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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 40:4 The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he became their personal attendant. After they had been in custody for some time,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/40-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/01_Gen_40_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 40:4 - The Cupbearer and the Baker" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he became their personal attendant. 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After they had been in custody for some time,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/40.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />They remained in prison for quite some time, and the captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, who looked after them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/40.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The captain of the guard appointed Joseph to be with them, and he attended them. They continued for some time in custody.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/40.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he became their personal attendant. After they had been in custody for some time,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/40.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/40.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them; so they were in custody for a while.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/40.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And the captain of the bodyguard put Joseph in charge of them, and he took care of them; and they were in confinement for some time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/40.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The captain of the bodyguard put Joseph in charge of them, and he took care of them; and they were in confinement for some time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/40.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the captain of the bodyguard put Joseph in charge of them, and he took care of them; and they were in confinement for some time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/40.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And the captain of the bodyguard appointed Joseph as overseer over them, and he attended to them; and they were in confinement for some time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/40.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The captain of the guard put Joseph in charge of them, and he served them; and they continued to be in custody for some time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/40.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The captain of the guards assigned Joseph to them as their personal attendant, and they were in custody for some time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/40.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The captain of the guard assigned Joseph to them, and he became their personal attendant. And they were in custody for some time. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/40.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he ministered unto them: and they continued a season in ward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/40.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They spent a long time in prison, and the official in charge of the palace guard, made Joseph their servant. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/40.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he ministered unto them: and they continued a season in ward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/40.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he took care of them. After they had been confined for some time,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/40.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They spent a long time in prison, and the captain assigned Joseph as their servant. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/40.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The captain of the guard entrusted them to Joseph's custody, who took care of them, since they were to remain there in custody for a number of days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/40.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he became their personal attendant. After they had been in custody for some time,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/40.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The captain of the guard appointed Joseph to be their attendant, and he served them. They spent some time in custody.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/40.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them. They stayed in prison for some time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/40.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them; and they continued a season in custody.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/40.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he took care of them. They stayed in prison many days. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/40.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and the chief of the executioners charges Joseph with them, and he serves them; and they are in confinement [for some] days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/40.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the chief of the executioners chargeth Joseph with them, and he serveth them; and they are days in charge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/40.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the chief of the cooks will appoint Joseph over them, and he will serve them; and they will be days in guard.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/40.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But the keeper of the prison delivered them to Joseph, and he served them. Some little time passed, and they were kept in custody. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/40.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But the keeper of the prison delivered them to Joseph, who ministered to them also. Some little time passed by, while they were held in custody.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/40.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The chief steward assigned Joseph to them, and he became their attendant. After they had been in custody for some time,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/40.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he waited on them; and they continued for some time in custody.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/40.