Genesis 40:18
Genesis 40:18 in Multiple Translations
Joseph replied, “This is the interpretation: The three baskets are three days.
And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days:
And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: the three baskets are three days;
Then Joseph said, This is the sense of your dream: the three baskets are three days;
“This is the meaning,” Joseph told him. “The three baskets represent three days.
Then Ioseph answered, and saide, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three dayes:
And Joseph answereth and saith, 'This [is] its interpretation: the three baskets are three days;
Joseph answered, “This is its interpretation. The three baskets are three days.
And Joseph answered, and said, This is the interpretation of it: The three baskets are three days:
Joseph answered: This is the interpretation of the dream: The three baskets are yet three days:
God again told Joseph what the dream meant, so he said, “The three baskets also represent three days.
Then Joseph said, “I will tell you what that dream means. Those 3 baskets that you saw, they are like a picture of 3 days.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 40:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 40:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֤עַן
יוֹסֵף֙
וַ/יֹּ֔אמֶר
זֶ֖ה
פִּתְרֹנ֑/וֹ
שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁת֙
הַ/סַּלִּ֔ים
שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת
יָמִ֖ים
הֵֽם
וַ/יַּ֤עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יוֹסֵף֙
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֔אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
פִּתְרֹנ֑/וֹ
pithrôwn
H6623
interpretation
N-ms | Suff
שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁת֙
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Adj
הַ/סַּלִּ֔ים
çal
H5536
basket
Art | N-mp
שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Adj
יָמִ֖ים
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
הֵֽם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 40:18
וַ/יַּ֤עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
יוֹסֵף֙
Yôwçêph
H3130
"Joseph"
N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
וַ/יֹּ֔אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
פִּתְרֹנ֑/וֹ
pithrôwn
H6623
"interpretation"
N-ms | Suff
This noun refers to the interpretation or explanation of something, often a dream. It is used in the Bible to describe understanding the meaning of a vision or message. In the KJV, it is translated as 'interpretation'.
Definition: interpretation Aramaic equivalent: pe.shar (פְּשַׁר "interpretation" H6591)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: interpretation. See also: Genesis 40:5; Genesis 40:12; Genesis 41:11.
שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁת֙
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
הַ/סַּלִּ֔ים
çal
H5536
"basket"
Art | N-mp
This noun refers to a basket, often made of woven willow twigs or osiers. In the Bible, it is used to carry food, like bread or fish, and is sometimes used as a symbol of provision or abundance.
Definition: basket
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: basket. See also: Genesis 40:16; Leviticus 8:2; Judges 6:19.
שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
יָמִ֖ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הֵֽם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
Study Notes — Genesis 40:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Cupbearer and the Baker
16When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was favorable, he said to Joseph, “I too had a dream: There were three baskets of white bread on my head.
17In the top basket were all sorts of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.”
18Joseph replied, “This is the interpretation: The three baskets are three days.
19Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head and hang you on a tree. Then the birds will eat the flesh of your body.” 20On the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, he held a feast for all his officials, and in their presence he lifted up the heads of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 40:12 | Joseph replied, “This is the interpretation: The three branches are three days. |
| 2 | Genesis 41:26 | The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven ripe heads of grain are seven years. The dreams have the same meaning. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 11:24 | and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 10:4 | and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. |
Genesis 40:18 Summary
[Genesis 40:18 means that Joseph is explaining to the chief baker what his dream is saying: the three baskets represent three days, which will end in the baker's death, as seen in Genesis 40:19. This shows us that God is in control of all things, even the interpretation of dreams, as seen in Genesis 40:8. It also reminds us to trust God's timing, just like Joseph did, and to be faithful in sharing God's message, even when it's hard, as seen in Ezekiel 3:17-21. We can learn to trust God's plan and timing in our own lives, just like Joseph did, and look to scripture for guidance, such as Psalm 31:15.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the number three represent in Genesis 40:18?
The number three in Genesis 40:18 symbolizes a period of time, specifically three days, as Joseph interprets the chief baker's dream, similar to how Jesus Christ was in the tomb for three days before His resurrection, as seen in Matthew 12:40.
Why did Joseph have the ability to interpret dreams?
Joseph's ability to interpret dreams was a gift from God, as seen in Genesis 40:8, where he tells the chief cupbearer and the chief baker that interpretations belong to God, highlighting his dependence on God for wisdom and insight.
Is the interpretation of dreams still relevant today?
While the gift of interpreting dreams as seen in Genesis 40:18 may not be as prevalent today, God still speaks to us through various means, including His Word, as seen in Psalm 119:105, and the Holy Spirit, as seen in John 16:13.
What can we learn from Joseph's response to the chief baker's dream?
Joseph's response teaches us to be honest and faithful in sharing God's message, even if it's difficult or unwanted, as seen in Ezekiel 3:17-21, where God instructs Ezekiel to warn the wicked of their ways.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when God gives me an uncomfortable message to share with someone, and what can I learn from Joseph's example in Genesis 40:18?
- In what ways can I trust God to give me wisdom and insight, just like He did for Joseph, as seen in Genesis 40:8?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's timing, just like the three days mentioned in Genesis 40:18?
- How can I apply the principle of faithful obedience, as seen in Joseph's life, to my own circumstances, and what scripture references can guide me in this, such as Matthew 25:21?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 40:18
And Joseph answered and said,.... Immediately, directly, without any further thought and meditation, being divinely instructed: this [is] the interpretation thereof; of the above dream: the three
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 40:18
And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days: Joseph answered ... This is the interpretation. The purport was that in three days his execution should be ordered.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 40:18
Genesis 40:18 And Joseph answered and said, This [is] the interpretation thereof: The three baskets [are] three days:Ver. 18. And Joseph answered, &c.] It is probable he used some preface to this sad destiny he reads him; as Philo brings him in saying, I would thou hadst not dreamed such a dream: or as Daniel prefaced to Nebuchadnezzar; "My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation to thine enemies." If ministers, God’ s interpreters, must be mannerly in the form, yet in the matter of their message they must be resolute. Not only toothless, but bitter truths must be told, however they be taken. "If I yet please men, I should not be the servant of Christ." Utinam tale somnium non vidisses.
Sermons on Genesis 40:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) - Part 27 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph from the Bible. He highlights Joseph's attitude of not dwelling on the evil done to him by his brothers and Potiphar's wi |
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The Life of Brokenness by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the concept of brokenness and its significance in the Christian faith. He references various biblical stories to illustrate the power of brok |
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Christian Growth the Life of Brokenness by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the concept of brokenness and its significance in the Christian faith. He references various biblical stories to illustrate the power of brok |
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Needed a Broken Body by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and the role it plays in the lives of prophets. He shares a personal experience from 1940 when he was in Bath, Engla |
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Needed - a Broken Body by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of society and how it has departed from God. He emphasizes the need for prayer and divine intervention, referencing the sto |
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Collection of a.w. Tozer's Prayers - Volume 2 by A.W. Tozer | The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of a genuine and impulsive faith in God, rather than relying on formulas or carefully laid out sermons. The speaker urges the audien |
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Rizpah — Communion by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Risba, the daughter of Aya, who spread sackcloth on a rock and protected the bones of Saul's sons from birds and beasts until r |