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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 40:5–19. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Observe, I. The special providence of God, which filled the heads of these two prisoners with unusual dreams, such as made extraordinary impressions upon them, and carried with them evidences of a divine origin, both in one night. Note, God has immediate access to the spirits of men, which he can make serviceable to his own purposes whenever he pleases, quite beyond the intention of those concerned. To him all hearts are open, and anciently he spoke not only to his own people, but to others, in dreams, Job 33:15. Things to come were thus foretold, but very obscurely.
II.The impression which was made upon these prisoners by their dreams (Gen 40:6):
They were sad. It was not the prison that made them sad (they were pretty well used to that, and perhaps lived jovially there), but the dream. Note, God has more ways than one to sadden the spirits of those that are to be made sad. Those sinners that are hardy enough under outward troubles, and will not yield to them, yet God can find out a way to punish; he can take off their wheels, by wounding their spirits, and laying loads upon them.
III.Joseph's great tenderness and compassion towards them.
He enquired with concern, Wherefore look you so sadly today? Gen 40:7. Joseph was their keeper, and in that office he was mild. Note, It becomes us to take cognizance of the sorrows even of those that are under our check. Joseph was their companion in tribulation, he was now a prisoner with them, and had been a dreamer too. Note, Communion in sufferings helps to work compassion towards those that do suffer. Let us learn hence,
1.To concern ourselves in the sorrows and troubles of others, and to enquire into the reason of the sadness of our brethren's countenances; we should be often considering the tears of the oppressed, Ecc 4:1. It is some relief to those that are in trouble to be taken notice of.
2.To enquire into the causes of our own sorrow, "Wherefore do I look so sadly? Is there a reason? Is it a good reason? Is there not a reason for comfort sufficient to balance it, whatever it is? Why art thou cast down, O my soul?"
IV.The dreams themselves, and the interpretation of them.
That which troubled these prisoners was that being confined they could not have recourse to the diviners of Egypt who pretended to interpret dreams: There is no interpreter here in the prison, Gen 40:8. Note, There are interpreters which those that are in prison and sorrow should wish to have with them, to instruct them in the meaning and design of Providence (Elihu alludes to such, when he says, If there be an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show unto man his uprightness, Job 33:23, Job 33:24), interpreters to guide their consciences, not to satisfy their curiosity. Joseph hereupon directed them which way to look: Do not interpretations belong to God? He means the God whom he worshipped, to the knowledge of whom he endeavours hereby to lead them. Note, It is God's prerogative to foretel things to come, Isa 46:10. He must therefore have the praise of all the gifts of foresight which men have, ordinary or extraordinary. Joseph premises a caveat against his own praise, and is careful to transmit the glory to God, as Daniel, Dan 2:30. Joseph suggests, "If interpretations belong to God, he is a free agent, and may communicate the power to whom he pleases, and therefore tell me your dreams." Now,
1.The chief butler's dream was a happy presage of his enlargement, and re-advancement, within three days; and so Joseph explained it to him, Gen 40:12, Gen 40:13. Probably it had been usual with him to press the full-ripe grapes immediately into Pharaoh's cup, the simplicity of that age not being acquainted with the modern arts of making the wine fine. Observe, Joseph foretold the chief butler's deliverance, but he did not foresee his own. He had long before dreamt of his own honour, and the obeisance which his brethren should do to him, with the remembrance of which he must now support himself, without any new or fresh discoveries. The visions that are for the comfort of God's saints are for a great while to come, and relate to things that are very far off, while the foresights of others, like this recorded there, look but three days before them.
2.The chief baker's dream portended his ignominious death, Gen 40:18, Gen 40:19. The happy interpretation of the other's dream encouraged him to relate his. Thus hypocrites, when they hear good things promised to good Christians, would put in for a share, though they have no part nor lot in the matter. It was not Joseph's fault that he brought him no better tidings. Ministers are but interpreters, they cannot make the thing otherwise than it is; if therefore they deal faithfully, and their message prove unpleasing, it is not their fault. Bad dreams cannot expect a good interpretation.
V.The improvement Joseph made of this opportunity to get a friend at court, Gen 40:14, Gen 40:15.
He modestly bespoke the favour of the chief butler, whose preferment he foretold: But think of me when it shall be well with thee. Though the respect paid to Joseph made the prison as easy to him as a prison could be, yet none can blame him for being desirous of liberty. See here,
1.What a modest representation he makes of his own case, Gen 40:15. He does not reflect upon his brethren that sold him; he only says, I was stolen out of the land of the Hebrews, that is, unjustly sent thence, no matter where the fault was. Nor does he reflect on the wrong done him in this imprisonment by his mistress that was his prosecutrix, and his master that was his judge; but mildly avers his own innocence: Here have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon. Note, When we are called to vindicate ourselves we should carefully avoid, as much as may be, speaking ill of others. Let us be content to prove ourselves innocent, and not be fond of upbraiding others with their guilt.
