Genesis 40:7

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

And he asked {H7592} Pharaoh's {H6547} officers {H5631} that were with him in the ward {H4929} of his lord's {H113} house {H1004}, saying {H559}, Wherefore look {H6440} ye so sadly {H7451} to day {H3117}?

Complete Jewish Bible

He asked Pharaoh's officers there with him in the prison of his master's house, "Why are you looking so sad today?"

Berean Standard Bible

So he asked the officials of Pharaoh who were in custody with him in his master’s house, “Why are your faces so downcast today?”

American Standard Version

And he asked Pharaoh’s officers that were with him in ward in his master’s house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sad to-day?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 40:7 highlights Joseph's remarkable empathy and discernment, even while unjustly imprisoned, as he notices and inquires about the distress of Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker. This seemingly simple act of compassion serves as a pivotal moment, divinely orchestrated to set in motion the next phase of God's intricate plan for Joseph's elevation and the salvation of his family.

### CONTEXT
Following his unjust sale into slavery by his brothers ([Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Joseph sold into slavery")) and subsequent false accusation by Potiphar's wife, Joseph finds himself confined in a royal prison ([Genesis 39:20](/genesis/39-20 "Joseph imprisoned in Potiphar's house")). Despite these severe trials, God's favor remained with him, granting him a position of trust under the prison keeper. The arrival of Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker, confined in the same ward, sets the stage for a divinely orchestrated encounter that will ultimately lead Joseph closer to fulfilling God's grand purpose for his life and for the nation of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 40:7 reveals Joseph's profound character, even amidst his own profound suffering. Despite being unjustly imprisoned in "**the ward of his lord's house**," a reference to Potiphar's residence where he was previously overseer, Joseph's attention is drawn away from his own plight to the emotional state of his fellow prisoners, Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker. His question, "Wherefore look ye so sadly to day?", is more than a casual inquiry; it demonstrates a keen spiritual sensitivity and observational skill.

The KJV translates their demeanor as "sadly," but the original Hebrew word, *zo'efim* (זועפים), carries a stronger connotation. It suggests a troubled, vexed, or even angry disposition, reflecting deep internal agitation or displeasure rather than mere sorrow. Joseph's discerning eye perceived this profound distress, indicating he was not consumed by his own troubles but remained attuned to his environment and the inner turmoil of those around him. This selfless concern is a hallmark of his character throughout the Genesis narrative, setting the stage for the crucial events that follow, as their distress leads to the sharing of dreams, which Joseph, empowered by God, will interpret.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Empathy Amidst Adversity:** Joseph's ability to express genuine concern for others despite his own severe and unjust suffering highlights a profound spiritual maturity. It demonstrates that true compassion is not contingent on one's circumstances but flows from a character shaped by God.
* **Divine Providence in Small Acts:** This seemingly simple act of kindness is a pivotal moment in God's intricate plan. Joseph's inquiry opens the door for the officers to share their troubling dreams, which Joseph, empowered by God, will interpret. This sequence ultimately leads to Joseph's release and elevation to power, illustrating how God orchestrates even minor interactions for His greater redemptive purposes ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's redemptive purpose for Joseph's life")).
* **Discernment and Spiritual Sensitivity:** Joseph's keen observation of the officers' "sadly" (or *zo'efim* - vexed) countenances speaks to his spiritual attunement. He was not self-absorbed but attentive to the spiritual and emotional needs of others, a quality essential for effective ministry and leadership.
* **God's Presence in Suffering:** Even in prison, Joseph's character reflects God's presence and favor. His capacity for empathy and his discerning spirit are evidence that God was actively working in and through him, preparing him for the significant role he would play in the future.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph's example in Genesis 40:7 offers powerful lessons for contemporary believers. We are called to cultivate a similar spirit of empathy and observation, actively noticing the struggles of those around us, even when we are facing our own challenges. A simple, genuine question or an act of kindness, inspired by Christ's love, can open doors for connection, ministry, and the unfolding of God's purposes in others' lives. This verse reminds us that compassion is not merely a virtue but a spiritual strength, demonstrating that even in the darkest circumstances, we can be a light to others and that God often uses our willingness to engage in seemingly minor interactions as significant stepping stones in His perfect timing and plan.

### FAQ
**Why was Joseph imprisoned with Pharaoh's officers?**

Answer: Joseph was unjustly imprisoned after being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife ([Genesis 39:19-20](/genesis/39-19 "Joseph falsely accused and imprisoned")). Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker were later confined to the same prison, likely due to offenses against Pharaoh ([Genesis 40:1-3](/genesis/40-1 "Pharaoh's officers imprisoned")). God providentially arranged for them to be together, setting the stage for Joseph's interpretation of their dreams.

**What does the Hebrew word for "sadly" imply in this context?**

Answer: The KJV translates the officers' demeanor as "sadly," but the original Hebrew word is *zo'efim* (זועפים). This term conveys a stronger sense of being troubled, vexed, or deeply agitated, rather than just sorrowful. It suggests a profound internal distress or displeasure, indicating Joseph's keen discernment of their inner turmoil.

**How does Joseph's empathy in this verse contribute to God's larger plan?**

Answer: Joseph's empathetic inquiry, "Wherefore look ye so sadly to day?", directly leads to the chief butler and chief baker sharing their troubling dreams with him ([Genesis 40:8](/genesis/40-8 "Officers share dreams with Joseph")). Joseph, empowered by God, interprets these dreams, which ultimately results in the butler's restoration and, two years later, Joseph's remembrance and elevation to power in Egypt, fulfilling God's prophetic plan for his life and the salvation of his family ([Genesis 41:9-14](/genesis/41-9 "Joseph brought before Pharaoh")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's empathetic inquiry in Genesis 40:7 foreshadows the compassionate heart of Jesus Christ. Like Joseph, who suffered unjustly yet ministered to those around him, Christ, though innocent, bore immense suffering and continually demonstrated profound empathy for humanity's deepest sorrows and spiritual distress ([Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3 "Christ's suffering and empathy")). Joseph's act of discerning and addressing the inner turmoil of others, which ultimately led to their deliverance and his own exaltation, mirrors Christ's redemptive work. Jesus, through His suffering, death, and resurrection, not only empathizes with our brokenness but actively intervenes to deliver us from spiritual bondage, ultimately being exalted to the highest place to save His people from their sins ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's humility and exaltation")). Joseph's journey from prison to power, initiated by an act of compassion, serves as a powerful type of Christ's path from humiliation to glorious triumph, securing salvation for all who believe.

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

Nehemiah 2:2

Wherefore the king said unto me, Why [is] thy countenance sad, seeing thou [art] not sick? this [is] nothing [else] but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,

1 Samuel 1:8

Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? [am] not I better to thee than ten sons?

Luke 24:17

And he said unto them, What manner of communications [are] these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

Judges 18:24

And he said, Ye have taken away my gods which I made, and the priest, and ye are gone away: and what have I more? and what [is] this [that] ye say unto me, What aileth thee?

2 Samuel 13:4

And he said unto him, Why [art] thou, [being] the king's son, lean from day to day? wilt thou not tell me? And Amnon said unto him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister.