Genesis 40:21
Genesis 40:21 in Multiple Translations
Pharaoh restored the chief cupbearer to his position, so that he once again placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand.
And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand:
And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand:
And he put the chief wine-servant back in his old place; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand.
He gave the chief cupbearer his job back, and he returned to his duties of handing Pharaoh his cup.
And he restored the chiefe butler vnto his butlershippe, who gaue the cup into Pharaohs hande,
and he putteth back the chief of the butlers to his butlership, and he giveth the cup into the hand of Pharaoh;
He restored the chief cup bearer to his position again, and he gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand;
And he restored the chief butler to his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand:
And he restored the one to his place to present him the cup:
He said that his chief drink-server could have his previous job again, so that again he took cups of wine to the king.
Then Pharaoh got that wine-boss to work for him again. He made wine and other special drinks, just like he did before, and he took those drinks and gave them to Pharaoh.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 40:21
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 40:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֛שֶׁב
אֶת
שַׂ֥ר
הַ/מַּשְׁקִ֖ים
עַל
מַשְׁקֵ֑/הוּ
וַ/יִּתֵּ֥ן
הַ/כּ֖וֹס
עַל
כַּ֥ף
פַּרְעֹֽה
וַ/יָּ֛שֶׁב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שַׂ֥ר
sar
H8269
ruler
N-ms
הַ/מַּשְׁקִ֖ים
mashqeh
H4945
cupbearer
Art | N-mp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מַשְׁקֵ֑/הוּ
mashqeh
H4945
cupbearer
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יִּתֵּ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/כּ֖וֹס
kôwç
H3563
cup
Art | N-fs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כַּ֥ף
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fs
פַּרְעֹֽה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 40:21
וַ/יָּ֛שֶׁב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
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.
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.
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/מַּשְׁקִ֖ים
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.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מַשְׁקֵ֑/הוּ
mashqeh
H4945
"cupbearer"
N-ms | Suff
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.
וַ/יִּתֵּ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
הַ/כּ֖וֹס
kôwç
H3563
"cup"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word can mean a cup or a type of owl, possibly due to the owl's unique eye shape. It's often used figuratively, like in Psalm 16:5, where God is the cup that fills our lives. The KJV translates it as 'cup' or 'owl'.
Definition: cup
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: cup, (small) owl. Compare H3599 (כִּיס). See also: Genesis 40:11; Proverbs 23:31; Psalms 11:6.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כַּ֥ף
kaph
H3709
"palm"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
פַּרְעֹֽה
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 40:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Cupbearer and the Baker
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. 23The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot all about him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Nehemiah 2:1 | Now in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was set before him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had never been sad in his presence, |
Genesis 40:21 Summary
Genesis 40:21 tells us that Pharaoh restored the chief cupbearer to his position, which means he was given back his job and was once again able to serve Pharaoh. This shows that God is in control of all circumstances, even when it seems like things are not going as planned (as seen in Romans 8:28). It also reminds us to trust in God's plan, even when we do not understand what is happening, and to be faithful to Him in all situations (as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7). By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can have peace and confidence, no matter what our circumstances may be.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Pharaoh restoring the chief cupbearer to his position?
This act shows Pharaoh's power and authority, as well as the chief cupbearer's importance in the royal court, as seen in Genesis 40:21. It also highlights the contrast between the chief cupbearer's fate and the chief baker's fate, as described in Genesis 40:22.
Why did Pharaoh choose to restore the chief cupbearer but not the chief baker?
The Bible does not provide a direct answer, but it can be inferred that Pharaoh's decision was based on his own desires and the interpretations provided by Joseph, as mentioned in Genesis 40:12-13 and Genesis 40:16-17.
What can we learn from the chief cupbearer's restoration to his position?
We can learn about God's sovereignty and the unpredictability of human circumstances, as seen in Genesis 40:21. This event also serves as a reminder to trust in God's plan, even when we do not understand the circumstances, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does this verse relate to Joseph's overall story?
This verse is a pivotal moment in Joseph's story, as it shows how God is working behind the scenes to fulfill His plans, even when it seems like Joseph has been forgotten, as mentioned in Genesis 40:23 and Psalm 105:17-19.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt like I was in a difficult situation, but God was still working behind the scenes?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when I do not understand the circumstances?
- What are some ways that I can be faithful to God, even when it seems like my circumstances are not changing?
- How can I use my experiences, whether good or bad, to point others to God's faithfulness and sovereignty?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 40:21
And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again,.... Put him into the same office he was in before: and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand; ministered to him in his office the same day,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 40:21
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.
Sermons on Genesis 40:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Depressed Disciples) the Manifold Testings by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having the same mindset as Christ and enduring suffering for the sake of the Gospel. He highlights the contrast between th |
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(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 |
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(Daniel) Daniel's Seventy Weeks by Willie Mullan | Willie Mullan explores the profound prophecy of Daniel's Seventy Weeks, emphasizing its significance as one of the greatest prophetic revelations in the Bible. He discusses the ang |
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Leadership Qualities of Nehemiah by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the leadership qualities of Nehemiah, highlighting his deep concern for the people and the state of Jerusalem, which ignited a burden in his heart. Nehemiah's |
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Daniel 9:22 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the prophetic significance of Daniel 9:22, detailing the necessity of a Messiah for the Jewish people who were in captivity due to their sins and rebellion a |
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Bible Survey - Esther by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the powerful drama and historical significance of the book of Esther, highlighting the colossal conflict between continents during Xerxes' reign and the c |