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Genesis 40:1

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¶ And it came to pass after these things, [that] the butler of the king of Egypt and [his] baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt.

And it came to pass after {H310} these things {H1697}, that the butler {H8248} of the king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714} and his baker {H644} had offended {H2398} their lord {H113} the king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714}.

Some time later it came about that the Egyptian king's cupbearer and baker gave offense to their lord the king of Egypt.

Some time later, the king’s cupbearer and baker offended their master, the king of Egypt.

And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker offended their lord the king of Egypt.

Commentary

Genesis 40:1 introduces two new key figures into the narrative of Joseph's life: the chief butler and the chief baker of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. This verse sets the stage for a crucial turning point in Joseph's long imprisonment, highlighting God's providential hand even amidst seemingly random events.

Context

The phrase "after these things" directly connects this chapter to the preceding events of Joseph's unjust imprisonment. Having been falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, Joseph was cast into the prison where the king's prisoners were bound. This verse reveals that while Joseph was still in prison, two high-ranking officials from Pharaoh's court also found themselves incarcerated due to an unspecified offense against their sovereign. In ancient Egypt, the butler (cupbearer) and baker were positions of immense trust and proximity to the king, making their transgression and subsequent imprisonment a serious matter within the royal household.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence: This incident, though seemingly coincidental, is a vital part of God's overarching plan for Joseph. It demonstrates how God orchestrates even the misdeeds of men to advance His purposes, ultimately leading to Joseph's elevation and the preservation of his family. As Joseph later declared in Genesis 50:20, "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good."
  • Joseph's Continued Suffering and Faithfulness: The verse reminds us of Joseph's ongoing plight, yet his character and faithfulness continue to shine even in the harsh environment of prison.
  • Setting the Stage for Dreams: The arrival of these two officials creates the precise circumstances for Joseph to exercise his God-given gift of dream interpretation, which will ultimately bring him to Pharaoh's attention.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "butler" is mashqeh (מַשְׁקֶה), meaning "cupbearer" or "one who gives drink." This was a highly sensitive position, as the cupbearer was responsible for ensuring the king's safety from poison and often acted as a close confidant. The "baker" ('opheh, אֹפֶה) also held a critical role in providing sustenance for the king. The term "offended" (chata, חָטָא) implies a serious "sin" or "transgression" against the king, highlighting the severity of their actions in the eyes of Pharaoh.

Significance and Application

Genesis 40:1 serves as a powerful reminder that God is actively working behind the scenes, even when our circumstances seem bleak or disconnected from any clear path. For Joseph, this seemingly random event of new prisoners arriving was a direct step towards his release and future leadership. For us, it encourages patience and trust in God's timing and His intricate plan. Even when we face setbacks or are in a "prison" of circumstances, God can use unexpected individuals and events to move us forward according to His sovereign will. This verse foreshadows the vital role that Joseph's gift of dream interpretation will play in his eventual deliverance.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 40:13 (4 votes)

    Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh's cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler.

  • Genesis 39:20 (3 votes)

    And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners [were] bound: and he was there in the prison.

  • Genesis 39:23 (3 votes)

    The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing [that was] under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and [that] which he did, the LORD made [it] to prosper.

  • Nehemiah 1:11 (2 votes)

    O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.

  • Nehemiah 2:2 (2 votes)

    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,

  • Esther 6:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.