Genesis 40:4
Genesis 40:4 in Multiple Translations
The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he became their personal attendant. After they had been in custody for some time,
And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.
And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he ministered unto them: and they continued a season in ward.
And the captain put them in Joseph's care, and he did what was needed for them; and they were kept in prison for some time.
The commander of the guard assigned Joseph to them as their personal attendant. They were kept in prison for some time.
And the chiefe steward gaue Ioseph charge ouer them, and he serued them: and they continued a season in warde.
and the chief of the executioners chargeth Joseph with them, and he serveth them; and they are days in charge.
The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he took care of them. They stayed in prison many days.
And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them; and they continued a season in custody.
But the keeper of the prison delivered them to Joseph, and he served them. Some little time passed, and they were kept in custody.
The two men were in prison for a long time. And during that time the captain of the palace guards appointed Joseph to be their servant, to take care of their needs.
That soldier said to Joseph, “You have to look after these 2 men.” So Joseph looked after that wine-boss and that bread-boss. And those 2 men stayed in jail for a long time.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 40:4
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 40:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ֠/יִּפְקֹד
שַׂ֣ר
הַ/טַּבָּחִ֧ים
אֶת
יוֹסֵ֛ף
אִתָּ֖/ם
וַ/יְשָׁ֣רֶת
אֹתָ֑/ם
וַ/יִּהְי֥וּ
יָמִ֖ים
בְּ/מִשְׁמָֽר
וַ֠/יִּפְקֹד
pâqad
H6485
to reckon
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שַׂ֣ר
sar
H8269
ruler
N-ms
הַ/טַּבָּחִ֧ים
ṭabbâch
H2876
guard
Art | N-mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יוֹסֵ֛ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
אִתָּ֖/ם
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
וַ/יְשָׁ֣רֶת
shârath
H8334
to minister
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֹתָ֑/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
וַ/יִּהְי֥וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
יָמִ֖ים
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
בְּ/מִשְׁמָֽר
mishmâr
H4929
custody
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 40:4
וַ֠/יִּפְקֹד
pâqad
H6485
"to reckon"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.
Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.
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/טַּבָּחִ֧ים
ṭabbâch
H2876
"guard"
Art | N-mp
This Hebrew word originally meant a butcher, but came to describe a lifeguardsman or executioner, and even a cook who slaughtered animals for food. It is used to describe various roles in the Bible, including a bodyguard or cook. The word has an Aramaic equivalent.
Definition: 1) executioner, cook, bodyguard, guardsman 1a) cook (who also killed the animal for food) 1b) guardsmen, bodyguard Aramaic equivalent: tab.bach (טַבָּח "guardsman" H2877)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: cook, guard. See also: Genesis 37:36; Jeremiah 39:10; Jeremiah 39:9.
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.
יוֹסֵ֛ף
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.
אִתָּ֖/ם
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
וַ/יְשָׁ֣רֶת
shârath
H8334
"to minister"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to serve or minister to someone, often in a worship or temple setting. It is used to describe the work of priests and Levites in the Old Testament.
Definition: (Piel) to minister, serve, minister to
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: minister (unto), (do) serve(-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on. See also: Genesis 39:4; 1 Chronicles 26:12; Psalms 101:6.
אֹתָ֑/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
וַ/יִּהְי֥וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
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.
בְּ/מִשְׁמָֽר
mishmâr
H4929
"custody"
Prep | N-ms
Mishmar refers to a place of confinement or a guard. It can be a prison, guard post, or a watch, and is about keeping something or someone safe.
Definition: 1) place of confinement, prison, guard, jail, guard post, watch, observance 1a) jail, prison, guard-house 1b) guard, guard post, act of guarding 1c) observances
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: diligence, guard, office, prison, ward, watch. See also: Genesis 40:3; Nehemiah 4:16; Proverbs 4:23.
Study Notes — Genesis 40:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 40:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 40:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 40:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 40:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 40:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 40:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 40:4
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 40:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 40:4
- Sermons on Genesis 40:4
Context — The Cupbearer and the Baker
2Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker,
3and imprisoned them in the house of the captain of the guard, the same prison where Joseph was confined.
4The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he became their personal attendant. After they had been in custody for some time,
5both of these men—the Egyptian king’s cupbearer and baker, who were being held in the prison—had a dream on the same night, and each dream had its own meaning. 6When Joseph came to them in the morning, he saw that they were distraught.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 39:1 | Meanwhile, Joseph had been taken down to Egypt, where an Egyptian named Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. |
| 2 | Psalms 37:5 | Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it. |
| 3 | Genesis 37:36 | Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. |
| 4 | Genesis 39:21–23 | the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. And the warden put all the prisoners under Joseph’s care, so that he was responsible for all that was done in the prison. The warden did not concern himself with anything under Joseph’s care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. |
Genesis 40:4 Summary
[In Genesis 40:4, we see that the captain of the guard put Joseph in charge of taking care of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker. This shows that Joseph had already gained the trust of those around him, just like he had in Potiphar's house, as mentioned in Genesis 39:4-5. As we trust God and are faithful in our circumstances, He can use us to care for and serve others, just as Joseph did. This is similar to what the Bible says in Matthew 25:21, where the master puts his faithful servant in charge of many things.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Joseph given the responsibility of attending to the chief cupbearer and the chief baker?
