Genesis 40:20

¶ 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 it came to pass the third {H7992} day {H3117}, which was Pharaoh's {H6547} birthday {H3117}{H3205}, that he made {H6213} a feast {H4960} unto all his servants {H5650}: and he lifted up {H5375} the head {H7218} of the chief {H8269} butler {H8248} and of the chief {H8269} baker {H644} among {H8432} his servants {H5650}.

On the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, he gave a party for all his officials, and he lifted up the head of the chief cupbearer and the head of the chief baker among his officials.

On the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, he held a feast for all his officials, and in their presence he lifted up the heads of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker.

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 the head of the chief baker among his servants.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 40:20 marks a pivotal moment in Joseph's story, fulfilling the interpretations he gave to Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker while they were imprisoned with him. Earlier in the chapter, both men had disturbing dreams (Genesis 40:5). Joseph, attributing his ability to God (Genesis 40:8), accurately interpreted the butler's dream to mean he would be restored to his position within three days (Genesis 40:13), and the baker's dream to mean he would be executed within the same timeframe (Genesis 40:19). This verse describes the precise fulfillment of those prophecies on Pharaoh's birthday, a significant occasion in ancient Egypt.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Sovereignty: The verse vividly demonstrates God's sovereign control over human events, even using a seemingly ordinary occasion like a king's birthday to bring about His predetermined purposes. Joseph's prophetic interpretations, given by God, come to pass exactly as foretold.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: This passage serves as a powerful testament to the accuracy of God-given prophecy. The specific details of the dreams and their interpretations are fulfilled on the third day, establishing Joseph's credibility as a true interpreter of divine messages.
  • Justice and Judgment: The contrasting fates of the butler and the baker illustrate a form of earthly justice, where one is restored to favor and the other faces judgment for his offense against Pharaoh. This foreshadows a broader biblical theme of ultimate accountability.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "lifted up the head" (Hebrew: nasa' ro'sh) is an idiom with a dual meaning in this context, cleverly used by Joseph in his interpretations and fulfilled in this verse. It can signify:

  • To "lift up the head" in the sense of restoring someone to dignity or a position of honor (as with the chief butler).
  • To "lift up the head" in the sense of removing it, i.e., executing someone (as with the chief baker).

The context immediately clarifies which meaning applies to whom, highlighting the precise and often stark nature of ancient legal and social outcomes.

Significance and Application

This event is crucial for Joseph's journey. Although the butler initially forgets Joseph (Genesis 40:23), this divine intervention sets the stage for Joseph's eventual release and rise to power, which occurs two years later when Pharaoh himself has troubling dreams (Genesis 41:1). For believers, Genesis 40:20 offers several insights:

  • God's Perfect Timing: Even when circumstances seem stagnant or forgotten, God works behind the scenes, often through unexpected events like a birthday celebration, to fulfill His plans in His perfect timing.
  • Trust in God's Word: The precise fulfillment of Joseph's interpretations reinforces the trustworthiness of God's word and His ability to reveal future events.
  • Hope in Adversity: Joseph remained in prison despite his accurate interpretations, but this verse is a reminder that even in waiting, God is active and orchestrating the next steps toward His ultimate purpose.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 40:13 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Genesis 40:19 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Matthew 14:6 (5 votes)

    But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.

  • Mark 6:21 (4 votes)

    And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief [estates] of Galilee;

  • 2 Kings 25:27 (3 votes)

    And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth [day] of the month, [that] Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the year that he began to reign did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison;

  • Luke 16:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.

  • Luke 16:2 (2 votes)

    And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.