TRV
Translation
King James Version
And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days:
Complete Jewish Bible
Yosef answered, "Here is its interpretation: the three baskets are three days.
Berean Standard Bible
Joseph replied, “This is the interpretation: The three baskets are three days.
American Standard Version
And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: the three baskets are three days;
World English Bible Messianic
Joseph answered, “This is its interpretation. The three baskets are three days.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Ioseph answered, and saide, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three dayes:
Young's Literal Translation
And Joseph answereth and saith, `This is its interpretation: the three baskets are three days;
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In the KJVVerse 1,191 of 31,102
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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.
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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.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 40:18 captures Joseph's divinely inspired interpretation of the chief baker's dream, a concise yet profound declaration that "The three baskets [are] three days." This pivotal statement not only reveals Joseph's extraordinary prophetic gift, bestowed by God, but also underscores that true revelation and understanding of future events originate solely from the Almighty, even amidst the dire and unjust circumstances of his imprisonment in Egypt.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Symbolism, where the "three baskets" are not merely literal objects but represent a specific timeframe, "three days." This direct equation is a form of Prophecy, as Joseph is foretelling a future event with precise timing. The language is characterized by Direct Statement and Concision, mirroring the authoritative and unambiguous nature of divine revelation. The brevity of the interpretation, "The three baskets [are] three days," makes it memorable and impactful. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful instance of Foreshadowing, setting the stage for the grim fulfillment of the chief baker's dream, which will occur precisely as Joseph predicts, demonstrating the unerring accuracy of God's word.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 40:18 powerfully reinforces the theological truth that God is the ultimate source of all wisdom and revelation, actively intervening in human history to accomplish His sovereign purposes. Joseph consistently deflects personal credit, attributing his interpretive gift solely to the Almighty, thereby highlighting God's active involvement in revealing His plans to His servants. This incident further solidifies Joseph's unique spiritual endowment, serving as a crucial precursor to his later, more significant interpretations of Pharaoh's dreams, which ultimately led to his elevation to power and the preservation of his family. Even within the confines of a seemingly hopeless prison, God is demonstrably working behind the scenes, orchestrating events through dreams and their precise interpretations as integral components of His overarching plan.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph's narrative, particularly Genesis 40:18, offers profound and enduring lessons for believers. It reminds us that God can effectively utilize our gifts and talents, even in the most challenging and unjust circumstances, to accomplish His sovereign purposes. This passage encourages us to consistently acknowledge God as the ultimate source of all wisdom and understanding, especially when confronted with complex situations or uncertain futures. Like Joseph, we are called to cultivate unwavering trust in God's perfect timing and comprehensive plan, confident that He is actively at work even when the full picture remains obscured. This narrative also powerfully reaffirms God's faithfulness to His promises amidst human betrayal and injustice, laying foundational truth for understanding how God uses evil for good and orchestrates seemingly disparate events for His ultimate glory and the good of His people.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
How did Joseph interpret dreams?
Answer: Joseph explicitly states that interpretations belong to God, indicating that his ability was not a personal skill, magical power, or learned technique, but a direct divine gift of revelation. He served as a conduit for God's message, accurately discerning the meaning and timing of the dreams because God revealed them to him. This stands in stark contrast to the pagan dream interpreters of his day, who relied on various forms of divination.
What is the significance of the "three days" in Joseph's interpretation?
Answer: The "three days" in Joseph's interpretation of the chief baker's dream signifies the precise timeframe within which the dream's prophecy would be fulfilled. This specific detail highlights the accuracy and immediacy of God's revealed word, demonstrating that divine prophecy is not vague but concrete. It underscores the certainty of the chief baker's impending judgment and execution, which indeed occurred within that exact period, serving as a powerful testament to the reliability of Joseph's God-given insight.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph, in his unjust suffering and subsequent elevation, serves as a profound type of Christ, and Genesis 40:18 subtly points to this fulfillment. Like Joseph, who was wrongly imprisoned yet became the source of revelation and life for others, Christ was unjustly condemned and crucified, yet through His suffering, He became the ultimate revealer of God's will and the source of eternal life. The "three days" in Joseph's prophecy, while directly relating to the baker's grim fate, also resonates typologically with Christ's resurrection on the third day, signifying His triumph over death and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan to bring new life. Joseph's divine gift of interpretation, revealing both judgment (for the baker) and salvation (for the butler), perfectly foreshadows Christ, the Word made flesh, who perfectly reveals the Father (John 1:18) and brings ultimate judgment and salvation to humanity (John 5:22-24). Just as Joseph's interpretation was certain and came to pass, so too are Christ's words of judgment and promise eternally true and unfailing (Matthew 24:35).