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the commander of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them; and they remained for some time in the prison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/40.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Chief of the Guard authorized Yoseph over them and he attended to them and they were some days in the house of prisoners.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/40.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the captain of the guard charged Joseph to be with them, and he ministered unto them; and they continued a season in ward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/40.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the chief keeper of the prison committed them to Joseph, and he stood by them; and they were <i>some</i> days in the prison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/40-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=10122" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/40.htm">The Cupbearer and the Baker</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>and imprisoned them in the house of the captain of the guard, the same prison where Joseph was confined. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: śar (N-msc) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">The captain</a> <a href="/hebrew/2876.htm" title="2876: haṭ·ṭab·bā·ḥîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Cook, guardsman. From tabach; properly, a butcher; hence, a lifeguardsman; also a cook.">of the guard</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6485.htm" title="6485: way·yip̄·qōḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To attend to, visit, muster, appoint. A primitive root; to visit; by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc.">assigned</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’it·tām (Prep:: 3mp) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">them</a> <a href="/hebrew/3130.htm" title="3130: yō·w·sêp̄ (N-proper-ms) -- Future of yacaph; let him add; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites.">to Joseph,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8334.htm" title="8334: way·šā·reṯ (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To minister, serve. A primitive root; to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to.">and he became their personal attendant.</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯām (DirObjM:: 3mp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·yih·yū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">After they had been</a> <a href="/hebrew/4929.htm" title="4929: bə·miš·mār (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Place of confinement, jail, prison, guard, watch, observance. From shamar; a guard; a deposit; also a usage, or an example.">in custody</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yā·mîm (N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">for some time,</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>both of these men—the Egyptian king’s cupbearer and baker, who were being held in the prison—had a dream on the same night, and each dream had its own meaning.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/39-21.htm">Genesis 39:21-23</a></span><br />the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. / And the warden put all the prisoners under Joseph’s care, so that he was responsible for all that was done in the prison. / The warden did not concern himself with anything under Joseph’s care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/41-10.htm">Genesis 41:10-13</a></span><br />Pharaoh was once angry with his servants, and he put me and the chief baker in the custody of the captain of the guard. / One night both the chief baker and I had dreams, and each dream had its own meaning. / Now a young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams and he interpreted them for us individually. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-22.htm">1 Samuel 16:22</a></span><br />Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/17-9.htm">1 Kings 17:9-16</a></span><br />“Get up and go to Zarephath of Sidon, and stay there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” / So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” / And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/2-1.htm">Nehemiah 2:1-8</a></span><br />Now in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was set before him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had never been sad in his presence, / so the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear / and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/1-9.htm">Daniel 1:9-21</a></span><br />Now God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official, / but he said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking thinner than those of the other young men your age? You would endanger my head before the king!” / Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-48.htm">Daniel 2:48-49</a></span><br />Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many generous gifts. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon. / And at Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to manage the province of Babylon, while Daniel remained in the king’s court.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-21.htm">Matthew 25:21</a></span><br />His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-57.htm">Matthew 27:57-60</a></span><br />When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who himself was a disciple of Jesus. / He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. / So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/23-50.htm">Luke 23:50-53</a></span><br />Now there was a Council member named Joseph, a good and righteous man, / who had not consented to their decision or action. He was from the Judean town of Arimathea and was waiting for the kingdom of God. / He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-9.htm">Acts 7:9-10</a></span><br />Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him / and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/16-25.htm">Acts 16:25-34</a></span><br />About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. / Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose. / When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, presuming that the prisoners had escaped. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a></span><br />And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-12.htm">Philippians 1:12-14</a></span><br />Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have actually served to advance the gospel. / As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. / And most of the brothers, confident in the Lord by my chains, now dare more greatly to speak the word without fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7</a></span><br />but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.