1
וַיְהִ֗י אַחַר֙ הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה חָֽטְא֛וּ מַשְׁקֵ֥ה מֶֽלֶךְ מִצְרַ֖יִם וְהָאֹפֶ֑ה לַאֲדֹנֵיהֶ֖ם לְמֶ֥לֶךְ מִצְרָֽיִם
And it came to pass after these things, that the cupbearer of the king of Egypt and the baker sinned against their lord, against the king of Egypt.
Attention shifts from Joseph alone to two royal offenders whose fall will create the next decisive turn in his story.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיְהִ֗יand it came to passQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Discourse-opening formula (temporal)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen, become'; formulaic wayyiqtol opening marks a new narrative episode.
אַחַר֙afterprep · אַחַר (H310)Temporal prepositional phraseאַחַר (H310) 'after, behind'; links this episode to the preceding Potiphar narrative in ch 39.
הַדְּבָרִ֣יםthe thingsart + N m pl abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Object of prep אַחַרדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, matter, thing'; plural idiom for 'events'; resumes the prior narrative movement.
הָאֵ֔לֶּהtheseart + dem pron c pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Attributive demonstrativeאֵלֶּה (H428) demonstrative 'these', always with article; points back specifically to Gen 39 events.
חָֽטְא֛וּthey sinnedQal perf 3cp · חָטָא (H2398)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed act of offense against Pharaohחָטָא (H2398) 'to miss the mark, sin'; root of Hebrew sin vocabulary; nature of offense left undefined.
מַשְׁקֵ֥הcupbearer ofN m sg cstr · מַשְׁקֶה (H4945)Subject (first of compound)מַשְׁקֶה (H4945) 'cupbearer, drink'; from שָׁקָה 'to give drink'; title of high-ranking court official.
מֶֽלֶךְking ofN m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain (genitival)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; in construct chain genitival of מַשְׁקֶה; identifies whose cupbearer he is.
מִצְרַ֖יִםEgyptproper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitival proper nounמִצְרַיִם (H4714) proper name for Egypt; dual form perhaps reflecting Upper and Lower Egypt.
וְהָאֹפֶ֑הand the bakerconj וְ + art + Qal ptc m sg abs · אָפָה (H644)Subject (second, conjoined)→ Participial: role designation as court officialאָפָה (H644) 'to bake'; Qal ptc used as substantive title for the official responsible for royal baking.
לַאֲדֹנֵיהֶ֖םagainst their lordprep לְ + N m pl cstr + 3mp sfx · אָדוֹן (H113)Indirect object (adversative against)אָדוֹן (H113) 'lord, master'; plural of majesty with 3mp suffix = Pharaoh as both men's overlord.
לְמֶ֥לֶךְagainst king ofprep לְ + N m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Appositive clarificationSecond לְמֶלֶךְ is explicative apposition identifying אֲדֹנֵיהֶם as Pharaoh the king of Egypt.
מִצְרָֽיִםEgyptproper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitival proper nounRepeated מִצְרַיִם confirms the lord is the king of Egypt; double identification underscores the gravity.
2
וַיִּקְצֹ֣ף פַּרְעֹ֔ה עַ֖ל שְׁנֵ֣י סָרִיסָ֑יו עַ֚ל שַׂ֣ר הַמַּשְׁקִ֔ים וְעַ֖ל שַׂ֥ר הָאוֹפִֽים
And Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, with the chief of the cupbearers and with the chief of the bakers.
Pharaoh's anger drives the narrative's crisis and places two high-ranking court servants on the same path of confinement Joseph already walks.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיִּקְצֹ֣ףand became angryQal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָצַף (H7107)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָצַף (H7107) 'to be furious, rage'; intense royal anger; the emotion that drives the confinement.
פַּרְעֹ֔הPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Subjectפַּרְעֹה (H6547) Egyptian title pꜣ-rꜥ 'the great house'; standard OT title for the Egyptian king.
עַ֖לagainstprep · עַל (H5921)Preposition (hostile direction)עַל (H5921) 'upon, over, against'; with קָצַף marks the object of royal anger.
שְׁנֵ֣יtwo ofnumeral m du cstr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Numeral in construct chainשְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; dual construct before plural noun; both officials share the same offense and fall.
סָרִיסָ֑יוhis officersN m pl cstr + 3ms sfx · סָרִיס (H5631)Object of prep עַלסָרִיס (H5631) 'court officer, eunuch'; high-ranking palace official; Pharaoh's 3ms sfx = his officials.
עַ֚לagainstprep · עַל (H5921)Repeated prep (explicative)Second עַל introduces specification of which two officers; the following construct chain identifies them.
שַׂ֣רchief ofN m sg cstr · שַׂר (H8269)Construct chain head (first official)שַׂר (H8269) 'prince, chief, official'; head of a department; in construct with the plural guild name.
הַמַּשְׁקִ֔יםthe cupbearersart + N m pl abs · מַשְׁקֶה (H4945)Genitival noun in constructמַשְׁקֶה (H4945) plural denotes the cupbearer corps; שַׂר is the head official over the entire staff.
וְעַ֖לand againstconj וְ + prep · עַל (H5921)Coordinating conjunction + prepCoordinates second official to first under the same preposition of anger; וְ pairs the two cases.
שַׂ֥רchief ofN m sg cstr · שַׂר (H8269)Construct chain head (second official)Parallel to שַׂ֣ר in v2:6; the baker's head placed structurally equal to the cupbearer's head.
הָאוֹפִֽיםthe bakersart + Qal ptc m pl abs · אָפָה (H644)Genitival noun in construct→ Participial: role designation as baking corpsאָפָה (H644) ptc used substantively as 'bakers'; plural guild parallel to הַמַּשְׁקִים; baker corps.
3
וַיִּתֵּ֨ן אֹתָ֜ם בְּמִשְׁמַ֗ר בֵּ֛ית שַׂ֥ר הַטַבָּחִ֖ים אֶל בֵּ֣ית הַסֹּ֑הַר מְק֕וֹם אֲשֶׁ֥ר יוֹסֵ֖ף אָס֥וּר שָֽׁם
And he put them in custody in the house of the chief of the slaughterers, into the prison-house, the place where Joseph was confined there.
The prison setting is specified with care: this is not a generic holding cell, but the very prison-house already associated with Joseph's unjust descent.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיִּתֵּ֨ןand he putQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, place, put'; here marks a decisive act of physical confinement under authority.
אֹתָ֜ם[obj] themobj marker + 3mp sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi; with 3mp pronominal suffix marks the two officials as definite direct object.
בְּמִשְׁמַ֗רin ward ofprep בְּ + N m sg cstr · מִשְׁמָר (H4929)Locative prepositional phraseמִשְׁמָר (H4929) 'guard, custody, post, ward'; from שָׁמַר 'to keep'; technical term for protective detention.
בֵּ֛יתhouse ofN m sg cstr · בַּיִת (H1004)Construct chain (locative)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; construct before the next noun specifies whose jurisdiction the custody falls.
שַׂ֥רchief ofN m sg cstr · שַׂר (H8269)Construct chain (genitival)שַׂר (H8269) 'chief, official'; the captain of the guard who oversees Potiphar's prison facility.
הַטַבָּחִ֖יםthe slaughterersart + N m pl abs · טַבָּח (H2876)Genitival in construct chainטַבָּח (H2876) 'slaughterer, executioner, body-guard'; royal guards who also carry out capital sentences.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward, into'; directional motion into the prison-house compound.
בֵּ֣יתhouse ofN m sg cstr · בַּיִת (H1004)Construct chain (locative)Second בֵּית specifies the inner location: the prison-house itself within the guard captain's compound.
הַסֹּ֑הַרthe prisonart + N m sg abs · סֹהַר (H5470)Object of directional prep אֶלסֹהַר (H5470) 'prison, round house'; rare term unique to the Joseph narrative; cf. Gen 39:20-23.
מְק֕וֹםthe placeN m sg cstr · מָקוֹם (H4725)Appositive to בֵּית הַסֹּהַרמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place, site'; in apposition to prison-house; introduces the relative clause binding ch 40 to ch 39.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhererelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducer (locative)אֲשֶׁר (H834) multi-function relative; locative 'where'; binds these officials to Joseph's existing confinement.
