Genesis 40:22

KJV

But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them.

KJV (with Strong's)

But he hanged {H8518} the chief {H8269} baker {H644}: as Joseph {H3130} had interpreted {H6622} to them.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he hanged the chief baker, as Yosef had interpreted to them.

Berean Standard Bible

But Pharaoh hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had described to them in his interpretation.

American Standard Version

but he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 40:22 records the stark and precise fulfillment of Joseph's divinely-given interpretation of the chief baker's dream, culminating in the baker's execution. This verse serves as a powerful testament to the absolute accuracy of Joseph's prophetic insight and, by extension, to God's unfailing sovereignty over human affairs and the reliability of His revealed word, even amidst the most challenging and seemingly arbitrary circumstances of life in an Egyptian prison.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the immediate narrative arc concerning Joseph's interaction with Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker while all three were imprisoned. Following Joseph's interpretation of their respective dreams, [Genesis 40:1-8](/genesis/40-1-8 "Genesis 40:1-8 - Joseph Interprets Dreams in Prison") details the circumstances of their confinement and Joseph's humble acknowledgment that "interpretations belong to God" ([Genesis 40:8](/genesis/40-8 "Joseph's declaration that interpretations belong to God")). Joseph's interpretation for the chief butler promised restoration to his position ([Genesis 40:9-13](/genesis/40-9-13 "Genesis 40:9-13 - Joseph Interprets the Butler's Dream")), while his interpretation for the chief baker foretold execution ([Genesis 40:16-19](/genesis/40-16-19 "Genesis 40:16-19 - Joseph Interprets the Baker's Dream")). The preceding verse, [Genesis 40:21](/genesis/40-21 "Genesis 40:21 - The Chief Butler Restored"), confirms the butler's restoration, setting up a sharp contrast with the grim fate of the chief baker, thereby highlighting the precise and dual fulfillment of Joseph's prophecies on Pharaoh's birthday.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of dream interpretation was widespread and highly esteemed in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Egypt. Dreams were often believed to be messages from the gods, and their interpreters held significant influence. Pharaoh's absolute authority, as demonstrated by his power to execute or restore officials on a whim, was typical of ancient monarchies. Executions by hanging or impalement were known forms of punishment in Egypt and the broader region. The "third day" mentioned in Joseph's interpretations ([Genesis 40:12](/genesis/40-12 "Joseph's Three-Day Prophecy for the Butler") and [Genesis 40:19](/genesis/40-19 "Joseph's Three-Day Prophecy for the Baker")) likely refers to a significant event, in this case, Pharaoh's birthday, which was a time for royal decrees, pardons, and judgments, underscoring the public and official nature of these actions.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating that God is actively working behind the scenes, orchestrating human events—even seemingly arbitrary ones like a king's birthday judgments—to fulfill His ultimate purposes. Secondly, it highlights **Joseph's Prophetic Gift**, showcasing his unique, God-given ability to interpret dreams accurately, a gift that will prove pivotal in his eventual rise to power and the preservation of his family during the famine, as seen in [Genesis 41](/genesis/41 "Genesis 41 - Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams and Rises to Power"). Thirdly, the contrast between the butler's restoration and the baker's execution underscores the theme of **Justice and Consequences**, illustrating that actions have definite outcomes, and God's foreknowledge encompasses both blessing and judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hanged (Hebrew, _tâlâh'_):** From the primitive root H8518, meaning "to suspend (especially to gibbet); hang (up)." This word precisely describes the method of execution, implying a public display of the chief baker's punishment, possibly on a tree or stake, consistent with ancient Near Eastern practices for criminals.
* **baker (Hebrew, _ʼâphâh'_):** From the primitive root H644, meaning "to cook, especially to bake." This term identifies the specific official whose dream was interpreted and whose fate is sealed. The chief baker was responsible for preparing Pharaoh's bread, a position of trust and proximity to the king, making his offense and subsequent punishment particularly significant.
* **interpreted (Hebrew, _pâthar'_):** From the primitive root H6622, meaning "to open up, i.e. (figuratively) interpret (a dream)." This word is crucial as it links the grim outcome directly to Joseph's earlier prophetic declaration. It emphasizes that the execution was not a random act but the precise fulfillment of a divinely-revealed truth, underscoring the accuracy and authority of Joseph's interpretation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he hanged the chief baker:"** This clause directly states the action taken by Pharaoh. The "he" refers to Pharaoh, who, on the occasion of his birthday, exercised his royal prerogative to execute the chief baker. This action fulfills the negative aspect of Joseph's interpretation, where he told the baker that Pharaoh would "lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree" ([Genesis 40:19](/genesis/40-19 "Joseph's Interpretation of the Chief Baker's Dream")). It highlights the finality and severity of the baker's fate.
* **"as Joseph had interpreted to them."** This concluding phrase serves as a powerful affirmation of Joseph's prophetic accuracy. It explicitly connects Pharaoh's action back to Joseph's earlier interpretation, emphasizing the precise correspondence between the prophecy and its fulfillment. The phrase "to them" suggests that both the butler and the baker, and potentially others, were aware of Joseph's interpretations, making the fulfillment a public demonstration of his divine gift. This precision underscores the reliability of God's word spoken through His servant.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as the core event described is the direct and exact realization of Joseph's earlier dream interpretation. This serves to validate Joseph's prophetic gift and, by extension, the divine source of his insights. There is also an element of **Narrative Economy**, as the verse succinctly delivers the grim outcome without dwelling on the details of the execution, focusing instead on the fact of its occurrence and its connection to Joseph's word. The stark contrast between the chief butler's restoration in the preceding verse and the chief baker's execution in this verse creates a powerful **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the distinct destinies prophesied by Joseph and emphasizing the certainty of God's word, whether for life or for death.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 40:22 profoundly underscores the theme of God's meticulous sovereignty over all human affairs. The precise fulfillment of Joseph's interpretation, down to the very day, demonstrates that God's plan is unthwartable, even when it involves the actions of pagan kings and the seemingly arbitrary events of life. This event solidifies Joseph's role as a divinely-appointed interpreter and foreshadows his greater role in God's redemptive plan, where his gift will save many lives. It reminds us that God is actively working, often unseen, to bring about His purposes, even through difficult or tragic circumstances.

* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "Daniel 2:28 - God Reveals Mysteries Through Dreams")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 40:22 offers a profound lesson in divine reliability and human trust. In a world often characterized by uncertainty, broken promises, and unfulfilled expectations, this verse stands as a powerful reminder that God's word is absolutely dependable. Joseph, though forgotten by the butler for a time, remained in God's perfect timing and plan. His accurate interpretation, leading to such a stark outcome, demonstrates that God's declarations, whether of blessing or judgment, will come to pass. For us, this means we can rest assured in God's promises, even when circumstances seem bleak or contradictory. It encourages us to cultivate a deeper trust in His sovereign hand, knowing that He is working all things together for His glory and our ultimate good, even when the path is difficult or involves outcomes we don't understand. We are called to live with confidence in the One who declares the end from the beginning and whose word never returns void.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise fulfillment of Joseph's prophecy in this verse strengthen your trust in the reliability of God's word in your own life?**
* **In what areas of your life are you struggling to see God's sovereign hand at work, and how might this passage encourage you to trust Him more deeply?**
* **Considering the contrasting fates of the butler and the baker, what does this passage teach us about the consequences of our actions and the certainty of God's judgment and grace?**

### FAQ
**Does Genesis 40:22 imply God directly caused the chief baker's death?**

Answer: While Joseph's interpretation was undeniably divinely inspired and precisely fulfilled, the text attributes the direct action of hanging to Pharaoh ("But he hanged the chief baker"). God's sovereignty means He has ultimate control and foreknowledge over all events, including human actions and their consequences. He permits and works through human decisions and earthly authorities, even those with tragic outcomes, to fulfill His overarching purposes. The verse highlights God's perfect foreknowledge and the absolute certainty of His word, rather than His direct instigation of the execution itself. It demonstrates His ability to orchestrate events, even through human agency, to achieve His divine plan, as seen throughout Joseph's story where God uses human injustice for a greater good, ultimately preserving a remnant of His people ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Statement to His Brothers")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 40:22, with its stark fulfillment of Joseph's prophecy leading to life for one and death for another, serves as a profound foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate work and the dichotomous outcomes of His ministry. Joseph, as a type of Christ, accurately declared God's will, resulting in distinct destinies for the two officials. Similarly, Jesus Christ, the ultimate Prophet, came declaring the will of God, and His words and work bring about either spiritual life for those who believe in Him or judgment for those who reject Him. Just as Joseph's word was perfectly fulfilled, so too are the words of Christ, who declared, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). His prophetic declarations are not merely interpretations but the very embodiment of God's saving and judging will, ensuring that every word He speaks will be perfectly fulfilled in the lives of humanity, leading to either eternal life or eternal condemnation, as He Himself taught in passages like [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations"). The cross itself, where Christ was "lifted up" ([John 3:14](/john/3-14 "John 3:14 - Jesus Lifted Up Like the Serpent in the Wilderness")), became the ultimate point of division, bringing life to many through His death, just as the chief baker's "lifting up" led to death, while the butler's "lifting up" led to life.

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.

Cross-References

Genesis 40:19

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.

Genesis 40:8

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.

Daniel 2:19

Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

Daniel 2:23

I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast [now] made known unto us the king's matter.

Acts 5:30

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

Jeremiah 23:28

The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What [is] the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.

Genesis 41:11

And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.