</p><p class="hdg">the captain.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Genesis 37:36</a></b></br> And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, <i>and</i> captain of the guard.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/39-1.htm">Genesis 39:1,21-23</a></b></br> And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-5.htm">Psalm 37:5</a></b></br> Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring <i>it</i> to pass.</p><p class="hdg">a season.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/4-3.htm">Genesis 4:3</a></b></br> And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/24-55.htm">Genesis 24:55</a></b></br> And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us <i>a few</i> days, at the least ten; after that she shall go.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/24-20.htm">Genesis 24:20</a></b></br> And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw <i>water</i>, and drew for all his camels.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/39-5.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/revelation/12-14.htm">Assigned</a> <a href="/genesis/39-11.htm">Attend</a> <a href="/genesis/39-4.htm">Attended</a> <a href="/genesis/40-3.htm">Bodyguard</a> <a href="/genesis/40-3.htm">Captain</a> <a href="/genesis/40-3.htm">Care</a> <a href="/genesis/40-3.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/genesis/28-6.htm">Charged</a> <a href="/genesis/12-20.htm">Chargeth</a> <a href="/genesis/40-3.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/genesis/40-3.htm">Confinement</a> <a href="/genesis/30-36.htm">Continued</a> <a href="/genesis/40-3.htm">Custody</a> <a href="/genesis/40-3.htm">Executioners</a> <a href="/genesis/40-3.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/genesis/40-3.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/39-23.htm">Joseph's</a> <a href="/genesis/39-20.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/genesis/40-3.htm">Life-Guard</a> <a href="/genesis/39-4.htm">Ministered</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-6.htm">Needed</a> <a href="/genesis/40-3.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/genesis/31-10.htm">Season</a> <a href="/genesis/39-4.htm">Served</a> <a href="/genesis/39-4.htm">Serveth</a> <a href="/genesis/40-1.htm">Time</a> <a href="/genesis/8-12.htm">Waited</a> <a href="/genesis/40-3.htm">Ward</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/1-11.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/genesis/47-22.htm">Assigned</a> <a href="/exodus/33-14.htm">Attend</a> <a href="/judges/3-19.htm">Attended</a> <a href="/genesis/41-10.htm">Bodyguard</a> <a href="/genesis/41-10.htm">Captain</a> <a href="/genesis/42-37.htm">Care</a> <a href="/genesis/40-7.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/genesis/49-29.htm">Charged</a> <a href="/exodus/34-32.htm">Chargeth</a> <a href="/genesis/40-5.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/genesis/40-7.htm">Confinement</a> <a href="/genesis/42-2.htm">Continued</a> <a href="/genesis/40-7.htm">Custody</a> <a href="/genesis/41-10.htm">Executioners</a> <a href="/genesis/41-10.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/genesis/40-6.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/41-42.htm">Joseph's</a> <a href="/genesis/41-36.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/genesis/41-12.htm">Life-Guard</a> <a href="/exodus/38-8.htm">Ministered</a> <a href="/genesis/50-3.htm">Needed</a> <a href="/genesis/40-5.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/exodus/13-10.htm">Season</a> <a href="/genesis/43-31.htm">Served</a> <a href="/numbers/3-36.htm">Serveth</a> <a href="/genesis/41-5.htm">Time</a> <a href="/genesis/49-18.htm">Waited</a> <a href="/genesis/40-7.htm">Ward</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 40</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/40-1.htm">The chief butler and baker of Pharaoh are also imprisoned.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/40-5.htm">Joseph interprets their dreams.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/40-20.htm">They are accomplished according to his interpretation.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/40-23.htm">The ingratitude of the butler, in forgetting Joseph.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/40.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/40.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph</b><br>In the context of Genesis, the "captain of the guard" refers to Potiphar, who had previously purchased Joseph as a slave. This indicates a level of trust and authority given to Joseph, despite his status as a prisoner. Potiphar's role as captain of the guard suggests he was responsible for the security of Pharaoh's interests, including the prison. Joseph's assignment to care for the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, both high-ranking officials, highlights his administrative skills and God's favor upon him. This trust foreshadows Joseph's future rise to power in Egypt.<p><b>and he became their personal attendant</b><br>Joseph's role as a personal attendant to these officials demonstrates his humility and willingness to serve, even in difficult circumstances. This service-oriented attitude is a recurring theme in Joseph's life and is reflective of the biblical principle that those who are faithful in small things will be entrusted with greater responsibilities (<a href="/luke/16-10.htm">Luke 16:10</a>). Joseph's service also prefigures Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve (<a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a>).<p><b>After they had been in custody for some time</b><br>The phrase "for some time" suggests a period of waiting and uncertainty, which is a common experience for many biblical figures. This waiting period is significant as it sets the stage for the unfolding of God's plan through dreams and their interpretations. It also mirrors the theme of patience and endurance found throughout Scripture, such as in the lives of Abraham and David. The delay in their release serves to highlight God's perfect timing in bringing about His purposes, as seen in <a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a></b><br>A Hebrew man sold into slavery by his brothers, who rose to a position of trust in Potiphar's house and later in the prison. He is known for his ability to interpret dreams, which plays a crucial role in his life and the lives of others.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/captain_of_the_guard.htm">Captain of the Guard</a></b><br>Likely Potiphar, who was an officer of Pharaoh and the one who initially purchased Joseph as a slave. He is responsible for the prison where Joseph is held.