Genesis 40:20

Genesis 40:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

On 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.

King James Version KJV

¶ 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.

American Standard Version ASV

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 the head of the chief baker among his servants.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now the third day was Pharaoh's birthday, and he gave a feast for all his servants; and he gave honour to the chief wine-servant and the chief bread-maker among the others.

Free Bible Version FBV

Three days later it happened to be Pharaoh's birthday, and he arranged a banquet for all his officials. He had the chief cupbearer and the chief baker released from prison and brought there before his officials.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And so the third day, which was Pharaohs birthday, hee made a feast vnto all his seruants: and hee lifted vp the head of the chiefe butler, and the head of the chiefe baker among his seruants.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And it cometh to pass, on the third day, Pharaoh's birthday, that he maketh a banquet to all his servants, and lifteth up the head of the chief of the butlers, and the head of the chief of the bakers among his servants,

World English Bible WEB

On the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, he made a feast for all his servants, and he lifted up the head of the chief cup bearer and the head of the chief baker among his servants.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birth-day, that he made a feast to all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

The third day after this was the birthday of Pharao: and he made a great feast for his servants, and at the banquet remembered the chief butler, and the chief baker.

Translation for Translators T4T

The third day after that was the ◄king’s birthday/day they celebrated when the king became one year older►. On that day the king invited all his officials to celebrate his birthday. During the celebration, while they were all gathered there, the king summoned his chief drink-server and chief baker from the prison.

Plain English Version PEV

3 days later, it was Pharaoh’s birthday. So Pharaoh had a big party, with lots of good food, and he got all his important workers to come to that party. And Pharaoh got his soldiers to go and get that wine-boss and that bread-boss out of the jail.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 40:20

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 40:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יְהִ֣י בַּ/יּ֣וֹם הַ/שְּׁלִישִׁ֗י י֚וֹם הֻלֶּ֣דֶת אֶת פַּרְעֹ֔ה וַ/יַּ֥עַשׂ מִשְׁתֶּ֖ה לְ/כָל עֲבָדָ֑י/ו וַ/יִּשָּׂ֞א אֶת רֹ֣אשׁ שַׂ֣ר הַ/מַּשְׁקִ֗ים וְ/אֶת רֹ֛אשׁ שַׂ֥ר הָ/אֹפִ֖ים בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ עֲבָדָֽי/ו

וַ/יְהִ֣י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

בַּ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 day Prep | N-ms

הַ/שְּׁלִישִׁ֗י shᵉlîyshîy H7992 third Art | Adj

י֚וֹם yôwm H3117 day N-ms

הֻלֶּ֣דֶת yâlad H3205 to beget V-Hophal-Inf-a

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

פַּרְעֹ֔ה Parʻôh H6547 Pharaoh N-proper

וַ/יַּ֥עַשׂ ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

מִשְׁתֶּ֖ה mishteh H4960 feast N-ms

לְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

עֲבָדָ֑י/ו ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp | Suff

וַ/יִּשָּׂ֞א nâsâʼ H5375 to lift Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

רֹ֣אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 head N-ms

שַׂ֣ר sar H8269 ruler N-ms

הַ/מַּשְׁקִ֗ים mashqeh H4945 cupbearer Art | N-mp

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

רֹ֛אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 head N-ms

שַׂ֥ר sar H8269 ruler N-ms

הָ/אֹפִ֖ים ʼâphâh H644 to bake Art | V-Qal

בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ tâvek H8432 midst Prep | N-ms

עֲבָדָֽי/ו ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 40:20

וַ/יְהִ֣י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

בַּ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Prep | N-ms

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.

הַ/שְּׁלִישִׁ֗י shᵉlîyshîy H7992 "third" Art | Adj

This Hebrew word means third in a sequence, like a third day or year. It is used in the Bible to describe time, rank, or quantity, such as the third day of creation in Genesis.

Definition: 1) third, one third, third part, third time 1a) ordinal number

Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: third (part, rank, time), three (years old). See also: Genesis 1:13; 1 Kings 22:2; Isaiah 15:5.

י֚וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" N-ms

הֻלֶּ֣דֶת yâlad H3205 "to beget" V-Hophal-Inf-a

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.

Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)

Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

פַּרְעֹ֔ה Parʻôh H6547 "Pharaoh" N-proper

In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.

Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt

Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.

