Genesis 40:4 kjv

And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.

Genesis 40:4 nkjv

And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them; so they were in custody for a while.

Genesis 40:4 niv

The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them. After they had been in custody for some time,

Genesis 40:4 esv

The captain of the guard appointed Joseph to be with them, and he attended them. They continued for some time in custody.

Genesis 40:4 nlt

They remained in prison for quite some time, and the captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, who looked after them.

Genesis 40 verses

Genesis 40 4 Meaning

Genesis 40:4 details that Potiphar, the captain of the guard and Joseph's former master, entrusted the recently imprisoned chief butler and chief baker to Joseph’s care. Despite his own status as a prisoner, Joseph faithfully and diligently attended to them. This period, described as "some time," served as an important phase in Joseph's life, demonstrating his consistent trustworthiness and preparing him for his destined leadership, even within the confines of his unjust captivity. It highlights God's hand at work in Joseph's life, orchestrating circumstances for future deliverance and exaltation.

Genesis 40 4 Context

Genesis chapter 40 continues the narrative of Joseph's journey in Egypt. Having been sold into slavery, he quickly rose to oversee Potiphar's household due to God's favor and his faithfulness (Gen 39). However, he was unjustly accused by Potiphar's wife and subsequently thrown into the prison where "the king's prisoners were confined" (Gen 39:20). Verse 40:1-3 details the chief butler and chief baker of Pharaoh incurring Pharaoh's wrath and being cast into the very prison where Joseph was. The historical and cultural context reflects the arbitrary power of Pharaoh and his officials, where a minor offense could lead to imprisonment or death. Within this setting, Joseph's assignment underscores his exceptional trustworthiness and administrative ability, acknowledged even by the head of the prison (likely Potiphar himself or under his authority), demonstrating that his imprisonment was not for his lack of integrity but rather a part of God's divine plan.

Genesis 40 4 Word analysis

• And the captain of the guard (וַיִּפְקֹד שַׂר הַטַּבָּחִים, vayyipqod sar haṭṭabbāḥîm):
  • וַיִּפְקֹד (vayyipqod): This is a consecutive imperfect form of the verb פָקַד (paqad), meaning "to appoint," "to visit," "to number," "to muster," "to entrust." Here, it signifies the act of assignment or entrusting. Its use highlights the deliberate act of the captain of the guard in specifically putting these men into Joseph's care. This word is also used in the Bible for divine "visitation" or "remembrance," underscoring God's ultimate hand in Joseph's situation.
  • שַׂר הַטַּבָּחִים (sar haṭṭabbāḥîm): Literally "chief of the slaughterers/cooks." This title refers to the "captain of the guard," also associated with the role of royal executioner. This is Potiphar (Gen 39:1). It is significant that despite Joseph being his prisoner due to the false accusation of his wife, Potiphar continued to recognize Joseph's capabilities and entrusted significant responsibilities to him within the prison system. This implies a lingering respect or even partial doubt of the accusation on Potiphar's part.
• committed them to Joseph (אֶת יוֹסֵף אִתָּם, ʾet Yōsēf ʾittām):
  • אֶת יוֹסֵף (ʾet Yōsēf): Refers to Joseph. Even as an enslaved prisoner, Joseph continued to gain the trust and favor of those in authority, a pattern seen since he entered Potiphar's household and the prison itself (Gen 39:2-4, 39:21-22). His reliable character was evident to all.
  • אִתָּם (ʾittām): "With them," referring to the newly imprisoned chief butler and chief baker. Joseph was specifically assigned to attend to these high-ranking individuals, rather than just being a regular prisoner. This positioned him uniquely to interact with key people who would eventually remember him.
• and he served them (וַיְשָׁרֶת אֹתָם, vayešāret ʾôtām):
  • וַיְשָׁרֶת (vayešāret): From the verb שָׁרַת (sharath), "to serve," "to minister." This term is often used for a privileged kind of service, like that of Levites or priests in the Tabernacle/Temple (e.g., Ex 28:43, Num 3:6). It implies a dedicated, intimate attendance, not mere menial labor. Joseph was "ministering" to these officials, observing their routines and needs closely. This echoes the theme of biblical leadership involving humble service (Mk 10:45).
• and they were in custody for some time (וַיִּהְיוּ יָמִים בְּמִשְׁמָר, vayyihyū yāmîm bᵉmišmār):
  • וַיִּהְיוּ יָמִים (vayyihyū yāmîm): "And there were days" or "it happened for days/a period." This idiom, "many days" or "some time," implies an indefinite but significant duration, indicating that their imprisonment (and Joseph's service to them) was not brief but extended, providing ample time for the dreams to occur and for the relationship to develop. This period tests Joseph's patience and prepares him further.
  • בְּמִשְׁמָר (bᵉmišmār): "In custody," "in prison," or "under guard." This refers to their confined state. Joseph, despite his trusted position, was himself still a prisoner, living in these difficult circumstances, yet faithfully carrying out his duties.
• Words-Group analysis:
  • "committed them to Joseph, and he served them": This phrase highlights the paradox of Joseph's situation – a prisoner entrusted with responsibility over other, high-ranking prisoners. It emphasizes his unflagging work ethic and the consistent divine favor that enabled him to find grace in the eyes of authority, even in adversity. This active service also positions Joseph to hear the dreams in the following verses.

Genesis 40 4 Bonus section

It is commonly understood from later passages (Gen 41:1) that the "some time" of their custody extended to two full years after the chief butler was restored to his position. This extended period tested Joseph's endurance and hope, allowing him to experience prolonged adversity before divine intervention. Joseph's humility in serving these prominent figures, despite being more spiritually astute and closer to God's purpose, foreshadows the New Testament concept that true greatness lies in humble service. His faithfulness in the lowliest of positions (slave, prisoner-attendant) laid the foundation for his exaltation to the highest position (ruler over all Egypt), emphasizing God's principle of lifting up the humble (1 Sam 2:7, Lk 14:11).

Genesis 40 4 Commentary

Genesis 40:4 succinctly describes Joseph's continued life of integrity and diligent service even amidst the harsh reality of unjust imprisonment. The decision by the captain of the guard, Potiphar, to commit Pharaoh's personal officials to Joseph's direct care testifies to Joseph's undeniable character and administrative capability, which persisted regardless of his circumstances. The term "served" (sharath) denotes more than simple attendance; it implies a faithful, ministering care, reinforcing Joseph's exemplary attitude. This "time in custody," though prolonged, was not wasted. It was a crucial phase in God's providential plan, sharpening Joseph's skills in management, observation, and interpersonal relations, ultimately positioning him to interpret dreams and eventually rise to power in Egypt, serving as a powerful demonstration that God orchestrates events for His purposes through faithful individuals.