2.What a modest request he makes to the chief butler: "Only, think of me. Pray do me a kindness, if it lie in your way." And his particular petition is, Bring me out of this house. He does not say, "Bring me into Pharaoh's house, get me a place at court." No, he begs for enlargement, not preferment. Note, Providence sometimes designs the greatest honours for those that least covet or expect them.
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Summary
Genesis 40:8 powerfully encapsulates Joseph's unwavering faith and God's sovereign control over seemingly random events, even within the confines of an Egyptian prison. When Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker, both imprisoned, express their deep distress over vivid, incomprehensible dreams, Joseph, with profound humility and conviction, immediately redirects their focus from human limitations to the divine source of all revelation. He asserts that true understanding and interpretation of such mysteries belong exclusively to God, thereby positioning himself not as a sage, but as a humble instrument through whom God's purposes would unfold. This pivotal declaration sets the stage for God's redemptive plan, demonstrating His ability to work through His chosen servants in the most unlikely circumstances.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Joseph's life, specifically during his unjust imprisonment in Egypt following the false accusations of Potiphar's wife. Genesis 39:20-23 details his confinement and how God's favor remained with him, even there. The immediate preceding verses (Genesis 40:1-7) introduce the chief butler and chief baker, their imprisonment alongside Joseph, and their troubled countenances due to their dreams. Joseph, noticing their distress, initiates the conversation, leading to their confession in Genesis 40:8a. Joseph's response in Genesis 40:8b is a crucial turning point, highlighting his spiritual discernment and setting the stage for the dream interpretations that will eventually lead to his own release and elevation.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, dreams were widely regarded as significant, often believed to be direct communications from deities or omens regarding future events. Dream interpretation was a specialized and highly valued skill, practiced by priests, wise men, and diviners. Pharaohs and other rulers often employed official interpreters. The distress of the chief butler and chief baker, stating "there is no interpreter of it," reflects this cultural belief in the importance of dreams and the anxiety caused by their incomprehensibility. Their inability to find an interpreter within the prison system, or perhaps their own lack of understanding, underscores the perceived human limitation in accessing divine knowledge without proper guidance. This cultural backdrop makes Joseph's immediate and confident assertion that "interpretations belong to God" even more striking, as it directly challenges the prevailing human-centric or magical approaches to revelation.
Key Themes
Genesis 40:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and Joseph's narrative. Foremost is the theme of Divine Sovereignty, demonstrating that God is actively involved in human affairs, even in the smallest details like dreams, and orchestrates events for His purposes, regardless of human intentions or circumstances. It also highlights Divine Revelation, emphasizing that God communicates His will and future plans to humanity, often through extraordinary means. A third key theme is God's Faithfulness to His Servants, as Joseph, despite his suffering and unjust imprisonment, remains a vessel for God's truth and a recipient of His favor. This verse also foreshadows the theme of Joseph as a Divine Instrument, preparing him for his later role in interpreting Pharaoh's dreams in Genesis 41:15-16, which ultimately leads to his elevation and the salvation of many.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the root châlam, meaning "to bind firmly" or "to be plump," but figuratively, "to dream." In this context (H2472), it refers to a vision or message received during sleep. The officials' "dream" was not a mere psychological experience but a profound, divinely-sent message that caused them great distress due to its enigmatic nature and their inability to comprehend its meaning.
From the root pâthar, meaning "to open up" or "to interpret." This word (H6623) specifically denotes the meaning or unraveling of a dream. Joseph's rhetorical question centers on the source of these "interpretations," asserting that their true origin is divine, not human.
The plural form of ʼĕlôah, often translated as "God" (H430) and used specifically of the supreme God, as it is here. Joseph's declaration attributes the exclusive right and ability to provide dream interpretations to the one, true, supreme God, contrasting with the polytheistic beliefs and human diviners prevalent in Egypt.
Verse Breakdown
"And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and [there is] no interpreter of it."
The chief butler and chief baker, burdened by their vivid and unsettling dreams, confess their predicament to Joseph. Their opening statement immediately establishes the central problem: they have received a significant message (a dream), but lack the means to understand it. The phrase "no interpreter of it" (Hebrew: wĕ'ên pōtēr 'ōtô) conveys their despair and the perceived human limitation in deciphering such divine or supernatural phenomena, highlighting the cultural reliance on skilled interpreters.
"And Joseph said unto them, [Do] not interpretations [belong] to God?"
