Genesis 40:10

And in the vine [were] three branches: and it [was] as though it budded, [and] her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes:

And in the vine {H1612} were three {H7969} branches {H8299}: and it was as though it budded {H6524}, and her blossoms {H5322} shot forth {H5927}; and the clusters {H811} thereof brought forth ripe {H1310} grapes {H6025}:

and the vine had three branches. The branches budded, then it suddenly began to blossom, and finally clusters of ripe grapes appeared.

and on the vine were three branches. As it budded, its blossoms opened and its clusters ripened into grapes.

and in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and its blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes:

Commentary

Genesis 40:10 describes a key detail from the chief butler's dream, which Joseph interprets while imprisoned in Egypt. The verse paints a vivid picture of a vine's rapid growth and fruitfulness, symbolizing swift restoration and a change of fortune.

Context

This verse is part of a crucial narrative in the life of Joseph, who was unjustly imprisoned in Pharaoh's dungeon. Alongside him were Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker. Both men had troubling dreams, and Joseph, recognizing that "interpretations belong to God" (Genesis 40:8), offered to interpret them. The vine in the butler's dream, with its three branches quickly budding, blossoming, and bearing ripe grapes, directly foreshadowed his impending release and return to his position within three days.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation through Dreams: God often used dreams as a means of communication in the Old Testament, revealing His plans and purposes. This dream was not random but a divinely inspired message, demonstrating God's active involvement in human affairs, even in a prison setting.
  • Symbolism of Rapid Restoration: The quick progression from buds to ripe grapes signifies a rapid and complete return to fruitfulness and former status. The "three branches" are explicitly interpreted by Joseph as "three days," highlighting the swiftness of the fulfillment. This imagery conveys hope and the certainty of a positive outcome.
  • God's Sovereignty and Providence: Even in dire circumstances like imprisonment, God remains sovereign. Joseph's ability to interpret this dream was a divine gift, showcasing God's power working through him. This event is a crucial step in God's larger plan to preserve Israel through Joseph (Genesis 50:20).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "vine" (גֶּפֶן, gefen) is a common biblical image, often associated with prosperity, blessing, or even Israel itself. However, in this specific context, the emphasis is less on the vine's broader symbolism and more on the detailed, rapid progression described: "budded" (פָּרַח, parach - to sprout, blossom), "blossoms shot forth" (וַתַּעַל צִצָּהּ, vatta'al tzitzah - and its flower came up), and "brought forth ripe grapes" (וַתַּבְשֵׁל אֶשְׁכֹּלֹתֶיהָ עֲנָבִים, vattavshel eshkoloteha anavim - and its clusters ripened into grapes). This detailed description highlights the supernatural speed and certainty of the dream's fulfillment, underscoring the immediate future of the butler and the divine hand at work.

Practical Application

Genesis 40:10, and its interpretation, offers several enduring lessons for believers:

  • God is at Work in All Circumstances: Even in the darkest and most unexpected places, God is orchestrating events. Joseph's prison experience was not wasted time but a preparatory stage for his future role in saving his family and a nation.
  • Hope in Times of Waiting: The dream brought a message of hope and restoration to the butler, reminding us that even when circumstances seem bleak, God can bring about swift and complete renewal.
  • Seeking Divine Wisdom: Joseph didn't claim the ability to interpret on his own but attributed it to God. This humility and reliance on divine wisdom are vital for navigating life's challenges and understanding its mysteries.
  • Recognizing God's Providence: This passage vividly illustrates God's hand in seemingly ordinary or even unfortunate events, using them to fulfill His greater redemptive purposes. It encourages us to trust in God's ability to work all things for good for those who love Him.
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 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

No cross-references found.