יוֹסֵ֖ףJosephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Subject of relative clauseיוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; the protagonist; his presence in this specific prison creates the providential encounter.
אָס֥וּרwas confinedQal pass ptc m sg abs · אָסַר (H631)Predicate of relative clause→ Participial: stative — ongoing imprisonmentאָסַר (H631) 'to bind, imprison'; pass ptc as stative condition; Joseph's continued imprisonment is the link.
שָֽׁםthereadv · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverb (resumptive)שָׁם (H8033) 'there'; resumptive adverb closing the relative clause; underscores the shared location with Joseph.
4
וַ֠יִּפְקֹד שַׂ֣ר הַטַּבָּחִ֧ים אֶת יוֹסֵ֛ף אִתָּ֖ם וַיְשָׁ֣רֶת אֹתָ֑ם וַיִּהְי֥וּ יָמִ֖ים בְּמִשְׁמָֽר
And the chief of the slaughterers appointed Joseph to be with them, and he ministered to them; and they remained some days in custody.
Joseph again moves into entrusted service within confinement, and the narrative quietly positions him as the attendant through whom the dreams will be addressed.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַ֠יִּפְקֹדand he appointedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · פָּקַד (H6485)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceפָּקַד (H6485) 'to appoint, attend to, assign'; here the captain assigns Joseph as personal attendant to the prisoners.
שַׂ֣רchief ofN m sg cstr · שַׂר (H8269)Subjectשַׂר (H8269) 'chief, official'; the captain of the slaughterers acts as prison warden and makes the appointment.
הַטַּבָּחִ֧יםthe slaughterersart + N m pl abs · טַבָּח (H2876)Genitival in construct chainטַבָּח (H2876) 'slaughterer, body-guard'; the captain's authority over the guard makes the assignment official.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking Joseph as the definite direct object of the appointment.
יוֹסֵ֛ףJosephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Direct objectיוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; here appointed as servant to the imprisoned officials; providence through prison service.
אִתָּ֖םwith themprep אֵת + 3mp sfx · אֵת (H854)Comitative prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with, alongside' (distinct from H853 obj marker); comitative prep placing Joseph alongside the prisoners.
וַיְשָׁ֣רֶתand he ministeredPiel wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁרַת (H8334)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁרַת (H8334) 'to serve, minister'; Piel intensive; the same service Joseph rendered in Potiphar's house.
אֹתָ֑ם[obj] themobj marker + 3mp sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite)אֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix marking the two court officials as the object of Joseph's service.
וַיִּהְי֥וּand they remainedQal wayyiqtol 3mp · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: temporal duration (existential)הָיָה (H1961) 'to be, remain, stay'; with יָמִים marks an indefinite period of custody; suspension of time.
יָמִ֖יםsome daysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Adverbial accusative of durationיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; plural without numeral = 'some days, a time'; indeterminate period before the dreams come.
בְּמִשְׁמָֽרin custodyprep בְּ + N m sg abs · מִשְׁמָר (H4929)Locative prepositional phraseמִשְׁמָר (H4929) 'custody, ward'; same term as v3:2; the duration of custody is the setting for the dreams.
5
וַיַּֽחַלְמוּ֩ חֲל֨וֹם שְׁנֵיהֶ֜ם אִ֤ישׁ חֲלֹמוֹ֙ בְּלַ֣יְלָה אֶחָ֔ד אִ֖ישׁ כְּפִתְר֣וֹן חֲלֹמ֑וֹ הַמַּשְׁקֶ֣ה וְהָאֹפֶ֗ה אֲשֶׁר֙ לְמֶ֣לֶךְ מִצְרַ֔יִם אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲסוּרִ֖ים בְּבֵ֥ית הַסֹּֽהַר
And the two of them dreamed a dream, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were confined in the prison-house.
The paired dreams are not random inner events; each arrives already bound to its own proper interpretation, awaiting disclosure.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיַּֽחַלְמוּ֩and they dreamedQal wayyiqtol 3mp · חָלַם (H2492)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָלַם (H2492) 'to dream'; Qal; the dreams come simultaneously, signaling a single revelatory night.
חֲל֨וֹםa dreamN m sg abs · חֲלוֹם (H2472)Cognate accusative (inner object)חֲלוֹם (H2472) 'dream'; cognate accusative with חָלַם intensifies the dreaming; each dream is a real revelation.
שְׁנֵיהֶ֜םboth of themnumeral m du cstr + 3mp sfx · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Subject (resumptive)שְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; with 3mp suffix = 'both of them'; emphasizes the simultaneity and pairing of the two dreams.
אִ֤ישׁeach manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive subjectאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; distributive 'each man' — separates what was simultaneous into individual accounts.
חֲלֹמוֹ֙his dreamN m sg cstr + 3ms sfx · חֲלוֹם (H2472)Distributive objectחֲלוֹם (H2472) with 3ms suffix = 'his (own) dream'; each dream is personal and specific, not generic.
בְּלַ֣יְלָהin one nightprep בְּ + N m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Temporal prepositional phraseלַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; with אֶחָד forms the phrase 'in one night'; the simultaneity is divinely significant.
אֶחָ֔דonenumeral m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Attributive numeralאֶחָד (H259) 'one'; the single shared night intensifies the paired nature of the two divine communications.
אִ֖ישׁeach manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive subject (resumed)אִישׁ (H376) repeated distributively; the second occurrence marks a new semantic unit: each according to his interpretation.
כְּפִתְר֣וֹןaccording to interpretationprep כְּ + N m sg cstr · פִּתְרוֹן (H6623)Comparative/conformity phraseפִּתְרוֹן (H6623) 'interpretation'; from פָּתַר 'to interpret'; each dream comes already bound to its meaning.
חֲלֹמ֑וֹhis dreamN m sg cstr + 3ms sfx · חֲלוֹם (H2472)Object of prep כְּחֲלוֹם (H2472) with 3ms suffix; the dream and its interpretation belong together intrinsically, not accidentally.
הַמַּשְׁקֶ֣הthe cupbearerart + N m sg abs · מַשְׁקֶה (H4945)Subject (appositive identification)מַשְׁקֶה (H4945) 'cupbearer'; with article now identifies the first dreamer by office for the narrative's benefit.
וְהָאֹפֶ֗הand the bakerconj וְ + art + Qal ptc m sg abs · אָפָה (H644)Subject (second, conjoined)→ Participial: role designationאָפָה (H644) ptc used substantively 'the baker'; paired with the cupbearer as the two subjects of the divine communication.
אֲשֶׁר֙whorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducerאֲשֶׁר (H834) relative pronoun; introduces a clause identifying both men by their relationship to Pharaoh.
לְמֶ֣לֶךְof king ofprep לְ + N m sg cstr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Possession (relational)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; the prep לְ marks possession/relationship — these are Pharaoh's own court officials.
מִצְרַ֔יִםEgyptproper noun · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Genitival proper nounמִצְרַיִם (H4714) proper name for Egypt; their high court rank makes the confinement narratively significant.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Second relative clause introducerאֲשֶׁר (H834) second relative introduces the confinement detail linking them to Joseph's specific prison.
אֲסוּרִ֖יםwere confinedQal pass ptc m pl abs · אָסַר (H631)Predicate of relative clause→ Participial: stative — ongoing confinementאָסַר (H631) 'to bind, imprison'; pass ptc plural stative; same root as Joseph's own binding in v3:12.
בְּבֵ֥יתin house ofprep בְּ + N m sg cstr · בַּיִת (H1004)Locative prepositional phraseבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; the specific prison-house already named in v3:8; the shared location is the narrative hinge.
הַסֹּֽהַרthe prisonart + N m sg abs · סֹהַר (H5470)Genitival in construct chainסֹהַר (H5470) 'prison'; same term as v3:8-9; the narrator's detail ties both episodes to the same location as Joseph.
6
וַיָּבֹ֧א אֲלֵיהֶ֛ם יוֹסֵ֖ף בַּבֹּ֑קֶר וַיַּ֣רְא אֹתָ֔ם וְהִנָּ֖ם זֹעֲפִֽים
And Joseph came to them in the morning and saw them, and behold, they were troubled.
Joseph's attentiveness to their faces begins the interpretive exchange; he notices distress before he is asked for anything.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיָּבֹ֧אand he cameQal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter, arrive'; Joseph's routine morning visit positions him as the attentive servant.
אֲלֵיהֶ֛םto themprep אֶל + 3mp sfx · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; with 3mp suffix marks the officials as the destination of Joseph's morning visit.
יוֹסֵ֖ףJosephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Subject (delayed, post-verbal)יוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; the protagonist; his attentiveness to his charges will open the interpretive exchange.
בַּבֹּ֑קֶרin the morningprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Temporal prepositional phraseבֹּקֶר (H1242) 'morning'; morning visit suggests regularity of Joseph's service; he sees them the day after the dreams.
וַיַּ֣רְאand he sawQal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; attentive observation triggers Joseph's inquiry; he notices distress before being asked.
אֹתָ֔ם[obj] themobj marker + 3mp sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite)אֵת (H853) with 3mp suffix; the two officials are the definite object of Joseph's perceptive morning observation.
וְהִנָּ֖םand behold themconj וְ + presentative + 3mp sfx · הֵן (H2005)Presentative exclamationהֵן (H2005) 'behold'; presentative particle with suffix draws reader's attention to the visual state of the men.
זֹעֲפִֽיםtroubledQal ptc m pl abs · זָעַף (H2196)Predicate adjective (resultant state)→ Participial: stative — visible distressזָעַף (H2196) 'to be troubled, vexed, gloomy'; their facial distress is the observable evidence that draws Joseph in.
7
וַיִּשְׁאַ֞ל אֶת סְרִיסֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר אִתּ֧וֹ בְמִשְׁמַ֛ר בֵּ֥ית אֲדֹנָ֖יו לֵאמֹ֑ר מַדּ֛וּעַ פְּנֵיכֶ֥ם רָעִ֖ים הַיּֽוֹם
And he asked Pharaoh's officers, who were with him in custody in his master's house, saying, 'Why are your faces so downcast today?'
The question turns visible sorrow into narrated problem, drawing the imprisoned officials toward confession of their dream-distress.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיִּשְׁאַ֞לand he askedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁאַל (H7592)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁאַל (H7592) 'to ask, inquire'; Joseph takes initiative; his question converts visible sorrow into narrated problem.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking Pharaoh's officers as the definite object of Joseph's question.
סְרִיסֵ֣יofficers ofN m pl cstr · סָרִיס (H5631)Direct object (construct head)סָרִיס (H5631) 'court officer, eunuch'; plural construct = 'officers of'; the specific title recalls their high status.
פַרְעֹ֗הPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Genitival proper nounפַּרְעֹה (H6547) 'Pharaoh'; identifying them as Pharaoh's men elevates the stakes of Joseph's approaching involvement.
אֲשֶׁ֨רwhorelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause introducerאֲשֶׁר (H834) relative; introduces background clause anchoring the officials' location at the time of Joseph's question.
אִתּ֧וֹwith himprep אֵת + 3ms sfx · אֵת (H854)Comitative prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with, alongside'; with 3ms sfx confirms Joseph and the officials share the same custody location.
בְמִשְׁמַ֛רin custody ofprep בְּ + N m sg cstr · מִשְׁמָר (H4929)Locative prepositional phraseמִשְׁמָר (H4929) 'custody, guard post'; same term as v3:2 and 4:10; consistent background locale of the chapter.
בֵּ֥יתhouse ofN m sg cstr · בַּיִת (H1004)Construct chain (locative)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; in construct; the custody is specifically situated within a household jurisdiction.
אֲדֹנָ֖יוhis masterN m pl cstr + 3ms sfx · אָדוֹן (H113)Genitival noun (possessive)אָדוֹן (H113) 'lord, master'; 3ms sfx = Potiphar; the prison remains Potiphar's domain even as new people enter.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitive construct (speech introducer)→ Infinitive: purpose/introducing direct speechאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; לֵאמֹר is the standard formula introducing direct speech in Hebrew narrative.
מַדּ֛וּעַwhyinterrogative · מַדּוּעַ (H4069)Interrogative particle (reason)מַדּוּעַ (H4069) 'why, for what reason'; interrogative asking for causal explanation; Joseph asks rather than assumes.
פְּנֵיכֶ֥םyour facesN m pl cstr + 2mp sfx · פָּנִים (H6440)Subject of predicate adjפָּנִים (H6440) 'face, countenance'; the face in Hebrew is the expressive register of inner states; plural form always.
רָעִ֖יםdowncastadj m pl abs · רַע (H7451)Predicate adjectiveרַע (H7451) 'evil, bad, sad'; used of gloomy facial expression; Joseph reads inner distress through the face.
הַיּֽוֹםtodayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal adverb (fronted)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; with article = 'today'; the morning visit is the very day after the dreams were received.
8
וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ אֵלָ֔יו חֲל֣וֹם חָלַ֔מְנוּ וּפֹתֵ֖ר אֵ֣ין אֹת֑וֹ וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֜ם יוֹסֵ֗ף הֲל֤וֹא לֵֽאלֹהִים֙ פִּתְרֹנִ֔ים סַפְּרוּ נָ֖א לִֽי
And they said to him, 'We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter for it.' And Joseph said to them, 'Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me, please.'
Joseph refuses to present himself as an autonomous expert. The interpretive key belongs to God, and Joseph offers himself only as the servant through whom that gift may be spoken.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיֹּאמְר֣וּand they saidQal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the plural subject advances the narrative: both men respond together before speaking individually.
אֵלָ֔יוto himprep אֶל + 3ms sfx · אֶל (H413)Indirect objectאֶל (H413) 'to'; with 3ms sfx directing their response to Joseph; his question elicits the dream confession.
חֲל֣וֹםa dreamN m sg abs · חֲלוֹם (H2472)Direct object (fronted for emphasis)חֲלוֹם (H2472) 'dream'; fronted before its verb to mark prominence; the dream is the real subject of distress.
חָלַ֔מְנוּwe have dreamedQal perf 1cp · חָלַם (H2492)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed revelatory eventחָלַם (H2492) 'to dream'; cognate with the noun; perfective marks it as a real completed dream now in hand.
וּפֹתֵ֖רand an interpreterconj וְ + Qal ptc m sg abs · פָּתַר (H6622)Subject of negative clause→ Participial: role designation — interpreterפָּתַר (H6622) 'to interpret'; Qal ptc as substantive = 'interpreter'; no such person is present in their crisis.
אֵ֣יןthere is nonenegative particle · אַיִן (H369)Negative existential predicateאַיִן (H369) 'there is not, non-existence'; existential negative; their distress is the absence of an interpreter.
אֹת֑וֹ[obj] itobj marker + 3ms sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (referential)אֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix referring back to the dream חֲלוֹם; no one to interpret it is their stated crisis.
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Joseph responds immediately; his reply is the chapter's theological pivot point.
אֲלֵהֶ֜םto themprep אֶל + 3mp sfx · אֶל (H413)Indirect objectאֶל (H413) 'to'; with 3mp suffix; Joseph addresses both men together with his theological assertion.
יוֹסֵ֗ףJosephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Subject (delayed, post-verbal)יוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; identification post-verbal emphasizes his role as divine spokesman in this scene.
הֲל֤וֹאdo notinterrogative + negative · לֹא (H3808)Interrogative expecting affirmationהֲלוֹא (H3808 + Ti) 'is it not?'; rhetorical question expecting strong 'yes'; interpretations belong to God, not to skill.
לֵֽאלֹהִים֙to Godprep לְ + N m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Predicate (dative of belonging)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; plural of majesty, singular in meaning; interpretation belongs to God as his divine prerogative.
פִּתְרֹנִ֔יםinterpretationsN m pl abs · פִּתְרוֹן (H6623)Subject of rhetorical questionפִּתְרוֹן (H6623) 'interpretation'; from פָּתַר; plural = interpretations in general; Joseph disclaims autonomous expertise.
