prison. It describes the contents of the uppermost of three baskets carried on the baker's head—various "bakemeats for Pharaoh"—and the chilling observation that "the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head." This ominous imagery serves as a crucial element in Joseph's divinely-inspired interpretation, signaling the baker's impending execution and the public dishonor of his body.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Genesis 40:17 is rich with Symbolism and Foreshadowing. The "bakemeats for Pharaoh" symbolize the chief baker's life, his profession, and his service to the king; their sacredness underscores the gravity of their desecration. The most potent symbol is "the birds did eat them," which universally in the ancient Near East symbolized dishonor, a lack of proper burial, and a violent, shameful death. This imagery serves as powerful Foreshadowing, directly predicting the chief baker's execution and the public display of his body. The dream's narrative structure, with its vivid, disturbing imagery, creates Suspense for both the dreamer and the reader, compelling them to seek an interpretation. Furthermore, there is an element of Irony in the fact that food prepared for the most esteemed person (Pharaoh) becomes food for scavenging birds, mirroring the baker's fall from a position of honor to one of ultimate disgrace.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 40:17, though a specific detail within a dream, powerfully illustrates God's active involvement in human affairs, even in the seemingly mundane or tragic. It underscores the biblical theme of divine revelation through dreams, where God communicates specific, often prophetic, messages. The dream's outcome highlights the principle of consequences for actions, whether earthly or divinely ordained, and serves as a stark reminder of the reality of judgment. Ultimately, this seemingly small detail from a prisoner's dream contributes to the grand narrative of God's unwavering providence, demonstrating His orchestration of events to fulfill His larger redemptive purposes, even utilizing human sin and suffering as part of His intricate plan.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 40:17, while detailing an ancient dream, offers profound truths for contemporary reflection and application. It reminds us that even in circumstances of profound injustice, confinement, or uncertainty, God remains sovereign and actively involved. Joseph's unwavering faith and his God-given ability to interpret these dreams demonstrate that God's power and faithfulness are not diminished by human suffering or imprisonment. We are called to recognize God's hand at work even in the details of life that seem insignificant or distressing. Furthermore, the dream's grim outcome for the baker serves as a stark reminder of the reality of consequences for one's actions, urging us to consider the long-term implications of our choices and to live in alignment with God's will. Finally, Joseph's precise interpretation highlights the importance of discerning and paying close attention to the details of God's revealed will, whether in Scripture or through His providential workings, recognizing that profound significance can reside in seemingly small elements.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What are "bakemeats for Pharaoh"?
Answer: "Bakemeats for Pharaoh" (Hebrew: maʻăseh and maʼăkâl combined with ʼâphâh for "baked") refers to various types of baked goods, delicacies, or pastries specifically prepared for the king's consumption. This detail emphasizes the chief baker's profession and the high status of the food, making its desecration by birds particularly significant as it was intended for the most esteemed person in the land.
Why is it significant that "the birds did eat them"?
Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, especially Egypt, birds of prey consuming a body or its provisions was a deeply ominous sign. It symbolized a lack of proper burial, desecration, dishonor, and a violent, ignominious end. For the chief baker, this imagery directly foretold his execution and the public display of his body, as interpreted by Joseph in Genesis 40:19. This was the ultimate shame, to be denied the dignity of burial and to have one's remains consumed by scavengers.
How could Joseph interpret such a specific dream detail?
Answer: Joseph explicitly states that "Do not interpretations belong to God?" (Genesis 40:8). His ability to accurately interpret the dreams of the chief butler and chief baker, and later Pharaoh's dreams (Genesis 41:14-16), was a divine gift. It was not based on human wisdom or skill, but on God revealing the meaning to him, demonstrating God's sovereign control over all events and His chosen instruments.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Joseph, particularly his suffering, unjust imprisonment, and eventual exaltation through divine wisdom, serves as a profound type of Christ. Just as Joseph, through God's Spirit, revealed hidden truths and brought about salvation for his people, so too does Christ, the ultimate revealer of God's will, bring salvation through His suffering and resurrection. The dreams in Genesis 40 reveal God's sovereign plan, even in the midst of human injustice and despair. This foreshadows the ultimate divine plan for Christ, whose death on the cross, though seemingly a defeat, was God's perfect plan to bring life and deliverance to all who believe. As Joseph was "lifted up" from prison to a position of power (Acts 7:9-10), so Christ was "lifted up" on the cross and then exalted to the right hand of God (John 3:14-15 and Philippians 2:9-11). The contrasting fates of the butler and baker, one restored and one condemned, also subtly prefigure the two destinies presented by Christ's ministry: salvation for those who accept Him and judgment for those who reject Him (John 5:24). In all, Joseph's journey from the pit to the palace, from interpreter of dreams to savior of nations, beautifully prefigures the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).