401 Some time later, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their master, the king of Egypt.
401 And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt.
401 Some time after this, the cupbearer of the king of Egypt and his baker committed an offense against their lord the king of Egypt.
401 As time went on, it happened that the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt crossed their master, the king of Egypt.
401 It came to pass after these things that the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their lord, the king of Egypt.
401 Some time later, Pharaoh's chief cup-bearer and chief baker offended their royal master.
21 He restored the chief cupbearer to his position, so that he once again put the cup into Pharaoh's hand-
21 And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand:
21 He restored the chief cupbearer to his position, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh's hand.
21 Then he restored the head cupbearer to his cupbearing post; he handed Pharaoh his cup just as before.
21 Then he restored the chief butler to his butlership again, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh's hand.
21 He then restored the chief cup-bearer to his former position, so he could again hand Pharaoh his cup.
(Read Genesis 40:20-23)
Joseph's interpretation of the dreams came to pass on the very day fixed. On Pharaoh's birth-day, all his servants attended him, and then the cases of these two came to be looked into. We may all profitably take notice of our birth-days, with thankfulness for the mercies of our birth, sorrow for the sinfulness of our lives, and expectation of the day of our death, as better than the day of our birth. But it seems strange that worldly people, who are so fond of living here, should rejoice at the end of one year after another of their short span of life. A Christian has cause to rejoice that he was born, also that he comes nearer to the end of his sin and sorrow, and nearer to his everlasting happiness. The chief butler remembered not Joseph, but forgot him. Joseph had deserved well at his hands, yet he forgot him. We must not think it strange, if in this world we have hatred shown us for our love, and slights for our kindness. See how apt those who are themselves at ease are to forget others in distress. Joseph learned by his disappointment to trust in God only. We cannot expect too little from man, nor too much from God. Let us not forget the sufferings, promises, and love of our Redeemer. We blame the chief butler's ingratitude to Joseph, yet we ourselves act much more ungratefully to the Lord Jesus. Joseph had but foretold the chief butler's enlargement, but Christ wrought out ours; he mediated with the King of Kings for us; yet we forget him, though often reminded of him, and though we have promised never to forget him. Thus ill do we requite Him, like foolish people and unwise.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 40:1
Commentary on Genesis 40:1-19
(Read Genesis 40:1-19)
It was not so much the prison that made the butler and baker sad, as their dreams. God has more ways than one to sadden the spirits. Joseph had compassion towards them. Let us be concerned for the sadness of our brethren's countenances. It is often a relief to those that are in trouble to be noticed. Also learn to look into the causes of our own sorrow. Is there a good reason? Is there not comfort sufficient to balance it, whatever it is? Why art thou cast down, O my soul? Joseph was careful to ascribe the glory to God. The chief butler's dream foretold his advancement. The chief baker's dream his death. It was not Joseph's fault that he brought the baker no better tidings. And thus ministers are but interpreters; they cannot make the thing otherwise than it is: if they deal faithfully, and their message prove unpleasing, it is not their fault. Joseph does not reflect upon his brethren that sold him; nor does he reflect on the wrong done him by his mistress and his master, but mildly states his own innocence. When we are called on to clear ourselves, we should carefully avoid, as much as may be, speaking ill of others. Let us be content to prove ourselves innocent, and not upbraid others with their guilt.