סַפְּרוּtell themPiel impv 2mp · סָפַר (H5608)Imperative (command)→ Volitional: direct commandסָפַר (H5608) 'to recount, tell, number'; Piel intensive; Joseph invites the dreams to be spoken, not suppressed.
נָ֖אpleaseparticle of entreaty · נָא (H4994)Particle of entreaty (softening)נָא (H4994) 'please, I pray'; softens the imperative, turning command into polite invitation to trust Joseph.
לִֽיto meprep לְ + 1cs sfx · לְIndirect objectPrep לְ with 1cs suffix: Joseph offers himself as the vehicle through whom God's gift will be spoken.
9
וַיְסַפֵּ֧ר שַֽׂר הַמַּשְׁקִ֛ים אֶת חֲלֹמ֖וֹ לְיוֹסֵ֑ף וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ל֔וֹ בַּחֲלוֹמִ֕י וְהִנֵּה גֶ֖פֶן לְפָנָֽי
And the chief of the cupbearers recounted his dream to Joseph and said to him, 'In my dream, behold, a vine was before me,'
The cupbearer's dream begins with compact vineyard imagery placed immediately before him, already oriented toward his office.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיְסַפֵּ֧רand he recountedPiel wayyiqtol 3ms · סָפַר (H5608)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceסָפַר (H5608) 'to recount, tell'; Piel intensive; the cupbearer takes Joseph's invitation and tells his dream fully.
שַֽׂרchief ofN m sg cstr · שַׂר (H8269)Subject (construct head)שַׂר (H8269) 'chief, head'; the cupbearer is identified by his court rank before speaking, not just as a prisoner.
הַמַּשְׁקִ֛יםthe cupbearersart + N m pl abs · מַשְׁקֶה (H4945)Genitival noun in constructמַשְׁקֶה (H4945) 'cupbearers' (pl); identifying him as head of the cupbearer corps anticipates his dream's imagery.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking his dream as the specific object of the recounting; the dream is definite content.
חֲלֹמ֖וֹhis dreamN m sg cstr + 3ms sfx · חֲלוֹם (H2472)Direct objectחֲלוֹם (H2472) with 3ms suffix; his own particular dream, not a shared one; each dreams his own interpretation.
לְיוֹסֵ֑ףto Josephprep לְ + proper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Indirect objectיוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; the dream is told to Joseph specifically; he is the designated receiver of divine interpretation.
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol (introduces direct speech)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the second wayyiqtol shifts from reported summary to direct speech of the dream.
ל֔וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms sfx · לְIndirect objectPrep לְ with 3ms suffix directing the speech to Joseph; introduces the first-person dream narration.
בַּחֲלוֹמִ֕יin my dreamprep בְּ + art + N m sg cstr + 1cs sfx · חֲלוֹם (H2472)Temporal/locative settingחֲלוֹם (H2472) 'dream'; with 1cs sfx = 'in my dream'; the dream setting is specified before imagery is described.
וְהִנֵּהand beholdconj וְ + presentative · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative exclamation (dream scene)הִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; presentative marker shifting to vivid present-tense dream narration; standard in dream reports.
גֶ֖פֶןa vineN c sg abs · גֶּפֶן (H1612)Subject of nominal clause (dream)גֶּפֶן (H1612) 'vine, grapevine'; common gender; the vine immediately signals the cupbearer's future in viticulture.
לְפָנָֽיbefore meprep לְ + N m pl cstr + 1cs sfx · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face, presence'; with 1cs sfx = 'before me'; the vine is personally oriented toward the cupbearer in his dream.
10
וּבַגֶּ֖פֶן שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה שָׂרִיגִ֑ם וְהִ֤יא כְפֹרַ֨חַת֙ עָלְתָ֣ה נִצָּ֔הּ הִבְשִׁ֥ילוּ אַשְׁכְּלֹתֶ֖יהָ עֲנָבִֽים
'and on the vine were three branches; and as it was budding, its blossom came up, its clusters ripened into grapes.'
The dream compresses growth to ripeness in a single living sequence, suggesting swift and purposeful fulfillment.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וּבַגֶּ֖פֶןand on the vineconj וְ + prep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · גֶּפֶן (H1612)Locative prepositional phraseגֶּפֶן (H1612) 'vine'; resumed with conjunction and prep; the vine introduced in v9:10 now bears specific features.
שְׁלֹשָׁ֣הthreenumeral m sg abs · שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969)Predicate numeral (existential)שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'; the number that will be decoded as three days; numerals carry revelatory weight in dream reports.
שָׂרִיגִ֑םbranchesN m pl abs · שָׂרִיג (H8299)Subject of existential clauseשָׂרִיג (H8299) 'branch, tendril of a vine'; occurs only in Joseph's narrative; the technical term for vine branches.
וְהִ֤יאand itconj וְ + pers pron 3fs · הוּא (H1931)Subject (anaphoric, referring to vine)הוּא (H1931) fs form הִיא; refers back to גֶּפֶן (common gender but treated f here); the vine is the acting subject.
כְפֹרַ֨חַת֙as it was buddingprep כְּ + Qal ptc f sg abs · פָּרַח (H6524)Temporal comparative clause→ Participial: progressive — budding in progressפָּרַח (H6524) 'to blossom, sprout, burst forth'; the ptc describes the vine in the very act of budding; temporal simultaneity.
עָלְתָ֣הit came upQal perf 3fs · עָלָה (H5927)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed rapid growthעָלָה (H5927) 'to go up, ascend, rise'; here of the blossom rising; the compressed dream-time collapses growth to moments.
נִצָּ֔הּits blossomN m sg cstr + 3fs sfx · נֵץ (H5322)Subject of עָלְתָהנֵץ (H5322) 'blossom, flower'; with 3fs sfx referring to the vine; the blossom is the sign of imminent fruiting.
הִבְשִׁ֥ילוּthey ripenedHiphil perf 3cp · בָּשַׁל (H1310)Predicate verb (secondary clause)→ Perfective: completed ripeningבָּשַׁל (H1310) 'to cook, ripen'; Hiphil causative/declarative 'they caused to ripen'; the clusters are fully ready.
אַשְׁכְּלֹתֶ֖יהָits clustersN m pl cstr + 3fs sfx · אֶשְׁכּוֹל (H811)Subject of הִבְשִׁילוּאֶשְׁכּוֹל (H811) 'cluster of grapes'; with 3fs sfx = 'its clusters'; the clusters are what ripen, ready for pressing.
עֲנָבִֽיםgrapesN m pl abs · עֵנָב (H6025)Predicate (resultative state)עֵנָב (H6025) 'grape'; the clusters ripen into full grapes; the compressed dream-growth arrives at the point of pressing.
11
וְכ֥וֹס פַּרְעֹ֖ה בְּיָדִ֑י וָאֶקַּ֣ח אֶת הָֽעֲנָבִ֗ים וָֽאֶשְׂחַ֤ט אֹתָם֙ אֶל כּ֣וֹס פַּרְעֹ֔ה וָאֶתֵּ֥ן אֶת הַכּ֖וֹס עַל כַּ֥ף פַּרְעֹֽה
'And Pharaoh's cup was in my hand; and I took the grapes and squeezed them into Pharaoh's cup, and I placed the cup on Pharaoh's palm.'
The dream culminates not merely in fruit but in restored royal service, with the cupbearer again performing his courtly duty before Pharaoh.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְכ֥וֹסand Pharaoh's cupconj וְ + N f sg cstr · כּוֹס (H3563)Subject (nominal clause, fronted)כּוֹס (H3563) 'cup, goblet'; the cup of Pharaoh is the culminating object of the dream, linking vineyard to royal service.
פַּרְעֹ֖הPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Genitival proper nounפַּרְעֹה (H6547) 'Pharaoh'; Pharaoh's cup signals the cupbearer's restored function; the dream aims at royal service.
בְּיָדִ֑יin my handprep בְּ + N c sg cstr + 1cs sfx · יָד (H3027)Predicate locative (stative)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; with 1cs suffix = 'in my hand'; the cup in his hand is the dream's service image.
וָאֶקַּ֣חand I tookQal wayyiqtol 1cs · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take, receive'; first action of the cupbearer in the dream; he grasps the grapes for pressing.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the grapes as definite object of taking; the grapes are the raw material.
