Genesis 40:7-9 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 40:9-11

And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me —literally, in my dream (sc. I was), and behold a vine ( gephen, from the unused root gaphan, to be bent, a twig, hence a plant which has twigs, especially a vine; cf. 9:13 ; Isaiah 7:1-25 :43; Isaiah 24:7 ) before me . The introduction of the vine into the narrative, which has been pronounced (Bohlen) an important factor in proof of its recent composition, since,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Genesis 40:1-23

- Joseph in PrisonAn uncomplaining patience and an unhesitating hopefulness keep the breast of Joseph in calm tranquillity. There is a God above, and that God is with him. His soul swerves not from this feeling. Meanwhile, new and distinguished prisoners are introduced into his place of confinement.Genesis 40:1-4The chief butler and chief baker, high officials in Pharaoh’s court, come under the displeasure of their sovereign. “In the house of the captain of the guards.” It appears that this... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Genesis 40:8

Genesis 40:8. Do not interpretations belong to God? He means the God whom he worshipped, to the knowledge of whom he endeavours hereby to lead them. And if interpretations belong to God, he is a free agent, and may communicate the power to whom he pleases, therefore tell me your dreams. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Genesis 40:1-23

Joseph’s rise to power (39:1-41:57)In contrast to Judah, Joseph was blameless in his behaviour in Egypt. Soon he was placed in charge of Potiphar’s household (39:1-6). When he rejected the immoral invitations of Potiphar’s wife, she turned against him bitterly and had him thrown into prison (7-20). Again his behaviour was blameless, and soon he was given a position of responsibility over the other prisoners (21-23).Among the prisoners who later joined Joseph were two of Pharaoh’s palace... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Genesis 40:5-8

"And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream, in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were bound in the prison. And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and saw them, and, behold, they were sad. And he asked Pharaoh's officers that were with him in ward in his master's house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sad today? And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is none than can... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Genesis 40:9-13

"And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me; and in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and its blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes: and Pharaoh's cup was in my hand; and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh's cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand. And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: the three branches are three days; within yet... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 40:8

Genesis 40:8. Do not interpretations, &c.— That is, says Calmet, "the explanation of your dreams depends not on a diviner; it is God who reveals it to the diviner himself, [if it be revealed] and who can reveal it to me as well as to him, if he think proper." Joseph reasons here upon a principle universally allowed, that God alone has the knowledge of future events, and consequently that he alone can reveal such events, whatever instruments he may think fit to use for that purpose. See... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Genesis 40:9

9-11. In my dream, behold, a vine was before me—The visionary scene described seems to represent the king as taking exercise and attended by his butler, who gave him a cooling draught. On all occasions, the kings of ancient Egypt were required to practice temperance in the use of wine [WILKINSON]; but in this scene, it is a prepared beverage he is drinking, probably the sherbet of the present day. Everything was done in the king's presence—the cup was washed, the juice of the grapes pressed... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 40:1-23

Joseph interprets the Dreams of Pharaoh’s Officers1. Butler] rather, ’cupbearer,’ a high court official: cp. Nehemiah 1:11; Nehemiah 2:1. Baker] rather, ’cook.’ It is conjectured that these officials were accused of plotting to poison Pharaoh.8. No professional interpreter was available: see on Genesis 41:8. Do not interpretations, etc.] i.e. It may be that God who sent the dreams will give me the interpretation of them. 9-11. Grape juice mixed with water is used as a refreshing drink in the... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 40:8

(8) There is no interpreter.—In Egypt it was the business of men trained for the purpose, called in Genesis 41:8, magicians and wise men, to interpret dreams, and to such the butler and baker could have no access from their prison. But Joseph denies that art and training can really avail, and claims that the interpretation belongs to God. read more