Joseph's response is the theological core of the verse. The Hebrew Hă-lō' lē'lōhîm pittrōnîm? is a powerful rhetorical question, emphatically asserting that the ability to interpret dreams and reveal hidden truths resides solely with God. The particle Hă-lō' (Do not...?) expects a strong affirmative answer, emphasizing God's exclusive domain over revelation. By placing "to God" (lē'lōhîm) prominently at the beginning of the clause, Joseph underscores the divine origin of all true understanding, immediately shifting the focus from human inability to divine omnipotence. This statement is not a claim of personal power but a humble acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.
"tell me [them], I pray you."
Following his theological declaration, Joseph issues a compassionate invitation. This instruction demonstrates his willingness to serve as God's instrument, despite his own unjust circumstances. It shows his pastoral heart and readiness to act as a conduit for divine revelation, trusting that if God wishes to reveal the meaning, He will do so through him. This phrase bridges the theological truth with practical application, inviting the officials to participate in God's revelatory process by sharing their dreams.
Literary Devices
Genesis 40:8 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is Rhetorical Question ("Do not interpretations belong to God?"). This is not a genuine inquiry but a forceful assertion, designed to emphasize the speaker's conviction and to elicit agreement from the audience. Joseph uses it to unequivocally declare God's exclusive sovereignty over revelation, shifting the focus from human despair to divine omnipotence. Another device present is Foreshadowing. Joseph's humble yet confident declaration here foreshadows his later, more significant role in interpreting Pharaoh's dreams in Genesis 41, which ultimately leads to his elevation and the salvation of Egypt and his family. The verse also implicitly uses Contrast, juxtaposing the officials' human inability and despair ("no interpreter of it") with God's absolute power and knowledge ("interpretations belong to God"), highlighting the vast difference between human limitation and divine omnipotence.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Genesis 40:8 serves as a profound theological statement within the Joseph narrative, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over all knowledge and revelation. Joseph's declaration that "interpretations belong to God" is a foundational truth, asserting that true understanding of divine mysteries and the future rests solely with the Almighty, not with human wisdom, magical arts, or any other created power. This passage reinforces the biblical understanding that God communicates with humanity through various means, including dreams, and that these are not random occurrences but purposeful messages from the Creator, setting the stage for His unfolding plan. Joseph's humility in attributing all interpretive power to God, despite his own prophetic gifts, exemplifies the posture required for divine use—a vessel emptied of self-reliance, ready to be filled by God's Spirit.
Reflection and Application
Genesis 40:8 offers timeless lessons for believers navigating a world often filled with confusion, uncertainty, and a hunger for answers. Joseph's response to the distressed officials serves as a powerful reminder that in moments of perplexity, when human wisdom fails, our ultimate source of understanding and revelation is God alone. Like Joseph, we are called to cultivate a deep humility, acknowledging that any spiritual gifts, insights, or successes we experience are not products of our own ingenuity but are by God's grace and for His glory. This posture of humility opens the door for God to work powerfully through us, making us vessels for His truth and instruments of His divine purpose, even amidst our own challenges or suffering. Furthermore, the passage encourages us to be channels of hope and truth to those around us, pointing them to the One who holds all answers and orchestrates all events for His sovereign purposes. True insight and interpretation of life's mysteries come from Him alone, as James 1:5 reminds us: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of Joseph's rhetorical question, "Do not interpretations belong to God?"
Joseph's question is a powerful rhetorical device that serves as a profound theological statement, not an inquiry seeking information. It is an emphatic assertion that the power to interpret dreams and reveal divine mysteries belongs exclusively to God. Its significance lies in its immediate redirection of credit and authority from any human ability or magical practice to God alone. This statement underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all knowledge and revelation, highlighting that humans can only understand divine truths when God chooses to reveal them, often through chosen instruments like Joseph. It sets the stage for God to demonstrate His power through Joseph, not through Joseph's inherent skill, echoing the truth that "the secret things belong unto the Lord our God" (Deuteronomy 29:29).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Joseph's role in Genesis 40:8, as the one through whom divine interpretation and revelation flow, serves as a powerful type of Christ. Just as Joseph, unjustly imprisoned, becomes the conduit for God's truth and ultimately brings salvation to Egypt and his family, so too does Christ, the unjustly crucified one, become the ultimate revealer of God's will and the source of eternal salvation. Christ is the very Word made flesh, the one "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). He is the true interpreter of God's mysteries, not through dreams, but through His very being, His teachings, His life, death, and resurrection. Through His perfect humility, Christ always attributed His works and words to the Father, declaring, "I can do nothing on my own" (John 5:30). He perfectly reveals God's plan for humanity's redemption, fulfilling the prophetic words of Hebrews 1:1-2: "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son." Thus, Joseph's humble declaration that "interpretations belong to God" finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly reveals God and His saving purposes to humanity.