הָֽעֲנָבִ֗יםthe grapesart + N m pl abs · עֵנָב (H6025)Direct objectעֵנָב (H6025) 'grape'; with article resuming the grapes just produced in v10:9; harvested and now pressed.
וָֽאֶשְׂחַ֤טand I squeezedQal wayyiqtol 1cs · שָׂחַט (H7818)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׂחַט (H7818) 'to squeeze, press out'; used for pressing grapes directly into a cup; rapid, immediate pressing.
אֹתָם֙[obj] themobj marker + 3mp sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite)אֵת (H853) with 3mp sfx referring to the grapes; they are pressed directly into Pharaoh's cup.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, into'; marks the direction of the pressing: the juice goes directly into Pharaoh's cup.
כּ֣וֹסcup ofN f sg cstr · כּוֹס (H3563)Object of directional prepכּוֹס (H3563) 'cup'; in construct with Pharaoh; the cup is the focal object — return to royal service compressed.
פַּרְעֹ֔הPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Genitival proper nounפַּרְעֹה (H6547) 'Pharaoh'; the cup belongs to Pharaoh; the dream culminates in service rendered directly to the king.
וָאֶתֵּ֥ןand I placedQal wayyiqtol 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, place'; final act: the cup passes from hand to Pharaoh's palm — the dream's climax.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the cup as the definite object of the giving/placing action.
הַכּ֖וֹסthe cupart + N f sg abs · כּוֹס (H3563)Direct objectכּוֹס (H3563) 'cup'; now with article — this specific royal cup completes its journey from vine to royal hand.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Directional prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon, on'; placement prep: the cup is placed on/into Pharaoh's palm — the act of royal service.
כַּ֥ףpalm ofN f sg cstr · כַּף (H3709)Construct chain (genitival)כַּף (H3709) 'palm of hand, hollow hand'; the open hand receiving the cup; precise image of personal service to the king.
פַּרְעֹֽהPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Genitival proper nounפַּרְעֹה (H6547) 'Pharaoh'; the dream ends where it must — Pharaoh's palm receiving the cup = cupbearer restored.
12
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לוֹ֙ יוֹסֵ֔ף זֶ֖ה פִּתְרֹנ֑וֹ שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁת֙ הַשָּׂ֣רִגִ֔ים שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת יָמִ֖ים הֵֽם
And Joseph said to him, 'This is its interpretation: the three branches are three days.'
Joseph moves directly from symbol to time marker, establishing the three branches as a countdown to imminent outcome.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Joseph moves immediately from listening to interpreting; no pause, no hesitation.
לוֹ֙to himprep לְ + 3ms sfx · לְIndirect objectPrep לְ with 3ms suffix; Joseph speaks directly to the cupbearer; the interpretation is addressed personally.
יוֹסֵ֔ףJosephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Subject (delayed, post-verbal)יוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; the identification emphasizes that this interpretation comes through Joseph, not any court expert.
זֶ֖הthisdem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Subject (predicate-nominal clause)זֶה (H2088) 'this'; proximal demonstrative introducing the interpretation; 'this is its meaning' — declarative formula.
פִּתְרֹנ֑וֹits interpretationN m sg cstr + 3ms sfx · פִּתְרוֹן (H6623)Predicate nounפִּתְרוֹן (H6623) 'interpretation'; with 3ms sfx referring to the dream; Joseph owns the interpretation as belonging to the dream.
שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁת֙threenumeral m sg cstr · שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969)Subject of nominal equationשָׁלֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'; in construct with branches; Joseph makes the equation: three branches = three days.
הַשָּׂ֣רִגִ֔יםthe branchesart + N m pl abs · שָׂרִיג (H8299)Genitival in constructשָׂרִיג (H8299) 'vine branch'; with article referring back to the specific branches of the dream; now decoded as days.
שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁתthreenumeral m sg cstr · שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969)Predicate (equation)שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969) repeated as predicate of the equation; the branches and the days share the same number: three.
יָמִ֖יםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Predicate noun (temporal)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; the decoded referent; three days is the time frame before the cupbearer's restoration.
הֵֽםthey arepers pron 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Copular predicateהֵם (H1992) 'they'; the personal pronoun serves as copula in the equational sentence; branches ARE days.
13
בְּע֣וֹד שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֗ים יִשָּׂ֤א פַרְעֹה֙ אֶת רֹאשֶׁ֔ךָ וַהֲשִֽׁיבְךָ֖ עַל כַּנֶּ֑ךָ וְנָתַתָּ֤ כוֹס פַּרְעֹה֙ בְּיָד֔וֹ כַּמִּשְׁפָּט֙ הָֽרִאשׁ֔וֹן אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָיִ֖יתָ מַשְׁקֵֽהוּ
'Within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your office, and you shall place Pharaoh's cup in his hand according to the former custom when you were his cupbearer.'
The head-lifting idiom here means restoration, and Joseph's explanation returns the dreamer to the exact service from which he fell.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
בְּע֣וֹדwithin yetprep בְּ + adv · עוֹד (H5750)Temporal prepositional phraseעוֹד (H5750) 'still, yet, within'; with בְּ = 'within'; indicates the time remaining before Pharaoh's action.
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁתthreenumeral m sg cstr · שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969)Numeral in construct chainשָׁלֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'; the decoded number from v12:5-8 now placed in the predictive timeline: three days remain.
יָמִ֗יםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal noun (object of phrase)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; three days is the specific countdown Joseph announces; a precise divine schedule.
יִשָּׂ֤אwill lift upQal impf 3ms · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb (main clause, predictive)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — future prophetic certaintyנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, raise, carry'; the head-lifting idiom; here means favorable royal restoration to office.
פַרְעֹה֙Pharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Subjectפַּרְעֹה (H6547) 'Pharaoh'; the king himself is the agent of restoration; his authority alone can reverse the imprisonment.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the head as the definite direct object of the lifting idiom.
רֹאשֶׁ֔ךָyour headN m sg cstr + 2ms sfx · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Direct object (idiom: lift the head)רֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head'; the idiom נָשָׂא רֹאשׁ = 'to lift the head' = restore, exalt; in v19 the same idiom means decapitation.
וַהֲשִֽׁיבְךָ֖and restore youconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 3ms + 2ms sfx · שׁוּב (H7725)Weqatal sequential (result)→ Weqatal: consequential future actionשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; Hiphil = 'to restore, bring back'; 2ms suffix = you; Pharaoh will restore the cupbearer.
עַלtoprep · עַל (H5921)Directional preposition (restoration)עַל (H5921) 'upon, to'; with כַּנֶּךָ = 'to your position/base'; restoration to the original post is the outcome.
כַּנֶּ֑ךָyour officeN m sg cstr + 2ms sfx · כֵּן (H3653)Object of prep עַלכֵּן (H3653) 'base, stand, office, position'; with 2ms sfx = 'your post'; the cupbearer is restored to his original role.
וְנָתַתָּ֤and you will placeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · נָתַן (H5414)Weqatal sequential (resumed action)→ Weqatal: future consequential actionנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, place'; 2ms subject now shifts to the cupbearer who resumes his own service to Pharaoh.
כוֹסcup ofN f sg cstr · כּוֹס (H3563)Direct object (construct head)כּוֹס (H3563) 'cup'; the specific cup from the dream now appears in the predicted future; dream and reality align.
פַּרְעֹה֙Pharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Genitival proper nounפַּרְעֹה (H6547) 'Pharaoh'; Pharaoh's cup = the actual vessel of royal service; the dream's imagery is now the future reality.
בְּיָד֔וֹin his handprep בְּ + N c sg cstr + 3ms sfx · יָד (H3027)Locative prepositional phraseיָד (H3027) 'hand'; with 3ms sfx = 'in his hand' (Pharaoh's); the cup-in-hand image directly mirrors the dream's imagery.
כַּמִּשְׁפָּט֙according to customprep כְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִשְׁפָּט (H4941)Comitative/conformity phraseמִשְׁפָּט (H4941) 'judgment, ordinance, manner, custom'; here = 'the former practice'; restoration is to the exact same office.