Joseph was given this responsibility because the captain of the guard trusted him, as seen in Genesis 40:4, and Joseph had already demonstrated his trustworthiness in Potiphar's house, as mentioned in Genesis 39:4-5.
What does it mean that the captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph?
This means that the captain of the guard put Joseph in charge of taking care of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker while they were in prison, as stated in Genesis 40:4, similar to how Joseph was put in charge of Potiphar's household in Genesis 39:4-5.
How long were the chief cupbearer and the chief baker in custody before they had their dreams?
The Bible does not give an exact amount of time, but it says they were in custody for 'some time' before they had their dreams, as mentioned in Genesis 40:4, and it was during this time that Joseph was attending to them.
What is the significance of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker being in the same prison as Joseph?
The significance is that God was orchestrating events to bring Joseph into contact with these two men, who would later play a role in Joseph's rise to prominence, as seen in Genesis 41:1-45, and ultimately, in God's plan to provide for His people, as mentioned in Genesis 45:5-8 and Genesis 50:20.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like Joseph, trust God even when I am in difficult or unexpected circumstances, and what role does faith play in my life?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate trustworthiness and responsibility, like Joseph did, in my own life and relationships?
- How can I use my current situation, whether good or bad, to serve and care for others, just as Joseph attended to the chief cupbearer and the chief baker?
- What dreams or desires has God placed in my heart, and how can I, like Joseph, trust Him to bring them to pass in His timing, as seen in Genesis 37:5-11 and Genesis 42:9?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 40:4
And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them,.... Committed them to his care and custody, he being very probably recommended to him by the keeper of the prison for his prudence and fidelity;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 40:4
And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 40:4
A season, Heb. days, i.e. either many days, or a year, as that word sometimes signifies. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 40:4
Genesis 40:4 And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.Ver. 4. And the captain of the guard, &c.] This was Potiphar probably: who by this time saw his own error, and Joseph’ s innocency; yet kept him still in prison, perhaps to save his wife’ s honesty. Truth is the daughter of Time; it wil1 not always lie hid. Splendet cure obscuratur; vincit cum opprimitur, Hinc, ut Pacis templum in media urbe extruxerunt olim Romani, ita Veritatis statuam in suis urbibus olim coluerunt Aegyptii. The word Aληθεια is from α and ληθειν Caseus, in Ethic
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 40:4
(3, 4) In the house of the captain of the guard.—That is, of Potiphar. As he is said to have charged Joseph with the care of these two high officials, he must, ere this, have become aware of his innocence. But as the wife in ancient times in Egypt was endowed with all the husband’s property, and was a formidable person, as we learn from many of the records now being translated and published, Potiphar may not have wished to offend her. He served them.—Used only of light service. (See Note on Genesis 39:4.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 40:4
Verse 4. They continued a season] ימים yamim, literally days; how long we cannot tell. But many suppose the word signifies a complete year; and as Pharaoh called them to an account on his birthday, Genesis 40:20, Calmet supposes they had offended on the preceding birthday, and thus had been one whole year in prison.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 40:4
4. charged Joseph with them] i.e. put them under the care of Joseph, who is to be in attendance on them, not as a fellow-prisoner, but as a servant in his master’s house. Compare the words of “the chief butler” in Genesis 41:12 (also from E), “there was with us there a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard.” This is different from the idea given in Genesis 39:22, where he is a prisoner, and appointed by the “keeper of the prison” to look after the other prisoners. a season] Lit. “days.”
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 40:4
4. Charged Joseph with them — Being royal officers, it would be natural to charge a Hebrew slave to serve them, though he had charge of all the prison. Genesis 39:22.
Sermons on Genesis 40:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Just Say No! by Billy Graham | This sermon addresses the common trials and temptations faced by individuals, emphasizing God's faithfulness in providing a way to escape such challenges. It delves into the strugg |
|
(Genesis) Genesis 39 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Joseph, despite facing numerous challenges and hardships, is a prime example of how God's provi |
|
Lessons From the Life of Joseph by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joseph from the Bible. He emphasizes the lessons that Joseph's brothers had to learn, such as the consequences of their transgr |
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K-528 Tv Show Part 12 Joseph & Revelation by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. He challenges the audience to examine whether they truly ha |
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Receiving the Holy Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker, Pastor Dave, shares a story about a farmer who toiled his whole life on a rocky piece of land, only to die in poverty and discouragement. However, afte |
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A Time to Do Nothng but Trust by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jonathan and the Israelites facing a massive army of Philistines. The Israelites were greatly outnumbered and lacked weapons, lea |
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"His Plan for Me" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon reflects on the poem 'His Plan for Me' and delves into the concept of surrendering to God's will. It explores the idea of standing before Christ at the judgment seat an |