🔽 Click here to read the KJV 🔽
¹ 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.
² And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers.
³ And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.
⁴ And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.
⁵ And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison.
⁶ And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.
⁷ 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?
⁸ And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.
⁹ And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me;
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:
¹¹ And Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand.
¹² And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days:
¹³ 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.
¹⁴ But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house:
¹⁵ For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.
¹⁶ When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, I had three white baskets on my head:
¹⁷ And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of bakemeats for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head.
¹⁸ And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days:
¹⁹ Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee.
²⁰ And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.
²¹ And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand:
²² But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them.
²³ Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.
🍞 Dreams in the Dungeon: The Rise of Joseph’s Gift 🍞
“And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.” – Genesis 40:8
Genesis 40 unfolds within the confines of an Egyptian prison, yet its significance is grand. Here, Joseph, though unjustly imprisoned, is positioned by God to exercise his divine gift of interpretation. This chapter sets the stage for Joseph’s future rise by showcasing his unwavering faith and spiritual discernment. Even in darkness, Joseph shines with integrity and compassion.
This chapter draws attention to God’s ability to work through suffering. Joseph’s interpretation of the dreams of Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker is more than a favor—it’s a divine appointment that leads to pivotal change. The prophetic precision in this chapter shows God is sovereign even behind bars.
📜 Structure of Genesis Chapter 40
Verses 1–4: The Cupbearer and Baker Imprisoned
Pharaoh grows angry with two of his officers—the chief butler and chief baker—and places them in the same prison where Joseph is held. They are put under Joseph’s care, a divine orchestration not to be missed. Even in chains, Joseph is elevated.
💡 Related reading: Genesis 39:20–23 – where Joseph is first placed in prison
Verses 5–8: Troubled Dreams and Divine Boldness
Both men have troubling dreams on the same night. When Joseph notices their sorrow, he compassionately inquires. His words reflect powerful trust: “Do not interpretations belong to God?” Joseph steps into his spiritual calling without hesitation.
Verses 9–15: Joseph Interprets the Butler’s Dream
The butler dreams of a vine with three branches that blossoms and brings forth ripe grapes. Joseph interprets it confidently: in three days, the butler will be restored to his position. He pleads, “But think on me when it shall be well with thee…” showing Joseph’s humanity amid his faith.
Verses 16–19: The Baker’s Grim Revelation
Encouraged by the favorable interpretation, the baker shares his dream—but Joseph reveals a sobering truth: in three days, the baker will be executed. Though the news is harsh, Joseph speaks with honesty and conviction.
Verses 20–23: Dreams Fulfilled, Joseph Forgotten
Exactly as prophesied, on Pharaoh’s birthday, the butler is restored and the baker is executed. Yet the butler forgets Joseph. Though forgotten by man, Joseph is never forgotten by God.
💡 Key Themes
✨ God’s Gifts Make Room Even in Darkness
Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams becomes the key that will one day unlock the palace. His spiritual gifts are not hidden—they bloom even in prison. Proverbs 18:16 reminds us, “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.”
✨ Divine Timing and Patience
Though Joseph speaks truth and serves well, his freedom does not come instantly. This chapter reminds us that divine timing may delay human expectations, but God’s plan is still active.
✨ Faithfulness in Small Things
Joseph’s care for the prisoners, his compassion, and his integrity show that greatness begins with faithfulness in small places.
👤 Key People
- Joseph – A young Hebrew, falsely accused, but faithful. He interprets dreams with humility and boldness.
- Chief Butler (Cupbearer) – Pharaoh’s servant who is restored to his position, but forgets Joseph—for a time.
- Chief Baker – Pharaoh’s other servant whose dream foretells his execution.
🔥 Why This Chapter Matters
Genesis 40 teaches that God’s presence is not limited by prison walls. Joseph’s spiritual gifts are sharpened through trials, preparing him for a greater purpose. Even when forgotten by man, Joseph is held in God’s perfect memory. This chapter reminds us that preparation often happens in hidden places.
💭 Let’s Reflect
- Have you ever felt forgotten in your faithfulness, like Joseph?
- Are you using your spiritual gifts where you are right now—even in difficult places?
- What does this story teach you about trusting God’s timing over your own?
❓Ready to Go Deeper?
👉 Click here to begin reading Genesis Chapter 41