Genesis 40:9
Genesis 40:9 in Multiple Translations
So the chief cupbearer told Joseph his dream: “In my dream there was a vine before me,
And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me;
And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me;
Then the chief wine-servant gave Joseph an account of his dream, and said, In my dream I saw a vine before me;
So the chief cupbearer told Joseph his dream. “In my dream there was a vine right in front of me,” he explained.
So the chiefe butler tolde his dreame to Ioseph, and said vnto him, In my dreame, behold, a vine was before me,
And the chief of the butlers recounteth his dream to Joseph, and saith to him, 'In my dream, then lo, a vine [is] before me!
The chief cup bearer told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, “In my dream, behold, a vine was in front of me,
And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me;
The chief butler first told his dream: I saw before me a vine,
So the king’s chief drink-server told his dream to Joseph. He said, “In my dream I saw a grapevine in front of me.
So the wine-boss told Joseph about his dream. He said, “In my dream, I saw a grape vine.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 40:9
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 40:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְסַפֵּ֧ר
שַֽׂר
הַ/מַּשְׁקִ֛ים
אֶת
חֲלֹמ֖/וֹ
לְ/יוֹסֵ֑ף
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ל֔/וֹ
בַּ/חֲלוֹמִ֕/י
וְ/הִנֵּה
גֶ֖פֶן
לְ/פָנָֽ/י
וַ/יְסַפֵּ֧ר
çâphar
H5608
to recount
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
שַֽׂר
sar
H8269
ruler
N-ms
הַ/מַּשְׁקִ֛ים
mashqeh
H4945
cupbearer
Art | N-mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
חֲלֹמ֖/וֹ
chălôwm
H2472
dream
N-ms | Suff
לְ/יוֹסֵ֑ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
Prep | N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל֔/וֹ
Prep | Suff
בַּ/חֲלוֹמִ֕/י
chălôwm
H2472
dream
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְ/הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
גֶ֖פֶן
gephen
H1612
vine
N-cs
לְ/פָנָֽ/י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 40:9
וַ/יְסַפֵּ֧ר
çâphar
H5608
"to recount"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.
Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.
שַֽׂר
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/מַּשְׁקִ֛ים
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.
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.
חֲלֹמ֖/וֹ
chălôwm
H2472
"dream"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means a dream, which can be ordinary or have a prophetic meaning, as seen in the Bible where God communicates through dreams. It appears in the story of Joseph in Genesis. The word is also used in Joel 2:28.
Definition: 1) dream 1a) dream (ordinary) 1b) dream (with prophetic meaning) Aramaic equivalent: che.lem (חֵ֫לֶם "dream" H2493)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: dream(-er). See also: Genesis 20:3; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 73:20.
לְ/יוֹסֵ֑ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
"Joseph"
Prep | 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/יֹּ֣אמֶר
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.
ל֔/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
בַּ/חֲלוֹמִ֕/י
chălôwm
H2472
"dream"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means a dream, which can be ordinary or have a prophetic meaning, as seen in the Bible where God communicates through dreams. It appears in the story of Joseph in Genesis. The word is also used in Joel 2:28.
Definition: 1) dream 1a) dream (ordinary) 1b) dream (with prophetic meaning) Aramaic equivalent: che.lem (חֵ֫לֶם "dream" H2493)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: dream(-er). See also: Genesis 20:3; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 73:20.
וְ/הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
גֶ֖פֶן
gephen
H1612
"vine"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for vine, often referring to Israel or prosperity, appears in the Bible as a symbol of God's people. It is also used to describe a grapevine. In the Bible, vines are often associated with abundance and fruitfulness.
Definition: 1) vine, vine tree 1a) of Israel (fig.) 1b) of stars fading at Jehovah's judgment (metaph.) 1c) of prosperity
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: vine, tree. See also: Genesis 40:9; Isaiah 24:7; Psalms 78:47.
לְ/פָנָֽ/י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
Study Notes — Genesis 40:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Cupbearer and the Baker
7So he asked the officials of Pharaoh who were in custody with him in his master’s house, “Why are your faces so downcast today?”
8“We both had dreams,” they replied, “but there is no one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Don’t interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.”
9So the chief cupbearer told Joseph his dream: “In my dream there was a vine before me,
10and on the vine were three branches. As it budded, its blossoms opened and its clusters ripened into grapes. 11Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand, and I took the grapes, squeezed them into his cup, and placed the cup in his hand.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 7:13–15 | And as Gideon arrived, a man was telling his friend about a dream. “Behold, I had a dream,” he said, “and I saw a loaf of barley bread come tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent so hard that the tent overturned and collapsed.” His friend replied: “This is nothing less than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has delivered Midian and the whole camp into his hand.” When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship. He returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Get up, for the LORD has delivered the camp of Midian into your hand.” |
| 2 | Genesis 37:5–10 | Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: We were binding sheaves of grain in the field, and suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to mine.” “Do you intend to reign over us?” his brothers asked. “Will you actually rule us?” So they hated him even more because of his dream and his statements. Then Joseph had another dream and told it to his brothers. “Look,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” He told his father and brothers, but his father rebuked him and said, “What is this dream that you have had? Will your mother and brothers and I actually come and bow down to the ground before you?” |
| 3 | Daniel 4:8 | But at last, into my presence came Daniel (whose name is Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods). And I told him the dream: |
| 4 | Daniel 2:31 | As you, O king, were watching, a great statue appeared. A great and dazzling statue stood before you, and its form was awesome. |
| 5 | Daniel 4:10–18 | In these visions of my mind as I was lying in bed, I saw this come to pass: There was a tree in the midst of the land, and its height was great. The tree grew large and strong; its top reached the sky, and it was visible to the ends of the earth. Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit was abundant, and upon it was food for all. Under it the beasts of the field found shelter, in its branches the birds of the air nested, and from it every creature was fed. As I lay on my bed, I also saw in the visions of my mind a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven. He called out in a loud voice: ‘Cut down the tree and chop off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts flee from under it, and the birds from its branches. But leave the stump with its roots in the ground, and a band of iron and bronze around it, in the tender grass of the field. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven and graze with the beasts on the grass of the earth. Let his mind be changed from that of a man, and let him be given the mind of a beast till seven times pass him by. This decision is the decree of the watchers, the verdict declared by the holy ones, so that the living will know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes, setting over it the lowliest of men.’ This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me the interpretation, because none of the wise men of my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you are able, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.” |
Genesis 40:9 Summary
Genesis 40:9 tells us about the chief cupbearer sharing his dream with Joseph, which shows that Joseph had gained the trust of his fellow prisoners. This verse helps us understand that God gives us gifts and talents to use for His glory, and that we should trust Him for guidance and interpretation, just like Joseph did. As it says in Psalm 25:4-5, God guides us on His path and teaches us His way, and we can trust in His goodness and love. By trusting God and using our gifts to serve others, we can bring glory to Him and fulfill His plans for our lives, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the chief cupbearer telling Joseph his dream in Genesis 40:9?
