Genesis 40:5 kjv

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, which were bound in the prison.

Genesis 40:5 nkjv

Then the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were confined in the prison, had a dream, both of them, each man's dream in one night and each man's dream with its own interpretation.

Genesis 40:5 niv

each of the two men?the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were being held in prison?had a dream the same night, and each dream had a meaning of its own.

Genesis 40:5 esv

And one night they both dreamed ? the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were confined in the prison ? each his own dream, and each dream with its own interpretation.

Genesis 40:5 nlt

While they were in prison, Pharaoh's cup-bearer and baker each had a dream one night, and each dream had its own meaning.

Genesis 40 verses

Genesis 40 5 Meaning

Genesis 40:5 records that both the chief butler and the chief baker, who were imprisoned alongside Joseph in Egypt, simultaneously experienced unique and significant dreams on the same night. The verse highlights that each man's dream carried its own specific meaning or "interpretation" intrinsically linked to his individual destiny, setting the stage for Joseph's God-given ability to reveal these hidden significances.

Genesis 40 5 Context

Genesis 40:5 unfolds within the broader narrative of Joseph's journey, particularly during his unjust imprisonment in Egypt. Following his false accusation by Potiphar's wife (Gen 39), Joseph finds himself confined, yet still enjoying God's favor and the trust of the prison keeper. The king's chief butler and chief baker, both high-ranking officials, are cast into the same prison. This specific verse establishes a pivotal moment: their simultaneous, distinct dreams provide the catalyst for Joseph to exercise his divine gift of dream interpretation, a skill that will ultimately bring him into the Pharaoh's court and eventually lead to his family's salvation during a widespread famine. Culturally, dreams were widely seen in ancient Egypt and the broader Near East as messages from deities, requiring specialized interpreters. The biblical narrative, however, subtly polemicizes against mere human divination by consistently attributing true interpretation to God alone, as Joseph himself states.

Genesis 40 5 Word analysis

• And they both dreamed: The Hebrew verb is vayyachălmu (וַיַּחַלְמוּ), from the root chalam (חָלַם), meaning "to dream." The dual form (they both) emphasizes a synchronized occurrence. This points to a divinely coordinated event rather than mere coincidence, signaling that God's hand is actively orchestrating the circumstances within the prison.

• a dream: The Hebrew word chalom (חֲלוֹם). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, dreams were considered a common medium for divine communication. Here, the immediate repetition with "each his dream" stresses their personal nature.

• each his dream: Ish chalomov (אִישׁ חֲלוֹמוֹ). This specific phrase underscores the individuality of the dreams. Though experienced concurrently, their content was distinct, unique to the fate and situation of the butler and the baker respectively, reinforcing God's particular dealings with individuals.

• in one night: B'laylâ 'echad (בְּלַיְלָה אֶחָד). The emphasis on "one night" highlights the exact simultaneity of the dreams. This singular timing reinforces the impression of divine purpose behind the event, precisely preparing the stage for Joseph. It suggests a pre-arranged divine appointment.

• each man according to the interpretation of his dream: Ish k'pitron chalomov (אִישׁ כְּפִתְרוֹן חֲלֹמוֹ). The noun pitron (פִּתְרוֹן) means "interpretation" or "solution." This phrase, spoken before any interpretation, subtly prefigures that each dream possessed an inherent, understandable meaning relevant to its subject. It implicitly signals that the solution is not arbitrary but part of a divine blueprint for each individual.

• the butler and the baker: Hebrew: HaMashqe (הַמַּשְׁקֶה - lit. 'the one who gives to drink') and Ha'Ofeh (הָאֹפֶה - lit. 'the baker'). These were highly sensitive and trusted positions in ancient royal courts, demonstrating the elevated status of these prisoners and underscoring the severity of their alleged crimes and the gravity of their imminent fates.

• of the king of Egypt: Affirms their high official capacity and direct association with Pharaoh, setting the stage for Joseph's eventual encounter with the king.

• who were bound in the prison: 'Asurim b'beit haSohar (אֲשֶׁר אֲסוּרִים בְּבֵית הַסֹּהַר). 'Asurim means "bound" or "imprisoned." Beit haSohar refers to the "house of the prison." This reiterates their shared dire circumstance and confinement, emphasizing that God's plan can unfold even in seemingly hopeless or overlooked places like a jail.

• And they both dreamed a dream, each his dream in one night: This phrase powerfully communicates God's precise timing and individual attention. Despite their shared captivity, God grants each man a distinct, personal message through the common medium of dreams, all synchronized on a single night.

• each man according to the interpretation of his dream: This indicates the intrinsic, pre-determined meaning embedded within each dream. It hints at the dreams' prophetic nature, anticipating their future fulfillment and underscoring the fact that the 'key' to understanding their destiny was divinely contained within the dreams themselves.

• the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were bound in the prison: This specific identification of the characters and their circumstances firmly roots the divine intervention in the ordinary, albeit challenging, human experience, revealing God's work in unexpected and low places.

Genesis 40 5 Bonus section

• Divine Orchestration in Adversity: The setting of the prison underscores that God's plans are not deterred by human injustice or dire circumstances. Instead, these very hardships become a crucible for the individual's growth and a stage for God's redemptive work.
• Preparation for a Greater Purpose: The dreams of the butler and baker served not only to reveal their immediate fates but, more significantly, as a vital stepping stone for Joseph. This seemingly minor event was providentially arranged to bring Joseph's unique, God-given gift into the notice of Pharaoh.
• Typology: Joseph's journey, from innocent suffering in a prison to being elevated as a savior to a nation and his family through divine wisdom, prefigures aspects of Christ's suffering, wisdom, and redemptive work. Just as Joseph interpreted dreams, Christ ultimately reveals God's eternal purposes.

Genesis 40 5 Commentary

Genesis 40:5 is a foundational verse that propels Joseph's narrative forward through divine providence. It presents a seemingly mundane event – two men having dreams – but subtly unveils the intricate design of God's sovereign plan. The simultaneity of their dreams, combined with their individual relevance, underscores that God orchestrates even small details to fulfill His overarching purpose. He communicates specific destinies through ordinary channels, revealing His concern for individuals while working toward a greater redemptive plan for His people. This divine coordination in a prison setting is critical, showcasing God's ability to act beyond human limitations and prepare His chosen instruments, like Joseph, for their appointed roles. It demonstrates that suffering and forgottenness are not outside the purview of God's active, purposeful work, eventually elevating Joseph to a position to save his family, thereby preserving the lineage through which the Messiah would come.