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Commentary on Genesis 40 verses 20–23
Here is, 1. The verifying of Joseph's interpretation of the dreams, on the very day prefixed. The chief butler and baker were both advanced, one to his office, the other to the gallows, and both at the three days' end. Note, Very great changes, both for the better and for the worse, often happen in a very little time, so sudden are the revolutions of the wheel of nature. The occasion of giving judgement severally upon their case was the solemnizing of Pharaoh's birthday, on which, all his servants being obliged by custom to attend him, these two came to be enquired after, and the cause of their commitment looked into. The solemnizing of the birthday of princes has been an ancient piece of respect done them; and if it be not abused, as Jeroboam's was (Hos 7:5), and Herod's (Mar 6:21), is a usage innocent enough: and we may all profitably take notice of our birthdays, with thankfulness for the mercies of our birth, sorrow for the sinfulness of it, and an expectation of the day of our death as better than the day of our birth. On Pharaoh's birthday he lifted up the head of these two prisoners, that is, arraigned and tried them (when Naboth was tried he was set on high among the people, Kg1 21:9), and he restored the chief butler, and hanged the chief baker. If the butler was innocent and the baker guilty, we must own the equity of Providence in clearing up the innocency of the innocent, and making the sin of the guilty to find him out. If both were either equally innocent or equally guilty, it is an instance of the arbitrariness of such great princes as pride themselves in that power which Nebuchadnezzar set up for (Dan 5:19, whom he would he slew, and whom he would he kept alive), forgetting that there is a higher than they, to whom they are accountable. 2. The disappointing of Joseph's expectation from the chief butler: He remembered not Joseph, but forgot him, Gen 40:23. (1.) See here an instance of base ingratitude; Joseph had deserved well at his hands, had ministered to him, sympathized with him, helped him to a favourable interpretation of his dream, had recommended himself to him as an extraordinary person upon all accounts; and yet he forgot him. We must not think it strange if in this world we have hatred shown us for our love, and slights for our respects. (2.) See how apt those that are themselves at ease are to forget others in distress. Perhaps it is in allusion to this story that the prophet speaks of those that drink wine in bowls, and are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph, Amo 6:6. Let us learn hence to cease from man. Joseph perhaps depended too much upon his interest in the chief butler, and promised himself too much from him; he learned by his disappointment to trust in God only. We cannot expect too little from man nor too much from God.
Some observe the resemblance between Joseph and Christ in this story. Joseph's fellow-sufferers were like the two thieves that were crucified with Christ - the one saved, the other condemned. (It is Dr. Lightfoot's remark, from Mr. Broughton.) One of these, when Joseph said to him, Remember me when it shall be well with thee, forget him; but one of those, when he said to Christ, Remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom, was not forgotten. We justly blame the chief butler's ingratitude to Joseph, yet we conduct ourselves much more disingenuously towards the Lord Jesus. Joseph had but foretold the chief butler's enlargement, but Christ wrought out ours, mediated with the King of kings for us; yet we forget him, though often reminded of him, though we have promised never to forget him: thus ill do we requite him, like foolish people and unwise.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 40:21 meticulously records the exact fulfillment of Joseph's divinely inspired interpretation of the chief butler's dream, as Pharaoh unequivocally reinstates the butler to his highly esteemed and intimate position as cupbearer. This pivotal moment, unfolding two years prior to Joseph's own deliverance from imprisonment, powerfully validates Joseph's prophetic anointing and profoundly underscores the intricate workings of God's sovereign providence, orchestrating every detail to advance His grand redemptive narrative.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Genesis 40:21 serves as the climactic resolution to the narrative arc introduced in Genesis 40:1-19. Following Joseph's unjust imprisonment after the false accusations of Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39:19-20), he finds himself in the royal prison, where he encounters Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker. Their distressed countenances prompt Joseph to inquire about their troubles, leading to their recounting of perplexing dreams. Joseph, acknowledging that "interpretations belong to God" (Genesis 40:8), provides accurate, divinely-revealed interpretations for both men. The butler's dream, involving a vine with three branches, blossoming, and yielding grapes for Pharaoh's cup, foretold his restoration within three days. This verse, therefore, marks the precise and public fulfillment of Joseph's prophecy concerning the chief butler, standing in stark contrast to the tragic fulfillment of the baker's dream in Genesis 40:22.
