Genesis 41:9
Genesis 41:9 in Multiple Translations
Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I recall my failures.
¶ Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:
Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:
Then the chief wine-servant said to Pharaoh, The memory of my sin comes back to me now;
But then the chief cupbearer spoke up. “Today I've just remembered a bad mistake I've made,” he explained.
Then spake the chiefe butler vnto Pharaoh, saying, I call to minde my faultes this day.
And the chief of the butlers speaketh with Pharaoh, saying, 'My sin I mention this day:
Then the chief cup bearer spoke to Pharaoh, saying, “I remember my faults today.
Then spoke the chief butler to Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:
Then at length the chief butler remembering, said: I confess my sin:
Then the chief drink-server said to the king, “Now I remember something that I should have told you! I made a mistake by forgetting to tell it to you.
Pharaoh’s wine-boss was there, and he remembered that time when he had a dream in the jail, and he remembered that Joseph told him what his dream meant. So that wine-boss said to Pharaoh, “Sir, now I remember a time that I did the wrong thing.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 41:9
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 41:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְדַבֵּר֙
שַׂ֣ר
הַ/מַּשְׁקִ֔ים
אֶת
פַּרְעֹ֖ה
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
אֶת
חֲטָאַ֕/י
אֲנִ֖י
מַזְכִּ֥יר
הַ/יּֽוֹם
וַ/יְדַבֵּר֙
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
שַׂ֣ר
sar
H8269
ruler
N-ms
הַ/מַּשְׁקִ֔ים
mashqeh
H4945
cupbearer
Art | N-mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
פַּרְעֹ֖ה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
חֲטָאַ֕/י
chêṭᵉʼ
H2399
sin
N-mp | Suff
אֲנִ֖י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
מַזְכִּ֥יר
zâkar
H2142
to remember
V-Hiphil
הַ/יּֽוֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Art | N-ms
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 41:9
וַ/יְדַבֵּר֙
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
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/מַּשְׁקִ֔ים
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
H854
"with"
Prep
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.
פַּרְעֹ֖ה
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.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
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.
חֲטָאַ֕/י
chêṭᵉʼ
H2399
"sin"
N-mp | Suff
Sin refers to a crime or its punishment, including guilt and offense. It is the result of missing the mark or going wrong, and can have serious consequences.
Definition: 1) sin 1a) sin 1b) guilt for sin 1c) punishment for sin Aramaic equivalent: cha.ti (חֲטָי "sin" H2408)
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: fault, [idiom] grievously, offence, (punishment of) sin. See also: Genesis 41:9; 2 Kings 10:29; Psalms 51:7.
אֲנִ֖י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
מַזְכִּ֥יר
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
V-Hiphil
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
הַ/יּֽוֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Art | 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.
Study Notes — Genesis 41:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 41:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 41:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 41:9
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 41:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 41:9
- Sermons on Genesis 41:9
Context — The Dreams of Pharaoh
7And the thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven plump, ripe ones. Then Pharaoh awoke and realized it was a dream.
8In the morning his spirit was troubled, so he summoned all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him.
9Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I recall my failures.
10Pharaoh was once angry with his servants, and he put me and the chief baker in the custody of the captain of the guard. 11One night both the chief baker and I had dreams, and each dream had its own meaning.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 40:14 | But when it goes well for you, please remember me and show me kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh, that he might bring me out of this prison. |
| 2 | Genesis 40:23 | The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot all about him. |
| 3 | Genesis 40:1–3 | Some time later, the king’s cupbearer and baker offended their master, the king of Egypt. Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, and imprisoned them in the house of the captain of the guard, the same prison where Joseph was confined. |
Genesis 41:9 Summary
In Genesis 41:9, the chief cupbearer is reminding Pharaoh about his past failures, which had led to his imprisonment, where he met Joseph. This verse shows us that even in our failures, God can use us to help others, as seen in Joseph's story. The chief cupbearer's willingness to recall his failures is an example of humility and acknowledging our past mistakes, which is an important part of growing in our faith (Psalm 51:17). By being honest about our failures, we can, like the chief cupbearer, be used by God to help others and bring glory to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the chief cupbearer to recall his failures?
The chief cupbearer was reminded of his failures when Pharaoh was troubled by his dreams and no one could interpret them, as seen in Genesis 41:8, which led him to recall his own experience with Joseph, who had accurately interpreted his dream in prison, as mentioned in Genesis 40:9-13.
What is the significance of the chief cupbearer's failures in this context?