הָֽרִאשׁ֔וֹןthe formerart + ordinal adj m sg · רִאשׁוֹן (H7223)Attributive adjectiveרִאשׁוֹן (H7223) 'first, former'; the former custom = pre-offense practice; complete restoration, not partial reinstatement.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhenrelative particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative/temporal clause introducerאֲשֶׁר (H834) relative; here temporal/relative 'when/as' introducing the state before the offense; looks backward.
הָיִ֖יתָyou wereQal perf 2ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: past stative conditionהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; perfective stative 2ms = 'you were'; looking back to the cupbearer's former service status.
מַשְׁקֵֽהוּhis cupbearerN m sg cstr + 3ms sfx · מַשְׁקֶה (H4945)Predicate noun (resultant state)מַשְׁקֶה (H4945) 'cupbearer'; with 3ms sfx = Pharaoh's cupbearer; the restoration is to the precise former office.
14
כִּ֧י אִם זְכַרְתַּ֣נִי אִתְּךָ֗ כַּאֲשֶׁר֙ יִ֣יטַב לָ֔ךְ וְעָשִֽׂיתָ נָּ֥א עִמָּדִ֖י חָ֑סֶד וְהִזְכַּרְתַּ֨נִי֙ אֶל פַּרְעֹ֔ה וְהוֹצֵאתַ֖נִי מִן הַבַּ֥יִת הַזֶּֽה
'But remember me with yourself when it goes well with you, and please show kindness to me, and mention me to Pharaoh, and bring me out from this house.'
Joseph turns from revelation to plea. He asks that future restoration produce remembered kindness rather than merely private relief for the cupbearer.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
כִּ֧יbut onlyconj · כִּי (H3588)Adversative/conditional conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'for, but, if'; here with אִם forms כִּי אִם = 'but only, except'; strong adversative transition to Joseph's plea.
אִםifconditional conj · אִם (H518)Conditional particleאִם (H518) 'if, only'; with כִּי = 'but only if'; the condition Joseph attaches to the interpretation: the cupbearer must remember.
זְכַרְתַּ֣נִיyou remember meQal perf 2ms + 1cs sfx · זָכַר (H2142)Protasis of condition→ Perfective: conditional — remembered as future factזָכַר (H2142) 'to remember, keep in mind'; with 1cs sfx = 'remember me'; the memory request is the crux of the plea.
אִתְּךָ֗with yourselfprep אֵת + 2ms sfx · אֵת (H854)Reflexive comitativeאֵת (H854) 'with'; with 2ms sfx = 'with yourself'; recalls Joseph to mind personally, not as abstract obligation.
כַּאֲשֶׁר֙whenprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Temporal subordinate clauseכַּאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'when, as'; introduces the time clause for the request: when things go well for the cupbearer.
יִ֣יטַבit goes wellQal impf 3ms · יָטַב (H3190)Predicate verb (temporal clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — future conditionיָטַב (H3190) 'to be good, go well'; Qal 3ms = 'it goes well for you'; the future prosperity Joseph envisions for the cupbearer.
לָ֔ךְfor youprep לְ + 2ms sfx · לְDative prepositional phrasePrep לְ with 2ms sfx; the well-being belongs to the cupbearer after his restoration to Pharaoh's favor.
וְעָשִֽׂיתָand please doconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Weqatal (sequential request)→ Weqatal: volitional future requestעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; weqatal 2ms forms a sequence of requests; Joseph asks the cupbearer to take action on his behalf.
נָּ֥אpleaseparticle of entreaty · נָא (H4994)Particle of entreaty (softening)נָא (H4994) 'please'; softens the request, acknowledging Joseph's lower position in asking a favor from a future freedman.
עִמָּדִ֖יwith meprep עִם + 1cs sfx · עִמָּד (H5978)Comitative prepositional phraseעִמָּד (H5978) variant of עִם 'with'; with 1cs sfx = 'with me'; the kindness is to be done in relation to Joseph personally.
חָ֑סֶדkindnessN m sg abs · חֶסֶד (H2617)Direct objectחֶסֶד (H2617) 'covenant loyalty, lovingkindness'; the relational obligation Joseph invokes; he asks not charity but loyalty.
וְהִזְכַּרְתַּ֨נִי֙and mention meconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2ms + 1cs sfx · זָכַר (H2142)Weqatal (sequential request)→ Weqatal: volitional — causative requestזָכַר (H2142) Hiphil = 'to cause to remember, mention'; 1cs sfx = me; ask Pharaoh to have Joseph in mind.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; the mentioning is directed toward Pharaoh; the cupbearer is to be the intermediary.
פַּרְעֹ֔הPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Object of prep אֶלפַּרְעֹה (H6547) 'Pharaoh'; Joseph's only hope of release lies with the king; the cupbearer must carry the request.
וְהוֹצֵאתַ֖נִיand bring me outconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 2ms + 1cs sfx · יָצָא (H3318)Weqatal (sequential request)→ Weqatal: volitional — causative requestיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil = 'to bring out, lead out'; 1cs sfx = me; the ultimate request: physical release from prison.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Ablative prepositional phraseמִן (H4480) 'from, out of'; with הַבַּיִת = 'from this house'; the source from which release must come.
הַבַּ֥יִתthe houseart + N m sg abs · בַּיִת (H1004)Object of prep מִןבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; the prison-house of ch 39-40; Joseph identifies the location from which he needs to escape.
הַזֶּֽהthisart + dem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Attributive demonstrativeזֶה (H2088) 'this'; proximal demonstrative specifying this particular house = the prison; Joseph's current confinement.
15
כִּֽי גֻנֹּ֣ב גֻּנַּ֔בְתִּי מֵאֶ֖רֶץ הָעִבְרִ֑ים וְגַם פֹּה֙ לֹא עָשִׂ֣יתִֽי מְא֔וּמָה כִּֽי שָׂמ֥וּ אֹתִ֖י בַּבּֽוֹר
'For I was indeed stolen away from the land of the Hebrews, and also here I have done nothing at all that they should put me in the pit.'
Joseph states his innocence in two directions: he was taken unjustly from his own land, and he has done nothing in Egypt deserving imprisonment.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
כִּֽיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces justification for the plea; Joseph grounds his request in the injustice of his situation.
גֻנֹּ֣בindeed stolenPual inf abs · גָּנַב (H1589)Infinitive absolute (emphatic)→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic intensificationגָּנַב (H1589) 'to steal'; Pual inf abs before the finite verb = strong emphasis: 'I was indeed/truly stolen.'
גֻּנַּ֔בְתִּיI was stolenPual perf 1cs · גָּנַב (H1589)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed act of theft against Josephגָּנַב (H1589) Pual passive = 'I was stolen'; Joseph was kidnapped, not a criminal; his confinement is unjust.
מֵאֶ֖רֶץfrom land ofprep מִן + N c sg cstr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Ablative prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; the land of origin from which Joseph was taken; his departure was theft, not migration.
הָעִבְרִ֑יםthe Hebrewsart + gentilic N m pl · עִבְרִי (H5680)Genitival noun in constructעִבְרִי (H5680) 'Hebrew'; gentilicial from עֵבֶר; Joseph names his ethnic identity and origin land against Egypt.
וְגַםand alsoconj וְ + additive particle · גַּם (H1571)Additive conjunctionגַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; adds a second point to the defense: not only was he stolen, but he has done nothing wrong here.
פֹּה֙hereadv · פֹּה (H6311)Locative adverb (fronted)פֹּה (H6311) 'here'; locative adverb fronted for emphasis; Joseph protests his innocence specifically in Egypt.
לֹאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particleלֹא (H3808) 'not'; categorical denial; Joseph has done nothing (מְאוּמָה) deserving the pit in Egypt.
עָשִׂ֣יתִֽיI didQal perf 1cs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (negated)→ Perfective: completed action (negated)עָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; negated by לֹא; Joseph has committed no act deserving imprisonment in Egypt.
מְא֔וּמָהanythingN c sg abs · מְאוּמָה (H3972)Direct object (of negated verb)מְאוּמָה (H3972) 'anything, anything at all'; negated = 'nothing'; strengthens the denial of any wrongdoing in Egypt.
כִּֽיthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Resultative conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'that, so that'; introduces the result clause explaining what happened despite Joseph's innocence.