Historical & Cultural Context: The setting is ancient Egypt, a powerful and highly structured civilization. Pharaoh, as the divine king, held absolute authority, and his court was meticulously organized. The role of a "chief butler" or "cupbearer" (Hebrew: mashqeh) was far more significant than a mere servant. This individual was a highly trusted official, often a confidant and advisor to the king, responsible for the king's personal safety by tasting his drink to guard against poison. This intimate access meant the cupbearer was privy to sensitive information and wielded considerable influence. The swift execution or restoration of such high-ranking officials, as seen with the baker and butler, underscores the Pharaoh's unquestionable power and the precarious nature of court life. Dreams, in ancient Near Eastern cultures, were often believed to be messages from the gods, and their interpretation was a specialized, highly valued skill, often sought from priests or wise men. Joseph's ability to interpret these dreams, especially with such precise outcomes, would have been seen as a clear sign of divine favor and power.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully reinforces several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader Joseph narrative. Firstly, it highlights Divine Sovereignty and Providence, demonstrating God's meticulous control over seemingly random events, even within a pagan court, to advance His purposes. Joseph's unjust suffering is not wasted but becomes a crucible for God's plan. Secondly, the precise fulfillment of the prophecy underscores the theme of Divine Revelation and Prophetic Authority. Joseph's accurate interpretation validates his connection to the true God, setting the stage for his later, more significant interpretations for Pharaoh in Genesis 41. Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of God's Remembrance and Restoration, even though the butler himself forgets Joseph for a time (Genesis 40:23). This foreshadows God's ultimate remembrance of Joseph and His covenant promises to Abraham's descendants, a theme central to the unfolding narrative of Genesis.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound significance. Fulfillment is the most prominent, as the text explicitly details the precise realization of Joseph's prophecy, confirming the divine origin of the dream and the accuracy of its interpretation. This creates a strong sense of verisimilitude and underscores the reliability of God's word through Joseph. The Symbolism of "the cup" is significant; it is not just a vessel but represents the butler's specific duty, his intimacy with Pharaoh, and the trust placed in him. Its return to his hand is a powerful visual metaphor for his restored favor. Furthermore, the narrative employs Contrast by juxtaposing the butler's restoration with the chief baker's execution in the very next verse (Genesis 40:22). This stark difference highlights the binary outcomes of Joseph's prophecies and underscores the themes of divine judgment and mercy, as well as the absolute authority of Pharaoh. The entire episode serves as a form of Foreshadowing, subtly preparing the reader for Joseph's later, more dramatic interpretation of Pharaoh's own dreams, which will lead to his elevation and the salvation of Egypt and his family.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 40:21 stands as a powerful testament to God's meticulous Divine Sovereignty and Providence. Even within the confines of an Egyptian prison, God is actively orchestrating events, using the mundane and the miraculous to advance His overarching redemptive plan. The precise and immediate fulfillment of Joseph's interpretation validates his prophetic gift, demonstrating that the dreams were indeed from God and that Joseph was His chosen instrument. This event, though seemingly minor in the grand sweep of history, is a crucial step in Joseph's journey, preparing the way for his eventual elevation and the preservation of his family, which is foundational to the covenant promises made to Abraham. It underscores God's faithfulness to His purposes, even when human agents fail or forget, as the butler initially did.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 40:21 offers profound insights into the nature of God's timing and our response to seemingly delayed promises. While the chief butler experiences immediate restoration, Joseph, despite his accurate prophecy, remains unjustly imprisoned for another two years (Genesis 41:1). This stark contrast powerfully teaches us the virtue of patience and the necessity of trusting God's perfect, often inscrutable, timing. Joseph's continued faithfulness, humility, and diligent service, even in the most trying circumstances—interpreting dreams for his fellow inmates without immediate personal gain—serve as a compelling model for believers. It reminds us that our faithfulness in the "small things," especially during periods of waiting or suffering, is never unnoticed by God and is often precisely where He prepares us for greater purposes. This verse ultimately assures us of God's unwavering care, His ultimate control over all circumstances, and His steadfast remembrance of His people and His sovereign purposes, even when human memory fails.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was the cupbearer such an important position?
Answer: The cupbearer (Hebrew: mashqeh) held a position of immense trust, influence, and intimate access within ancient royal courts, particularly in Egypt. Their primary duty was to serve the king's drink, but critically, they were often responsible for tasting it first to ensure it was not poisoned. This made them a vital guardian of the monarch's life. Beyond this, their constant proximity to the king meant they were privy to confidential discussions, state secrets, and often served as trusted advisors or confidants. Their loyalty was paramount, and their role was far more significant than that of a mere servant, often placing them among the most powerful figures in the royal administration, as seen in the story of Nehemiah, who also served as a cupbearer to a Persian king.
Did the chief butler remember Joseph immediately after his restoration?
Answer: Regrettably, no. Despite Joseph's earnest plea for the chief butler to "remember me when it is well with you, and please do me the kindness to mention me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this house" (Genesis 40:14), the chief butler "did not remember Joseph, but forgot him" (Genesis 40:23). It was only a full two years later, when Pharaoh himself was troubled by a series of perplexing dreams and none of his wise men could interpret them, that the chief butler finally recalled Joseph's unique gift and mentioned him to Pharaoh. This pivotal moment, detailed in Genesis 41:9-13, directly led to Joseph's release from prison and his subsequent elevation to a position of immense power in Egypt.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 40:21 recounts the restoration of an earthly servant to an earthly king, it serves as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate divine restoration accomplished through Jesus Christ. Just as the chief butler was brought from imprisonment and disgrace back into a position of intimate favor and service with Pharaoh, so too does Christ, through His atoning death and glorious resurrection, restore humanity from the bondage of sin and spiritual death into a relationship of favor and service with the Heavenly King. His work is the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, bringing reconciliation where there was alienation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Joseph, as the accurate interpreter of God's will and the one through whom life was preserved, prefigures Christ, who is the very Word of God made flesh (John 1:1-3), the one who perfectly reveals the Father's will (John 14:9), and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Through Christ, we are not merely restored to a former position, but granted a new, eternal life and an inheritance in His unshakeable kingdom (1 Peter 1:3-5).