The chief cupbearer telling Joseph his dream shows that Joseph had gained the trust of his fellow prisoners, and it sets the stage for Joseph to demonstrate his gift of interpreting dreams, which is a key part of his story in Genesis, as seen in Genesis 40:8 where Joseph says interpretations belong to God.
Why did the chief cupbearer and the baker have dreams but could not interpret them?
The chief cupbearer and the baker had dreams but could not interpret them because, as Joseph said, interpretations belong to God, as stated in Genesis 40:8, highlighting the spiritual aspect of dream interpretation in the Bible, similar to what is mentioned in Daniel 2:28.
What can we learn from the chief cupbearer's decision to share his dream with Joseph?
The chief cupbearer's decision to share his dream with Joseph teaches us about the importance of seeking guidance from those who have a close relationship with God, as Joseph did, and being open to receiving insight and wisdom from others, much like the apostle Paul's encouragement in 1 Corinthians 12:7 to use our gifts for the common good.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty in Genesis?
Genesis 40:9 fits into the broader theme of God's sovereignty in Genesis by showing how God works through the lives of individuals, including Joseph and the chief cupbearer, to fulfill His plans and purposes, as seen in Genesis 45:5 and Genesis 50:20, where Joseph acknowledges God's sovereignty in his life.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God for interpretation or guidance, just like the chief cupbearer trusted Joseph?
- How can I, like Joseph, use my gifts and talents to serve others and bring glory to God?
- What dreams or visions has God given me, and how can I share them with others to receive insight and wisdom?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's sovereignty, even in difficult or uncertain circumstances, like Joseph did in Genesis 40:8?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 40:9
And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph,.... He listened to what Joseph said, and paid a regard to it, and began to think he might be able to interpret his dream, and therefore was forward, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 40:9
And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me; Behold a vine was before me.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 40:9
Genesis 40:9 And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine [was] before me;Ver. 9. Behold, a vine was before me.] God, of his infinite grace and wisdom, gives men such signs as excellently answer and agree to the thing thereby signified; those two sacraments of the New Testament, for instance; which the Greek fathers (in the apostle’ s sense, Hebrews 9:24) call αντιτυπα, signs and symbols of better things, signified and sealed up thereby to the believer. The Lord, saith venerable Beza, knowing well the vanity of our natures, prone to idolatry, hath appointed us two sacraments only; and those consisting also of most simple signs and rites. For signs, he gave us water, bread, and wine. The rites are no more than to sprinkle, eat, drink (things of most common use); and a very little of these too, that men may not too much doat on the elements, or external acts in the sacrament, but be wholly raised up to the mystery, and by faith mount up to Christ thereby set forth and exhibited - fetching him down, as it were, that we may feed on him. Hence the outward sign is no further used than may serve to mind us of the inward grace. The minister also stirs up the people to look higher than to what they see, with Sursum corda; Lift up your hearts. A thing in use among the primitive Christians. Nempe ne miseri mortales in istorum mysteriorum usu in rebus terrestribus haereant, et obstupescant. - Bez. Confess.
Sacerdos parat fratrum mentes, dicendo, Sursum corda. - Cyprian.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 40:9
9. Behold, a vine — Notably the butler dreams of vines, and the baker of the food (Genesis 40:17) he was wont to prepare for the king.
Sermons on Genesis 40:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 40:9-19 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker. The chief butler dreams of a vine with three branches that produce ripe grapes, which Joseph |
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Fire 21 Conference by Brian Guerin | Brian Guerin shares a prophetic message at the Fire 21 Conference, emphasizing the need to break barriers that hinder the flow of the Holy Spirit, likening them to a beaver dam tha |
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Our Daily Homily - Judges by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the persistent nature of evil habits in our lives, likening them to the Canaanites who resisted being dislodged from the land. He reminds us that as believers |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:7-12 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the dreams of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Joseph had two dreams where his family members, including his parents and brothers, bowed dow |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the 37th chapter of the book of Genesis, which introduces the story of Joseph. The preacher explains that there is more emphasis on Joseph t |
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(Genesis) Genesis 37:12-39:10 by Joe Focht | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding Joseph's perspective in the story. He highlights Joseph's refusal to engage in wickedness, even though it may |
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Emblems From the Story of Joseph by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson explores the life of Joseph as a profound example of faith and suffering, drawing parallels between Joseph's experiences and those of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes Josep |