שָׂמ֥וּthey putQal perf 3cp · שִׂים (H7760)Predicate verb (result clause)→ Perfective: completed unjust actשִׂים (H7760) 'to put, place, set'; indefinite 3cp subject = 'they' (unnamed); the unjust placement in the pit is the crime against Joseph.
אֹתִ֖י[obj] meobj marker + 1cs sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (1cs)אֵת (H853) with 1cs suffix marking Joseph himself as the direct object of the unjust imprisonment action.
בַּבּֽוֹרin the pitprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · בּוֹר (H953)Locative prepositional phraseבּוֹר (H953) 'pit, cistern, dungeon'; the dungeon beneath the prison; the same word used for the pit in Gen 37:20-28.
16
וַיַּ֥רְא שַׂר הָאֹפִ֖ים כִּ֣י ט֣וֹב פָּתָ֑ר וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ אֶל יוֹסֵ֔ף אַף אֲנִי֙ בַּחֲלוֹמִ֔י וְהִנֵּ֗ה שְׁלֹשָׁ֛ה סַלֵּ֥י חֹרִ֖י עַל רֹאשִֽׁי
And the chief of the bakers saw that he had interpreted favorably, and he said to Joseph, 'I also was in my dream, and behold, three baskets of white bread were on my head,'
The baker speaks because the first interpretation seemed favorable, but the narrative quietly prepares the contrast between expectation and outcome.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַיַּ֥רְאand he sawQal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; the baker observes that the first interpretation was favorable; sight triggers his own disclosure.
שַׂרchief ofN m sg cstr · שַׂר (H8269)Subject (construct head)שַׂר (H8269) 'chief, official'; the chief of the bakers now identified as a second subject entering the scene.
הָאֹפִ֖יםthe bakersart + Qal ptc m pl abs · אָפָה (H644)Genitival noun in construct→ Participial: role designation as baking corpsאָפָה (H644) 'to bake'; ptc as substantive title; the baker chief is introduced formally by his guild title.
כִּ֣יthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Object clause conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'that'; introduces the content of what the baker saw and perceived; introduces indirect perception.
ט֣וֹבfavorablyadj m sg abs · טוֹב (H2896)Predicate adjectiveטוֹב (H2896) 'good, favorable, well'; the baker perceives the interpretation as favorable in content; not that the dream was pleasant.
פָּתָ֑רhe interpretedQal perf 3ms · פָּתַר (H6622)Predicate verb (object clause)→ Perfective: completed interpretive actפָּתַר (H6622) 'to interpret'; Joseph's first interpretation is perceived as good, prompting the baker's self-disclosure.
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙and he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the baker speaks now, emboldened by what he saw as a favorable first interpretation.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositional phraseאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; the baker directs his speech to Joseph, now identified as the interpreter in the room.
יוֹסֵ֔ףJosephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Object of prep אֶליוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; named as the direct addressee; the baker approaches Joseph as a recognized dream interpreter.
אַףalso evenadditive particle · אַף (H637)Additive particle (self-inclusion)אַף (H637) 'also, even'; the baker joins the cupbearer in seeking interpretation; 'I too was in my dream.'
אֲנִי֙Ipers pron 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Subject (emphatic)אֲנִי (H589) 'I'; emphatic independent pronoun; the baker places himself as the subject of a parallel dream experience.
בַּחֲלוֹמִ֔יin my dreamprep בְּ + art + N m sg cstr + 1cs sfx · חֲלוֹם (H2472)Temporal/locative settingחֲלוֹם (H2472) 'dream'; with 1cs sfx = 'in my dream'; directly parallels the cupbearer's opening formula in v9:8.
וְהִנֵּ֗הand beholdconj וְ + presentative · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative exclamation (dream scene)הִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold'; presentative shifting to vivid dream narration; same formula as v9:9 for the cupbearer.
שְׁלֹשָׁ֛הthreenumeral m sg abs · שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969)Predicate numeral (existential)שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'; the same key number as the cupbearer's dream; the parallel structure anticipates parallel decoding.
סַלֵּ֥יbaskets ofN m pl cstr · סַל (H5536)Subject of existential clauseסַל (H5536) 'basket, wicker basket'; in construct; baskets on the head contrast with cup in hand: carried load vs. service role.
חֹרִ֖יwhite breadN m sg abs · חֹרִי (H2751)Genitival in construct (content)חֹרִי (H2751) 'white bread, fine white baked goods'; hapax in OT; the baker's own product is in the baskets he carries.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon'; the baskets are carried on top of his head; the head motif links to the head-lifting idiom to follow.
רֹאשִֽׁיmy headN m sg cstr + 1cs sfx · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Object of prep עַלרֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head'; with 1cs sfx; the head carrying the baskets is the very body part Pharaoh will lift — fatally.
17
וּבַסַּ֣ל הָֽעֶלְי֔וֹן מִכֹּ֛ל מַאֲכַ֥ל פַּרְעֹ֖ה מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה אֹפֶ֑ה וְהָע֗וֹף אֹכֵ֥ל אֹתָ֛ם מִן הַסַּ֖ל מֵעַ֥ל רֹאשִֽׁי
'and in the uppermost basket there was from every kind of food for Pharaoh, the work of a baker; and the birds were eating them out of the basket from upon my head.'
Unlike the cupbearer's dream of direct service, the baker's dream includes exposed food already being consumed by birds, an ominous disruption of royal provision.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וּבַסַּ֣לand in the basketconj וְ + prep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · סַל (H5536)Locative prepositional phraseסַל (H5536) 'basket'; the uppermost basket is singled out for the decisive detail that undoes the baker's hope.
הָֽעֶלְי֔וֹןthe uppermostart + adj m sg abs · עֶלְיוֹן (H5945)Attributive adjectiveעֶלְיוֹן (H5945) 'upper, uppermost, highest'; adjective specifying the topmost basket; the exposed position draws the birds.
מִכֹּ֛לfrom all kindsprep מִן + N m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Partitive prepositional phraseכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; with מִן = 'of every kind'; the basket contains a variety of royal baked provisions.
מַאֲכַ֥לfood ofN m sg cstr · מַאֲכָל (H3978)Construct chain (genitival)מַאֲכָל (H3978) 'food, something to eat'; construct noun; the general term for provisions prepared for Pharaoh's table.
פַּרְעֹ֖הPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Genitival proper nounפַּרְעֹה (H6547) 'Pharaoh'; the food is destined for the king, which makes the bird-eating a violation of royal provision.
מַעֲשֵׂ֣הwork ofN m sg cstr · מַעֲשֶׂה (H4639)Appositive construct (further specification)מַעֲשֶׂה (H4639) 'work, product, deed'; in construct = 'the work of a baker'; specifies the food as professionally baked.
אֹפֶ֑הa bakerQal ptc m sg abs · אָפָה (H644)Genitival in construct (producer)→ Participial: role designation — bakerאָפָה (H644) Qal ptc = 'baker'; the food is the baker's own craft — his handiwork being consumed before reaching Pharaoh.
וְהָע֗וֹףand the birdsconj וְ + art + N m sg coll · עוֹף (H5775)Subject (new clause)עוֹף (H5775) 'bird, fowl'; collective noun; the birds eating from the basket foreshadow the scavenger exposure of v19.
אֹכֵ֥לeatingQal ptc m sg abs · אָכַל (H398)Predicate (ptc as present action)→ Participial: progressive — ongoing eating within dreamאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; ptc presents the birds as actively eating even within the dream; the desecration is ongoing.
אֹתָ֛ם[obj] themobj marker + 3mp sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite)אֵת (H853) with 3mp sfx; 'them' refers to the baked goods; the birds consume the baker's own product.
מִןfrom out ofprep · מִן (H4480)Ablative prepositional phraseמִן (H4480) 'from, out of'; the birds eat from the basket — the very vessel the baker is carrying on his head.
הַסַּ֖לthe basketart + N m sg abs · סַל (H5536)Object of prep מִןסַל (H5536) 'basket'; with article referring to the specific uppermost basket; the source of the desecrating bird-feast.
