Genesis 40:1 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 40:1-4

We should not have had this story of Pharaoh's butler and baker recorded in scripture if it had not been serviceable to Joseph's preferment. The world stands for the sake of the church, and is governed for its good. Observe, 1. Two of the great officers of Pharaoh's court, having offended the king, are committed to prison. Note, High places are slippery places; nothing more uncertain than the favour of princes. Those that make God's favour their happiness, and his service their business, will... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 40:1

And it came to pass after these things ,.... After Joseph had been accused and cast into prison, where he had been for some time: that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt ; committed some fault, at least were accused of one, which raised his displeasure at them. The Targum of Jonathan says, that they consulted to put poison into his drink and food; which, it is not improbable, considering their business and office, they might be... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 40:1

The butler - משקה mashkeh , the same as saky among the Arabians and Persians, and signifying a cup-bearer. Baker - אפה opheh ; rather cook, confectioner, or the like. Had offended - They had probably been accused of attempting to take away the king's life, one by poisoning his drink, the other by poisoning his bread or confectionaries. read more

John Calvin

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

Verse 1 1.And it came to pass after these things. We have already seen, that when Joseph was in bonds, God cared for him. For whence arose the relaxation afforded him, but from the divine favor? Therefore, God, before he opened the door for his servant’s deliverance, entered into the very prison to sustain him with his strength. But a far more illustrious benefit follows; for he is not only liberated from prison, but exalted to the highest degree of honor. In the meantime, the providence of God... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 40:1

And it came to pass (literally, and it was ) after these things (literally, words , i.e. after the transactions just recorded), that the butler — מָשְׁקֶה , the hiph. part. of שָׁקָה , to drink, signifies one who causes to drink, hence cupbearer (cf. Genesis 40:11 )— of the king of Egypt and his baker— the אֹפֶה (part. of אָפָה , to cook or bake) was the officer who prepared the king's food. The monuments show that the Egyptians had carried the arts of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 40:1-23

Joseph in the round house at Heliopolis. I. THE PRISONERS AND THEIR ATTENDANT . 1. The prisoners . 2. Their attendant . In this new capacity Joseph behaved himself wisely and with discretion. With regard to his illustrious companions in misfortune, he— II. THE DREAMS AND THEIR INTERPRETATIONS . 1. The dreams — 2. Their interpretations . These were— III. THE INTERPRETER AND HIS REWARD . 1. The interpreter ' s request . ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 40:1-23

The inspired man. Joseph is already supreme in the narrow sphere of the prison: "all was committed to his hand." The narrow sphere prepares him for the wider. The spiritual supremacy has now to be revealed. "Do not interpretations belong to God?" The dreams are partly of man and partly of. God. Each man dreamed of things connected with his life. The butler of the wine coming from the grape-clusters, pressed into Pharaoh's cup, given into his hand. The baker of the white baskets and... 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 40:1-3

Genesis 40:1-3 . We should not have had this story of Pharaoh’s butler and baker recorded in Scripture, if it had not been serviceable to Joseph’s preferment. The world stands for the sake of the church, and is governed for its good. Where Joseph was bound That is, was a prisoner, as the word אסור is used, Isaiah 22:3; or had been bound, Psalms 105:18. For being now made governor of the prisoners, he was doubtless made free from his bonds. 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

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 40:1-4

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 40:1

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 40:1

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

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 40:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 40:1-23

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 40:1-23

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

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Genesis 40:1-3

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Genesis 40:1-23

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