Genesis 40:7 kjv

And he asked Pharaoh's officers that were with him in the ward of his lord's house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day?

Genesis 40:7 nkjv

So he asked Pharaoh's officers who were with him in the custody of his lord's house, saying, "Why do you look so sad today?"

Genesis 40:7 niv

So he asked Pharaoh's officials who were in custody with him in his master's house, "Why do you look so sad today?"

Genesis 40:7 esv

So he asked Pharaoh's officers who were with him in custody in his master's house, "Why are your faces downcast today?"

Genesis 40:7 nlt

"Why do you look so worried today?" he asked them.

Genesis 40 verses

Genesis 40 7 Meaning

Genesis 40:7 depicts Joseph, while unjustly imprisoned, observing and inquiring with compassion about the sorrowful countenances of Pharaoh's chief cupbearer and chief baker, who shared his confinement. This verse highlights Joseph's empathy and keen observation skills, setting the stage for his divinely gifted interpretation of their dreams, a pivotal step in God's redemptive plan for Joseph and Israel. It demonstrates Joseph's consistent character of concern for others, even in his own adversity, revealing God's presence and providence in his life.

Genesis 40 7 Context

Genesis chapter 40 takes place while Joseph is unjustly imprisoned in Potiphar's house, despite his faithful service and purity (Gen 39). Earlier, Potiphar, Pharaoh's captain of the guard, had seen that "the Lord was with Joseph" (Gen 39:2, 21), even in the dungeon. Pharaoh's chief cupbearer and chief baker have offended Pharaoh and are placed under guard in the same prison, specifically "in the house of the captain of the guard" (Gen 40:3-4), which is Joseph's place of confinement. Joseph, having found favor with the keeper of the prison, is assigned to serve these two important officials. Verse 7 introduces Joseph's observant and compassionate nature as he notices their distress, setting the scene for the divine revelation of their dreams' meanings and furthering God's sovereign plan for Joseph's elevation and ultimately, the preservation of the nascent nation of Israel during a coming famine. This particular verse showcases Joseph's character—empathy, diligence, and reliance on God even amidst personal suffering and hardship.

Genesis 40 7 Word analysis

• And he asked: (וַיִּשְׁאַל, wa-yish'al) From the Hebrew verb שָׁאַל (sha'al), meaning to ask, inquire, consult, or beg. This shows Joseph's initiative and active concern, not merely passive observation. It denotes a deliberate action, reflecting his character of attentiveness and engagement with others, despite his own challenging circumstances.
• Pharaoh's officers: (סָרִיסֵי פַרְעֹה, sarise phar'oh) Saris (singular) often refers to a eunuch in a position of trust, serving in a royal court, but can also mean simply a high official or court minister, regardless of castration. Here, it signifies important personages from Pharaoh's inner circle, whose fate would be closely tied to the king's favor or disfavor.
• who were with him: (אֲשֶׁר אִתּוֹ, asher itto) Literally, "who [were] with him." This emphasizes their shared captivity and common plight, fostering a sense of camaraderie, which makes Joseph's inquiry even more poignant. He is one of them, yet takes the initiative to care.
• in custody: (בְּמִשְׁמַר, b'mishmar) From the root שָׁמַר (shamar), meaning to keep, watch, guard. Mishmar refers to a place of guard, prison, custody, or even a specific assignment. It highlights the restrictive and oppressive environment they were all sharing.
• in his master's house: (בֵּית אֲדֹנָיו, beit adonayv) Referring to Potiphar's house. This specifies the location within the broader prison complex and subtly reminds the reader of Joseph's original unjust situation. It links this scene back to the earlier narrative of Joseph's faithful service and false accusation, emphasizing God's intricate orchestration.
• saying: (לֵאמֹר, le'mor) A common Hebrew idiom introducing direct speech. It clearly signals that what follows are Joseph's precise words.
• 'Why': (מַדּוּעַ, maddua') A question seeking reason or cause. It's not a rhetorical question but an earnest inquiry into the source of their sadness, showing genuine curiosity and concern.
• 'are your faces': (פְּנֵיכֶם, p'neykhem) Panim (singular paneh) refers literally to the face, but often encompasses presence, countenance, or aspect. The face is universally recognized as an indicator of one's internal emotional state. Joseph observed their visible outward expression of inner turmoil.
• 'so sad': (רָעִים, ra'im) From the Hebrew adjective רַע (ra'), which can mean bad, evil, troublesome, or calamitous. Here, it denotes an appearance of trouble, distress, gloom, or misfortune, reflecting an inward state of sorrow or anxiety. Their faces were literally "bad" or "troubled."
• 'today?': (הַיּוֹם, hayyom) Emphasizes the immediate, current, and noticeable nature of their distress. It implies that their sadness was particularly evident on that specific day, perhaps related to a recent event or developing understanding of their predicament.

• "And he asked Pharaoh's officers": This phrase highlights Joseph's initiative and willingness to engage with important figures, even when they are also in distress. It speaks to his servant leadership and respectful, empathetic approach, not driven by selfish motives but genuine concern.
• "who were with him in custody in his master's house": This group of words emphasizes their shared plight and confined circumstances. It also subtly reinforces the unjust nature of Joseph's imprisonment within Potiphar's home, where he had previously served so faithfully. This common ground deepens the significance of Joseph's empathy.
• "Why are your faces so sad today?": This direct, compassionate question is the crux of the verse. It reveals Joseph's observant nature, his sensitivity to others' suffering, and his willingness to step beyond his own troubles to address theirs. It sets the stage for a conversation about dreams and divine revelation, highlighting the immediate human need as a doorway for God's purposes.

Genesis 40 7 Bonus section

• Joseph's unwavering character: This verse provides another glimpse into Joseph's consistent character of righteousness, faith, and concern for others, despite the severe trials he had endured. He doesn't wallow in self-pity but maintains a outward-looking, serving disposition.
• Divine Providence at play: The entire encounter is divinely orchestrated. The seemingly chance observation by Joseph is a crucial step in the long, intricate chain of events designed by God to elevate Joseph and ultimately save the fledgling nation of Israel from famine, fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham.
• Precursor to revelation: Joseph's compassionate question opens the door for the cupbearer and baker to share their dreams. This human connection serves as the necessary prelude for the exercise of Joseph's divine gift of dream interpretation, showing that God often works through ordinary human interactions and sensitivities to achieve extraordinary ends.
• Contrast with pagan practices: In a culture steeped in omens, divinations, and magic for dream interpretation, Joseph's method stands in stark contrast. His initial approach is one of simple human concern and observation, followed by explicit acknowledgment that interpretation belongs to God (Gen 40:8), not to human skill or pagan arts.

Genesis 40 7 Commentary

Genesis 40:7 showcases Joseph's profound empathy and keen observation, qualities often found in those uniquely positioned by God for a greater purpose. Even while suffering unjust imprisonment and separated from his family for years, Joseph remains a person of spiritual sensitivity, actively noticing the distress of his fellow prisoners. His question, "Why are your faces so sad today?", is not superficial but penetrates to the visible signs of their inner turmoil, signifying a readiness to engage with their burden. This compassionate inquiry reflects God's own heart towards those in sorrow (Ps 34:18) and anticipates the Messiah, who would later empathize deeply with human suffering (Heb 4:15). Joseph's action here is an expression of his character shaped by God's presence, preparing him for the unique role he will play in divine history – a reminder that faithfulness and compassion are valuable in any circumstance, often leading to unforeseen opportunities for God's glory.