The chief cupbearer's failures are significant because they led to his imprisonment, where he met Joseph, who had accurately interpreted his dream, as recorded in Genesis 40:9-13, and now he is recalling this experience to potentially help Pharaoh with his uninterpreted dreams.
How does this verse relate to the concept of forgiveness and second chances?
This verse shows that even though the chief cupbearer had failed and been imprisoned, he was given a second chance to serve Pharaoh and to recall his experience with Joseph, which ultimately led to Joseph's promotion, as seen in Genesis 41:14, illustrating the theme of forgiveness and second chances found throughout the Bible, such as in Luke 15:11-24.
What can we learn from the chief cupbearer's willingness to recall his failures?
We can learn the importance of humility and acknowledging our past mistakes, as the chief cupbearer does in Genesis 41:9, which allows us to grow and potentially help others, as seen in Psalm 51:17, where a broken and contrite heart is described as pleasing to God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some past failures or struggles that I have experienced, and how can I use those experiences to help others or to grow in my faith?
- How can I, like the chief cupbearer, be willing to recall my failures and use them as an opportunity to serve and help others?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek forgiveness or a second chance, and how can I take steps to make amends or start anew?
- How can I apply the lesson of humility and acknowledging past mistakes, as seen in the chief cupbearer's example, to my own life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:9
Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh,.... When the magicians and wise men could not interpret his dreams, he was in distress of mind on that account: saying, I do remember my faults this day;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:9
Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day: Chief butler ... I do remember my faults.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 41:9
Not against Joseph by ingratitude, but against the king; by which expression he both acknowledgeth the king’ s justice in imprisoning him, and his clemency in pardoning him.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:9
Genesis 41:9 Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:Ver. 9. I do remember my faults this day.] Oratio vere aulica, saith Pareus, - a right courtier’ s speech. He so relates the history of his imprisonment, that he takes all the blame thereof to himself; gives Pharaoh the full commendation of his justice and clemency. As for Joseph, he mentions him to the king, lest, if any else should have done it before him, he should have been disgraced for his silence; but somewhat slenderly, and more for self-respects, than of any good affection to the innocent prisoner; whom he calls a young man, a bondman, and Hebrew; in whose behalf he neither adviseth, nor entreateth that he may be sent for. So very little is it that Joseph oweth to this patron! And such, for most part, are court commendations. There you have αναβοληνκαιμεταβολην; as one said of old, delays and changes good store: every man seeking and serving his own aims and ends; but little minding the good of others, further than subservient to their own.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 41:9
Verse 9. I do remember my faults] It is not possible he could have forgotten the circumstance to which he here alludes; it was too intimately connected with all that was dear to him, to permit him ever to forget it. But it was not convenient for him to remember this before; and probably he would not have remembered it now, had he not seen, that giving this information in such a case was likely to serve his own interest. We are justified in thinking evil of this man because of his scandalous neglect of a person who foretold the rescue of his life from imminent destruction, and who, being unjustly confined, prayed to have his case fairly represented to the king that justice might be done him; but this courtier, though then in the same circumstances himself, found it convenient to forget the poor, friendless Hebrew slave!
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 41:9
9. I do remember] R.V. marg., will make mention of, gives the right meaning of the Heb. LXX ἀναμιμνήσκω, Lat. confiteor. my faults] Lit. “my sins” (cf. Genesis 40:1). He is not referring to his forgetfulness (Genesis 40:23), but to his offences against Pharaoh.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 41:9
JOSEPH PHARAOH’S DREAMS, Genesis 41:9-36. 9. My faults — The sins which caused his imprisonment.
Sermons on Genesis 41:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 41:9-16 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph and the interpretation of dreams. The chief butler remembers his promise to Joseph and tells Pharaoh about Joseph's abili |
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God Wants Us to Have a Heavenly Life by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking the kingdom of heaven first and living a heavenly life on earth. It highlights the need for a deep hunger for God, a compassionate |
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(Genesis) Genesis 40:1-8 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. Joseph is in prison and is put in charge of two men, the butler and the baker, who have offended |
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Joseph Reminds Me of Jesus-03 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher discusses how God uses both trivial and important circumstances to fulfill His purposes. He references the story of Joseph in Genesis 41, where Pharaoh |
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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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Remember Me by H. P. Barker | H. P. Barker emphasizes the importance of remembering the Lord Jesus Christ and not forgetting His sacrifice and love. He draws parallels between the forgetfulness of humans toward |
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The Lord's Supper. Cont. by George Cutting | George Cutting preaches about the importance of partaking in the Lord's supper with reverence and gratitude, reflecting on the sacrifice of Jesus and eagerly anticipating His retur |