וַ/יַּ֥עַשׂ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

מִשְׁתֶּ֖ה mishteh H4960 "feast" N-ms

A mishteh is a feast or banquet, often involving drinking and celebration, like the ones described in Esther and other biblical stories.

Definition: 1) feast, drink, banquet 1a) feast, banquet 1b) drink Aramaic equivalent: mish.teh (מִשְׁתֶּה "feast" H4961)

Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: banquet, drank, drink, feast((-ed), -ing). See also: Genesis 19:3; Esther 5:14; Proverbs 15:15.

לְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

עֲבָדָ֑י/ו ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp | Suff

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

וַ/יִּשָּׂ֞א nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.

Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought

Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

רֹ֣אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 "head" N-ms

This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.

Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum

Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.

שַׂ֣ר sar H8269 "ruler" N-ms

A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.

Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden

Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.

הַ/מַּשְׁקִ֗ים mashqeh H4945 "cupbearer" Art | N-mp

In the original Hebrew, this word means to give drink or water, and can also refer to a butler or cupbearer. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often describing a well-watered region or a person who serves drinks.

Definition: butler, cup-bearer

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: butler(-ship), cupbearer, drink(-ing), fat pasture, watered. See also: Genesis 13:10; Genesis 41:9; Isaiah 32:6.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

רֹ֛אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 "head" N-ms

This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.

שַׂ֥ר sar H8269 "ruler" N-ms

A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.

הָ/אֹפִ֖ים ʼâphâh H644 "to bake" Art | V-Qal

This Hebrew word means to bake or cook, like making bread. It's used in descriptions of food and meals, like in Leviticus and Ezekiel, and refers to the work of a baker.

Definition: 1) to bake 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bake 1a2) (subst) baker 1b) (Niphal) to be baked, baked

Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: bake(-r, (-meats)). See also: Genesis 19:3; Leviticus 7:9; Isaiah 44:15.

בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ tâvek H8432 "midst" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.

Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)

Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.

עֲבָדָֽי/ו ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp | Suff

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

Study Notes — Genesis 40:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 40:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 40:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 40:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 40:20
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 40:20
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 40:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 40:20
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 40:20
Sermons on Genesis 40:20

Context — The Cupbearer and the Baker

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.

21Pharaoh restored the chief cupbearer to his position, so that he once again placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand. 22But Pharaoh hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had described to them in his interpretation.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 40:19	Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head and hang you on a tree. Then the birds will eat the flesh of your body.”
2	Genesis 40:13	Within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore your position. You will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand, just as you did when you were his cupbearer.
3	Matthew 14:6	On Herod’s birthday, however, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod
4	Mark 6:21	On Herod’s birthday, her opportunity arose. Herod held a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.
5	Esther 1:3	In the third year of his reign, Xerxes held a feast for all his officials and servants. The military leaders of Persia and Media were there, along with the nobles and princes of the provinces.
6	2 Kings 25:27	On the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month of the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Judah’s King Jehoiachin, in the year Evil-merodach became king of Babylon, he released King Jehoiachin of Judah from prison.
7	Job 3:1	After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth.
8	Genesis 21:8	So the child grew and was weaned, and Abraham held a great feast on the day Isaac was weaned.
9	Matthew 18:23–25	Because of this, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlements, a debtor was brought to him owing ten thousand talents. Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned.
10	Luke 16:1–2	Jesus also said to His disciples, “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. So he called him in to ask, ‘What is this I hear about you? Turn in an account of your management, for you cannot be manager any longer.’

Genesis 40:20 Summary

This verse tells us that Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, had a birthday party and made some big decisions about two of his officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, as stated in Genesis 40:20. He decided to restore the chief cupbearer to his position, but he executed the chief baker, which was a fulfillment of Joseph's interpretation in Genesis 40:18-19. This shows us that God is in control of everything, even the actions of powerful leaders like Pharaoh, as seen in Romans 13:1. It also reminds us to trust in God's plans and timing, even when we do not understand what is happening, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Pharaoh's birthday in this verse?

Pharaoh's birthday is significant because it marks the day when he held a feast for his officials, and in their presence, he lifted up the heads of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, as stated in Genesis 40:20. This event is also mentioned in relation to Joseph's interpretation in Genesis 40:18-19.

What does it mean to 'lift up the heads' of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker?

To 'lift up the heads' means to restore or promote someone to their previous position, as seen in the case of the chief cupbearer in Genesis 40:21, or to execute someone, as seen in the case of the chief baker in Genesis 40:22, similar to the meaning in Psalms 3:3.

