Genesis 40:5

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they dreamed {H2492} a dream {H2472} both of them {H8147}, each man {H376} his dream {H2472} in one {H259} night {H3915}, each man {H376} according to the interpretation {H6623} of his dream {H2472}, the butler {H8248} and the baker {H644} of the king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714}, which were bound {H631} in the prison {H1004}{H5470}.

Complete Jewish Bible

One night the two of them, the king of Egypt's cupbearer and his baker, there in prison, both had dreams, each dream with its own meaning.

Berean Standard Bible

both of these men—the Egyptian king’s cupbearer and baker, who were being held in the prison—had a dream on the same night, and each dream had its own meaning.

American Standard Version

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, who were bound in the prison.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 40:5 meticulously details the simultaneous, divinely orchestrated dreams experienced by Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker while imprisoned alongside Joseph. This pivotal verse not only establishes the immediate context for Joseph to exercise his God-given gift of dream interpretation but also serves as a crucial, providential step in God's overarching plan to elevate Joseph from the depths of unjust incarceration to a position of immense influence within Egypt, ultimately for the salvation of His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 40:5 is situated immediately after Joseph's unjust imprisonment in the house of the captain of the guard, Potiphar, due to the false accusations of Potiphar's wife ([Genesis 39:20](/genesis/39-20 "Joseph's Imprisonment")). Despite his dire circumstances, Joseph had found favor with the prison keeper, indicating God's continued presence with him ([Genesis 39:21-23](/genesis/39-21-23 "The Lord Was with Joseph")). The arrival of Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker into the same prison is not a random occurrence but a divinely orchestrated event, setting the stage for Joseph's unique gift of dream interpretation to be recognized. This verse specifically highlights that both men dreamed on the same night, and crucially, "each man according to the interpretation of his dream," signaling that their visions were distinct and carried specific, personal meanings that would soon require elucidation, thus preparing the narrative for Joseph's intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, particularly in Egypt, dreams were often considered significant vehicles for divine communication, omens, or prophecies. Pharaohs and other rulers frequently employed dream interpreters or wise men to discern the meaning of their nocturnal visions, as seen later with Pharaoh's own dreams in [Genesis 41](/genesis/41 "Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams"). The chief butler (cupbearer) and chief baker were highly trusted and influential officials in the royal court, responsible for the king's food and drink, making their positions critical for the king's safety and well-being. Their imprisonment, therefore, would have been a matter of grave concern, indicating a serious offense against Pharaoh. Their high status ensures that their eventual release, and the memory of Joseph's interpretive gift, will bring Joseph directly into Pharaoh's presence, a necessary step for his ultimate elevation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Joseph narrative and the book of Genesis. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand at work even in seemingly random or unjust circumstances, orchestrating events to fulfill His ultimate purposes. The dreams themselves underscore the theme of **Divine Communication**, where God actively intervenes in human affairs through supernatural means to reveal His will and future plans, a pattern seen throughout the patriarchal narratives (e.g., [Genesis 15:12-16](/genesis/15-12-16 "God's Covenant with Abram")). Furthermore, the verse highlights **Joseph's Preparation and Testing**, as his time in prison, including this encounter, serves as a crucial period of refinement and positioning for the immense responsibilities he would soon undertake as a leader in Egypt, illustrating how God uses adversity to shape His chosen instruments.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dreamed (Hebrew, _châlam'_):** This primitive root (H2492) primarily means "to bind firmly," but by implication, "to be plump" or "to recover." Crucially, through a figurative sense of "dumbness" or being bound in sleep, it also means "to dream." In this context, it signifies the act of experiencing a dream, emphasizing that these were not mere thoughts but actual, impactful nocturnal visions.
* **dream (Hebrew, _chălôwm'_):** Derived from the verb `châlam`, this noun (H2472) refers specifically to a "dream" or "dreamer." The repetition of the verb and noun ("dreamed a dream") is a **cognate accusative** construction, a common Hebrew idiom used for emphasis, underscoring the reality, significance, and divine origin of these particular dreams, distinguishing them from ordinary sleep fantasies.
* **interpretation (Hebrew, _pithrôwn'_):** This noun (H6623) comes from a root meaning "to open" or "to explain." It specifically refers to the "interpretation" or "explanation" of a dream. Its inclusion here is critical, as it immediately signals that the dreams possess inherent meaning that is not self-evident to the dreamers, thus necessitating a divine revelation or a divinely gifted interpreter like Joseph.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they dreamed a dream both of them":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the central event: two individuals, the butler and the baker, simultaneously experienced significant dreams. The Hebrew idiom "dreamed a dream" (cognate accusative) emphasizes the profound and intentional nature of these visions, signaling that they were not random but divinely purposed.
* **"each man his dream in one night":** This clause highlights two crucial details. First, "each man his dream" underscores the individual and distinct nature of the revelations given to the butler and the baker, preparing the reader for two separate interpretations. Second, "in one night" emphasizes the simultaneous occurrence, suggesting a coordinated divine action rather than mere coincidence.
* **"each man according to the interpretation of his dream":** This phrase is highly significant. It implies that the dreams inherently possessed a specific meaning or "interpretation" that was unique to each dreamer. This detail immediately points to the necessity of an interpreter, setting the stage for Joseph's God-given role and gift. The dreams were not self-explanatory but required divine insight to be understood.
* **"the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which [were] bound in the prison":** This final clause identifies the high-ranking status of the dreamers and their current predicament. Their titles ("butler" and "baker" of the king) signify their proximity to Pharaoh and their importance in the royal court, making their imprisonment a matter of significant consequence. Their presence in the same prison as Joseph is a key element of God's providential plan, bringing the necessary parties together for the next stage of Joseph's journey.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 40:5 employs several literary devices to enhance its narrative and thematic impact. The most prominent is **Cognate Accusative**, seen in the phrase "dreamed a dream" (Hebrew: *chalam chalom*). This grammatical construction, where a verb is paired with a noun from the same root, is used for emphasis, underscoring the profound and divinely significant nature of these dreams, distinguishing them from ordinary nocturnal thoughts. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the crucial role Joseph will play. The mention that "each man" dreamed "according to the interpretation of his dream" immediately creates a narrative tension and anticipation for the arrival of an interpreter, which the reader knows to be Joseph. Furthermore, there is an element of **Divine Irony** at play; Joseph's unjust imprisonment, a situation of profound suffering and limitation, becomes the very setting where God orchestrates the next step in his elevation, transforming a place of confinement into a platform for divine revelation and advancement. This highlights the overarching theme of **Providence**, where God's unseen hand guides events, even seemingly negative ones, toward His ultimate redemptive purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 40:5 serves as a powerful testament to God's meticulous and unwavering sovereignty, even amidst human injustice and suffering. Joseph's imprisonment, a profound and undeserved hardship, becomes the very crucible through which God advances His grand design, not only for Joseph's personal elevation but ultimately for the preservation of His covenant people. This verse underscores that God's purposes are not thwarted by adverse circumstances; rather, He actively uses them as instruments in His providential plan. The dreams themselves re-emphasize the biblical theme of divine communication, particularly in the Old Testament, where God frequently used dreams as a direct means to reveal His will, impart warnings, or disclose future events to His chosen servants and even to pagan rulers. This divine initiative prepares the way for Joseph to exercise his God-given spiritual gift of dream interpretation, highlighting that such gifts are bestowed by God for His specific purposes and are often revealed and utilized in unexpected, even challenging, contexts.

