Genesis 41:10

Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the captain of the guard's house, [both] me and the chief baker:

Pharaoh {H6547} was wroth {H7107} with his servants {H5650}, and put {H5414} me in ward {H4929} in the captain {H8269} of the guard's {H2876} house {H1004}, both me and the chief {H8269} baker {H644}:

Pharaoh was angry with his officials and put me in the prison of the house of the captain of the guard, me and the chief baker.

Pharaoh was once angry with his servants, and he put me and the chief baker in the custody of the captain of the guard.

Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, me and the chief baker:

Commentary

Genesis 41:10 marks a pivotal moment in the life of Joseph, spoken by the chief butler to Pharaoh. After two years of seemingly forgotten imprisonment, the butler finally remembers Joseph, setting the stage for his extraordinary rise to power.

Context

This verse comes at a critical juncture in the narrative of Joseph. Pharaoh has just been plagued by two disturbing dreams (Genesis 41:1), and none of his magicians or wise men can interpret them. The chief butler, or cupbearer, who had been restored to his position previously, suddenly recalls his own imprisonment and a young Hebrew man, Joseph, who accurately interpreted his dream and that of the chief baker while they were in the same prison. The phrase "captain of the guard's house" refers to the specific prison where Joseph was also held, under the charge of Potiphar (Genesis 39:20).

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Timing: The butler's sudden remembrance, precisely when Pharaoh is in need, highlights God's perfect timing. For two years, Joseph remained in prison, but God orchestrated the circumstances for his release and elevation at the opportune moment. This demonstrates how God works all things together for good for those who love Him.
  • Remembering and Forgetting: The chief butler's failure to remember Joseph for two years after promising to do so (Genesis 40:23) contrasts sharply with his sudden recollection. This serves as a reminder of human fallibility versus God's unfailing memory and plan.
  • Justice and Injustice: The verse implicitly touches on the injustice faced by both the butler and the baker, and by extension, Joseph. Yet, even within unjust circumstances, God's plan unfolds.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "wroth" simply means angry or enraged, indicating Pharaoh's displeasure with his servants. "Put me in ward" means to place someone in custody or prison. The "captain of the guard's house" was the direct place of Joseph's own unjust confinement, making the butler's statement a direct link to Joseph's situation.

Significance and Application

Genesis 41:10 is a critical turning point. It is the moment when Joseph's long period of suffering and obscurity ends, paving the way for him to become the prime minister of Egypt (Genesis 41:39-40). For believers, this verse offers immense encouragement: even when circumstances seem bleak or forgotten, God is at work behind the scenes. Our trials can be part of a larger divine plan, preparing us for future purposes. It encourages patience and trust in God's perfect timing, even when human promises fail.

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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 39:20 (5 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 40:2 (4 votes)

    And Pharaoh was wroth against two [of] his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers.

  • Genesis 40:3 (4 votes)

    And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph [was] bound.

  • Genesis 37:36 (2 votes)

    And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, [and] captain of the guard.