How does this verse relate to Joseph's interpretation in the previous verses?

This verse is a direct fulfillment of Joseph's interpretation in Genesis 40:18-19, where he predicted that Pharaoh would lift off the head of the chief baker and hang him on a tree, and restore the chief cupbearer to his position, as stated in Genesis 40:21-22.

What can we learn from Pharaoh's actions in this verse?

We can learn that even pagan leaders like Pharaoh are subject to God's sovereignty, as seen in the way God used Pharaoh's actions to fulfill Joseph's interpretation, and ultimately, to bring about His own plans, as stated in Romans 13:1 and Proverbs 21:1.

Reflection Questions

What does this verse teach us about the sovereignty of God in the lives of believers and non-believers alike?
How does Joseph's interpretation and its fulfillment relate to the concept of faith and trust in God's plans, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11?
What can we learn from the contrast between the chief cupbearer's restoration and the chief baker's execution, in relation to God's mercy and judgment, as seen in Romans 11:22?
How does this verse encourage us to trust in God's timing and plans, even when we do not understand the circumstances, as stated in Isaiah 55:8-9?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 40:20

And it came to pass the third day, [which was] Pharaoh's birthday,.... The third day from the time the dreams were told, and the interpretation of them given, was the birthday of Pharaoh; either the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 40:20

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 40:20

Pharaoh’ s birthday. Birth-days by persons of eminency then were, and since have usually been, celebrated with feasting and rejoicing.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 40:20

Genesis 40:20 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. Ver. 20. Which was Pharaoh’ s birthday.] An ancient and commendable custom, to keep banquets on birthdays; in honour of God, our Sospitator, for his mercy in our creation, education, preservation, &c.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 40:20

(20) He lifted up the head.—From its use in this verse some have supposed that the phrase must mean “to put them on their trial,” or “take account of them” (whence the margin reckon). More probably the words are used to point out the exact fulfilment of Joseph’s interpretation of their dreams.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 40:20

Verse 20. Pharaoh's birthday] The distinguishing a birthday by a feast appears from this place to have been a very ancient custom. It probably had its origin from a correct notion of the immortality of the soul, as the commencement of life must appear of great consequence to that person who believed he was to live for ever. St. Matthew (Matthew 14:6) mentions Herod's keeping his birthday; and examples of this kind are frequent to the present time in most nations. Lifted up the head of the chief butler, c.] By lifting up the head, probably no more is meant than bringing them to trial, tantamount to what was done by Jezebel and the nobles of Israel to Naboth: Set Naboth on high among the people and set two men, sons of Belial, to bear witness against him, c. 1Kg 21:9, c. The issue of the trial was, the baker alone was found guilty and hanged and the butler, being acquitted, was restored to his office.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 40:20

20–23. The Fulfilment 20. Pharaoh’s birthday] Cf. Matthew 14:6; Mark 6:21. Proclamations of amnesty on royal birthdays have been universal. They can be illustrated from the royal proclamations preserved in Egyptian inscriptions. The title “Pharaoh” (= Egypt. Pr‘ô, “Great House”) is constantly used without a personal surname before the 22nd Dynasty (945–745 b.c.).

Sermons on Genesis 40:20

	Sermon	Description
	(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
	(Genesis) Genesis 39:11-40:23 by Joe Focht	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the sorrows and challenges of life, particularly for boys who bring sorrow to their mothers. However, the speaker believes that there is ano
	A Tour of Hell by Rolfe Barnard	This sermon delves into the concept of memory in hell, where individuals are tormented by memories of their past actions and opportunities for salvation they missed. It emphasizes
	Herod's Ball-Room by Horatius Bonar	Horatius Bonar reflects on Herod's birthday ball, illustrating the stark contrast between worldly pleasure and spiritual turmoil. Despite the lavish festivities, Herod is haunted b
	Doing the Impossible by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the preacher discusses two miracles performed by Jesus - walking on water and feeding the 5,000. The disciples initially thought it was impossible for Jesus to walk
	Faith Relationship With Jesus Christ by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the preacher discusses two miracles performed by Jesus - walking on water and feeding the 5,000. The disciples initially thought it was impossible for Jesus to walk
	The Exchanged Life by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the preacher discusses two miracles performed by Jesus - walking on water and feeding the 5,000. The disciples initially thought it was impossible for Jesus to walk