* [Genesis 37:5-10](/genesis/37-5-10 "Joseph's Prophetic Dreams")
* [Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "God Reveals Mysteries Through Dreams")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 40:5 offers a profound and enduring message of hope and trust in God's sovereign plan, even when our own lives feel confined, unjust, or forgotten. Joseph, languishing in a prison he did not deserve, could have easily succumbed to despair. Yet, God's providence brought specific individuals and circumstances into his path, providing the very opportunity for his unique gifts to shine. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our current circumstances, no matter how challenging or restrictive, are never outside of God's watchful eye or His overarching plan. It encourages us to cultivate an unwavering faith in God's perfect timing and His ability to orchestrate events for our good and His glory. We are called to remain faithful and observant, recognizing that divine appointments and opportunities for service can emerge from the most unlikely and unappealing places. Our trials are often not hindrances but rather integral parts of God's preparation, refining our character and positioning us for future responsibilities and the unfolding of His purposes through our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's situation in prison, as described in this verse, challenge our understanding of God's presence and activity in difficult circumstances?**
* **In what ways might God be preparing or positioning you for a future purpose, even in your current, seemingly ordinary or challenging circumstances?**
* **How can recognizing God's sovereignty in a verse like Genesis 40:5 strengthen your trust in Him when facing personal injustice or setbacks?**

### FAQ
**Why were the butler and baker imprisoned?**

Answer: The biblical text does not explicitly state the specific offenses that led to the imprisonment of Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker. [Genesis 40:1](/genesis/40-1 "Pharaoh's Officials Offend") merely states, "that these things happened after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and the baker offended their lord the king of Egypt." This suggests they committed some transgression against Pharaoh, serious enough to warrant their incarceration in the same royal prison where Joseph was held. Given their high-ranking positions, their offenses were likely significant, perhaps involving a breach of trust, negligence, or a perceived threat to the king's life or authority.

**What is the significance of the phrase "dreamed a dream"?**

Answer: The phrase "dreamed a dream" (Hebrew: *chalam chalom*) is a common idiomatic expression in the Bible, known as a cognate accusative construction, where a verb is followed by a noun from the same root. This linguistic device is used for emphasis. It highlights the importance and reality of the dreams, signifying that these were not just ordinary, fleeting sleep fantasies, but divinely significant visions that carried a specific message or prophecy. It underscores that God was actively communicating through these dreams, setting them apart as purposeful and requiring interpretation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's journey, marked by unjust suffering, betrayal, and imprisonment, yet culminating in his exaltation to a position of saving power, serves as a profound **type** of Jesus Christ. Like Joseph, who was unjustly condemned and cast into a pit, Jesus was rejected by His own people and suffered an undeserved death on the cross. Yet, God sovereignly used Joseph's suffering and imprisonment, bringing him into contact with the butler and baker, as a crucial step in His plan to elevate Joseph. This elevation ultimately enabled Joseph to provide salvation and sustenance for many, including his own family, during a devastating famine. Similarly, Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection led to His ultimate exaltation, enabling Him to provide spiritual salvation and eternal life for all who believe, becoming the true "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Joseph's unique ability to interpret dreams and reveal hidden truths also points to Christ as the ultimate revealer of God's will and the one who perfectly interprets the mysteries of God's kingdom ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "Christ Reveals God")). Through Christ, the seemingly random or chaotic events of life are imbued with divine meaning and purpose, leading to ultimate redemption and the fulfillment of God's eternal plan. His journey from the prison to the palace foreshadows the path of the Suffering Servant who was "pierced for our transgressions" but "by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many" ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "The Suffering Servant")).

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 41:11

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

Daniel 2:1

¶ And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him.

Daniel 2:3

And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream.

Esther 6:1

¶ On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

Daniel 4:19

¶ Then Daniel, whose name [was] Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream [be] to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.

Daniel 4:5

I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.

Genesis 20:3

¶ But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou [art but] a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she [is] a man's wife.