Genesis 40:6 meaning summary explained with word-by-word analysis enriched with context, commentary and Cross References from KJV, NIV, ESV and NLT.
Genesis 40:6 kjv
And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.
Genesis 40:6 nkjv
And Joseph came in to them in the morning and looked at them, and saw that they were sad.
Genesis 40:6 niv
When Joseph came to them the next morning, he saw that they were dejected.
Genesis 40:6 esv
When Joseph came to them in the morning, he saw that they were troubled.
Genesis 40:6 nlt
When Joseph saw them the next morning, he noticed that they both looked upset.
Genesis 40 6 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 37:2 | ...Joseph, a young man, was shepherding the flock with his brothers... | Joseph's observational nature from youth |
| Gen 39:2 | The Lord was with Joseph... | Divine presence even in suffering |
| Gen 39:21 | But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love... | God's favor sustaining Joseph's character |
| Gen 40:7 | He asked Pharaoh’s officers...“Why are your faces so sad today?” | Direct follow-up; Joseph's empathetic inquiry |
| Gen 40:8 | They said...“We have had dreams...and there is no interpreter.” | Catalyst for the divine interpretation |
| Gen 41:16 | Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” | Joseph attributes wisdom and interpretation to God |
| Deut 1:17 | ...you shall hear the small and the great alike... | Importance of impartial attention |
| 1 Sam 16:7 | ...man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. | Joseph reflects God's discerning eye |
| Job 29:16 | I was a father to the needy, and I searched out the cause of him whom I did not know. | Righteous pursuit of understanding others' pain |
| Ps 34:18 | The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. | God's empathy towards human distress |
| Ps 107:10-14 | Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction... | Describes human affliction and desperation |
| Prov 15:13 | A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. | Links inner state to outward expression |
| Prov 27:19 | As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects man. | How inner thoughts become visible |
| Isa 53:3 | He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief... | Christ's own suffering and empathy |
| Matt 25:35-36 | ...I was hungry and you gave me food...I was a stranger and you welcomed me... | Joseph's act aligns with care for prisoners |
| Luke 6:36 | Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. | Call to compassion |
| Rom 12:15 | Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. | Call to shared human experience |
| 2 Cor 1:3-4 | Blessed be the God...who comforts us in all our affliction... | God's comfort through compassionate individuals |
| Gal 6:2 | Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. | Principles of communal support |
| Heb 4:15 | For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses... | Christ's sympathetic nature |
| James 1:19-20 | ...let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak... | Promotes attentiveness and discernment |
| 1 Pet 5:7 | casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. | Hope for those in distress |
Genesis 40 verses
Genesis 40 6 meaning
Joseph, exercising keen spiritual and human insight, observed Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer and chief baker in the morning. He immediately perceived their state of deep distress and sorrow, a clear departure from their usual demeanor, which then prompted him to inquire further.
Genesis 40 6 Context
Genesis chapter 40 takes place during Joseph's unjust imprisonment in Egypt. He had been falsely accused by Potiphar's wife (Gen 39) and was serving in the prison reserved for the king's prisoners. Due to the Lord's favor upon him, the chief jailer entrusted Joseph with the care of other prisoners, including Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer and chief baker, who had offended the king. Verse 6 specifically details Joseph's regular morning inspection of his charges. His attentive observation of their downcast countenances served as the catalyst for the events that would follow, where he interprets their dreams and sets in motion the chain of events leading to his own eventual deliverance and elevation, according to God's sovereign plan.
Genesis 40 6 Word analysis
- When Joseph came to them (
וַיָּבֹא יוֹסֵף אֲלֵיהֶם- vayyāḇōʾ yôsēp̄ ʾălêhem): This denotes a routine act, signifying Joseph's faithful performance of his duties as overseer even in a state of imprisonment. His personal approach to "them" underscores his diligent and direct attention to the welfare of those under his charge. - in the morning (
בַּבֹּקֶר- babbaqqer): The morning is typically a time of new beginnings or rising hope. However, for these officials, the dawn merely accentuated their continued inner turmoil. It highlights Joseph's consistent and perhaps daily engagement with the prisoners. - he saw (
וַיַּרְא- vayyarʾ): This is more than passive seeing; it implies active perception, close observation, and discernment. Joseph was not just physically present but was acutely aware of his surroundings and the people within them, looking beyond superficial appearances. - that they were troubled (
וְהִנֵּה נְמֵרִים- wəhinnēh nəmērîm):וְהִנֵּה(wəhinnēh): "And behold!" or "And lo!" This particle conveys an element of surprise or emphasis, highlighting the striking nature of Joseph's observation. It draws attention to a significant discovery.נְמֵרִים(nəmērîm): Derived from the rootמרה(marar), meaning "to be bitter, to be strong." Here, it describes a state of deep vexation, agitation, or dejection. Their outward appearance was visibly affected by internal bitterness, anxiety, or sorrow. It speaks to a profound emotional disturbance, not merely temporary sadness.
- He saw that they were troubled: This phrase highlights Joseph's empathetic character. Despite his own long and unjust suffering in prison, he maintained a sensitive spirit that allowed him to notice and respond to the distress of others. This stands in sharp contrast to the indifference or hostility he might have expected, showing his ongoing spiritual health and compassionate heart.
Genesis 40 6 Bonus section
Joseph's unhardened heart, despite enduring significant suffering (false accusations, abandonment by his family, unjust imprisonment), is a testament to the sustaining grace of God. His ability to maintain such empathy suggests a strong, continuous reliance on the Lord. This verse demonstrates a core principle of divine wisdom: often, God’s instruments are not only capable but also compassionate, discerning the needs of others even before being asked. This sensitivity, rooted in his faith, was crucial for him to perceive the opportunity to act as God's conduit for interpreting dreams. It points to the idea that leadership and service in God's kingdom often begin with simply noticing the struggles of those around us.
Genesis 40 6 Commentary
Genesis 40:6, though brief, powerfully illustrates Joseph's deep empathy and spiritual sensitivity. Imprisoned and unjustly suffering, he nonetheless demonstrated a profound capacity to perceive and care for the emotional state of his fellow inmates. His act of "seeing" was not just a glance but a discerning observation of their inner "troubled" state, revealed by their downcast appearance. This proactive compassion, despite his own circumstances, showcases Joseph's extraordinary character and alignment with God's ways. This seemingly small moment of concern directly opened the door for God's prophetic word through dream interpretation, serving as a critical step in God's intricate plan for Joseph's release and eventual role in saving many lives. It underscores how God uses the diligent, discerning, and compassionate actions of His servants, even in humble and restrictive settings, to unfold His divine purposes.