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_prison.htm">The Prison</a></b><br>The place where Joseph is confined after being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife. It becomes a setting for divine appointments and Joseph's continued faithfulness.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_cupbearer_and_the_baker.htm">The Cupbearer and the Baker</a></b><br>Two officials of Pharaoh who were imprisoned and placed under Joseph's care. Their dreams and Joseph's interpretations of them are pivotal to the unfolding of God's plan for Joseph.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharaoh.htm">Pharaoh</a></b><br>The ruler of Egypt, whose officials are imprisoned and whose dreams later lead to Joseph's rise to power.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_adversity.htm">Faithfulness in Adversity</a></b><br>Joseph's consistent faithfulness, even in unjust circumstances, serves as a model for believers to trust God and remain diligent in their duties regardless of their situation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_appointments.htm">Divine Appointments</a></b><br>God orchestrates events and relationships for His purposes. Joseph's interactions with the cupbearer and baker were not coincidental but part of God's plan to elevate him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/serving_others.htm">Serving Others</a></b><br>Joseph's willingness to serve others, even in prison, reflects a Christ-like attitude of humility and service, which believers are called to emulate.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_timing.htm">God's Timing</a></b><br>The phrase "for some time" indicates a period of waiting and preparation. Believers are reminded that God's timing is perfect, and patience is often required as His plans unfold.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_40.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 40</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_joseph_rise_to_power_in_egypt.htm">How did Joseph rise to power in Egypt?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/could_a_hebrew_slave_rise_quickly_in_egypt.htm">In Genesis 39:1-6, how historically plausible is it that a Hebrew slave could rise to such prominence in an Egyptian official's household so quickly?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_brought_joseph_to_egypt.htm">Who brought Joseph to Egypt: the Ishmaelites who bought him (Genesis 37:28), the Midianites who sold him (Genesis 37:36), or his brothers who sold him (Genesis 45:4)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_a_young_man_purify_his_path.htm">How does one rise from despair to hope?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/40.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them</span> (literally, <span class="accented">set Joseph with</span> them, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> as a companion or servant; to wait upon them, since they were high officers of State, not to keep watch over them as criminals), <span class="cmt_word">and he served them</span> (<span class="accented">i.e.</span> acted as their attendant): <span class="cmt_word">and they continued a season in ward</span> (literally, and they were days, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> an indefinite period, in <span class="accented">prison</span>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/40-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The captain</span><br /><span class="heb">שַׂ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(śar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8269.htm">Strong's 8269: </a> </span><span class="str2">Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the guard</span><br /><span class="heb">הַטַּבָּחִ֧ים</span> <span class="translit">(haṭ·ṭab·bā·ḥîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2876.htm">Strong's 2876: </a> </span><span class="str2">A butcher, a lifeguardsman, a cook</span><br /><br /><span class="word">assigned</span><br /><span class="heb">וַ֠יִּפְקֹד</span> <span class="translit">(way·yip̄·qōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6485.htm">Strong's 6485: </a> </span><span class="str2">To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them</span><br /><span class="heb">אִתָּ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(’it·tām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nearness, near, with, by, at, among</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to Joseph,</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹסֵ֛ף</span> <span class="translit">(yō·w·sêp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3130.htm">Strong's 3130: </a> </span><span class="str2">Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and he became their personal attendant.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְשָׁ֣רֶת</span> <span class="translit">(way·šā·reṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8334.htm">Strong's 8334: </a> </span><span class="str2">To attend as a, menial, worshipper, to contribute to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">After they had been</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּהְי֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yih·yū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in custody</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּמִשְׁמָֽר׃</span> <span class="translit">(bə·miš·mār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4929.htm">Strong's 4929: </a> </span><span class="str2">Place of confinement, jail, prison, guard, watch, observance</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for some time,</span><br /><span class="heb">יָמִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(yā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/40-4.htm">Genesis 40:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/40-4.htm">Genesis 40:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/40-4.htm">Genesis 40:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/40-4.htm">Genesis 40:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/40-4.htm">Genesis 40:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/40-4.htm">Genesis 40:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/40-4.htm">Genesis 40:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/40-4.htm">Genesis 40:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/40-4.htm">Genesis 40:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/40-4.htm">Genesis 40:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/40-4.htm">OT Law: Genesis 40:4 The captain of the guard assigned them (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/40-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 40:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 40:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/40-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 40:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 40:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>