מֵעַ֥לfrom uponprep מִן + prep עַל · עַל (H5921)Compound prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon'; compound מֵעַל = 'from upon'; specifies the location further: from the basket atop his head.
רֹאשִֽׁיmy headN m sg cstr + 1cs sfx · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Object of compound prepרֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head'; 1cs sfx = my head; the detail is lethal in retrospect — birds eating from his head foreshadows v19.
18
וַיַּ֤עַן יוֹסֵף֙ וַיֹּ֔אמֶר זֶ֖ה פִּתְרֹנ֑וֹ שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁת֙ הַסַּלִּ֔ים שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת יָמִ֖ים הֵֽם
And Joseph answered and said, 'This is its interpretation: the three baskets are three days.'
Joseph treats the second dream with the same interpretive clarity as the first, showing no distortion of truth for the sake of comfort.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיַּ֤עַןand he answeredQal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָנָה (H6030)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָנָה (H6030) 'to answer, respond'; Joseph responds without delay; the same interpretive clarity as before, regardless of outcome.
יוֹסֵף֙Josephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Subjectיוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; Joseph's integrity is shown in that he does not soften the second interpretation to please the baker.
וַיֹּ֔אמֶרand he saidQal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol (introduces direct speech)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; a second wayyiqtol of speech shifts from the response to the actual words of interpretation.
זֶ֖הthisdem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Subject (predicate-nominal clause)זֶה (H2088) 'this'; exact parallel formula to v12:3; declarative opening of the interpretation: 'This is its meaning.'
פִּתְרֹנ֑וֹits interpretationN m sg cstr + 3ms sfx · פִּתְרוֹן (H6623)Predicate nounפִּתְרוֹן (H6623) 'interpretation'; with 3ms sfx = the baker's dream's meaning; exact verbal parallel to the cupbearer's interpretation opener.
שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁת֙threenumeral m sg cstr · שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969)Subject of nominal equationשָׁלֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'; same equation structure as v12:5; three baskets = three days; the parallel reveals the different outcome.
הַסַּלִּ֔יםthe basketsart + N m pl abs · סַל (H5536)Genitival in constructסַל (H5536) 'basket'; with article = the specific baskets from the dream; decoded as three days, same as the branches.
שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁתthreenumeral m sg cstr · שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969)Predicate (equation)שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969) repeated as predicate; the number is the same for both dreams; the different outcomes are what differ, not the time.
יָמִ֖יםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Predicate noun (temporal)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; the decoded referent is the same three days, but what Pharaoh does in those three days is fatal for the baker.
הֵֽםthey arepers pron 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Copular predicateהֵם (H1992) 'they'; same copular formula as v12:9; the structural parallel is exact — only the content of what follows differs.
19
בְּע֣וֹד שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֗ים יִשָּׂ֨א פַרְעֹ֤ה אֶת רֹֽאשְׁךָ֙ מֵֽעָלֶ֔יךָ וְתָלָ֥ה אוֹתְךָ֖ עַל עֵ֑ץ וְאָכַ֥ל הָע֛וֹף אֶת בְּשָׂרְךָ֖ מֵעָלֶֽיךָ
'Within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head from off you and hang you on a tree, and the birds will eat your flesh from off you.'
The earlier restoration idiom turns grim here: Pharaoh will indeed lift up the baker's head, but only by removing it and exposing his body to shame.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
בְּע֣וֹדwithin yetprep בְּ + adv · עוֹד (H5750)Temporal prepositional phraseעוֹד (H5750) 'still, yet, within'; exact parallel opening to v13:0; same time frame, opposite outcome; the formula echoes ironically.
שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁתthreenumeral m sg cstr · שָׁלֹשׁ (H7969)Numeral in construct chainשָׁלֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'; the same three days that bring restoration for the cupbearer bring execution for the baker.
יָמִ֗יםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal noun (object of phrase)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; three days = the shared deadline; the two interpretations converge in time but diverge in verdict.
יִשָּׂ֨אwill lift upQal impf 3ms · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb (main clause, predictive)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — future prophetic certaintyנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift'; the same idiom as v13:3; 'lift up your head' here means decapitation, not restoration — grim irony.
פַרְעֹ֤הPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Subjectפַּרְעֹה (H6547) 'Pharaoh'; again the king is agent of both verdicts; he restores one and executes the other.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the head as definite direct object; the same grammatical form as v13:5 but the head is removed.
רֹֽאשְׁךָ֙your headN m sg cstr + 2ms sfx · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Direct object (idiom: lift head off)רֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head'; with 2ms sfx = your head; the same body part lifted in v13:6 for restoration is here lifted away fatally.
מֵֽעָלֶ֔יךָfrom off youprep מִן + prep עַל + 2ms sfx · עַל (H5921)Ablative phrase (separative)עַל (H5921) compound מֵעָלֶיךָ 'from upon you'; distinguishes this from v13: head is lifted not in honor but away from the body.
וְתָלָ֥הand will hang youconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · תָּלָה (H8518)Weqatal (sequential consequence)→ Weqatal: consequential future actionתָּלָה (H8518) 'to hang'; hanging as public execution and post-mortem exposure; the baker will be publicly executed.
אוֹתְךָ֖[obj] youobj marker + 2ms sfx · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (2ms)אֵת (H853) with 2ms sfx marking the baker himself as the direct object of the hanging sentence.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon'; specifies the instrument of execution; the body will hang on/from a tree or stake.
עֵ֑ץa treeN m sg abs · עֵץ (H6086)Object of prep עַלעֵץ (H6086) 'tree, wood, timber'; the gibbet or post for public hanging/impalement; exposure to the elements is part of the shame.
וְאָכַ֥לand will eatconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · אָכַל (H398)Weqatal (sequential consequence)→ Weqatal: consequential future actionאָכַל (H398) 'to eat'; the verb from the baker's own dream now returns as judgment — birds eating the dreamer himself.
הָע֛וֹףthe birdsart + N m sg coll · עוֹף (H5775)Subjectעוֹף (H5775) 'bird, fowl'; the birds from the dream (v17:7) now become the agent of post-mortem desecration in reality.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the baker's flesh as definite direct object of the birds' eating.
בְּשָׂרְךָ֖your fleshN m sg cstr + 2ms sfx · בָּשָׂר (H1320)Direct objectבָּשָׂר (H1320) 'flesh, body'; with 2ms sfx = 'your flesh'; the most graphic part of the verdict — no burial, birds consume the corpse.
מֵעָלֶֽיךָfrom off youprep מִן + prep עַל + 2ms sfx · עַל (H5921)Ablative phrase (iterative)עַל (H5921) compound מֵעָלֶיךָ repeated from v19:7; the repetition closes the sentence with the same brutal image of exposure.
20
וַיְהִ֣י בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֗י י֚וֹם הֻלֶּ֣דֶת אֶת פַּרְעֹ֔ה וַיַּ֥עַשׂ מִשְׁתֶּ֖ה לְכָל עֲבָדָ֑יו וַיִּשָּׂ֞א אֶת רֹ֣אשׁ שַׂ֣ר הַמַּשְׁקִ֗ים וְאֶת רֹ֛אשׁ שַׂ֥ר הָאֹפִ֖ים בְּת֥וֹךְ עֲבָדָֽיו
And it came to pass on the third day, Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the head of the chief of the cupbearers and the head of the chief of the bakers in the midst of his servants.
The third day publicly resolves both dreams at once. The birthday feast becomes the setting in which hidden interpretations are openly confirmed.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וַיְהִ֣יand it came to passQal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Discourse-opening formula (temporal)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; formulaic wayyiqtol opening the fulfillment scene; same formula as v1:0 opening the chapter.
בַּיּ֣וֹםon the dayprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; the specific day arrives — the third day that Joseph named; the fulfillment is precise and public.
הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֗יthe thirdart + ordinal adj m sg · שְׁלִישִׁי (H7992)Attributive ordinal adjectiveשְׁלִישִׁי (H7992) 'third'; the specific third day Joseph named; its arrival vindicates the interpretation as divine revelation.
י֚וֹםday ofN m sg cstr · יוֹם (H3117)Appositive (construct head)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; in construct introducing an appositive identification: the third day = Pharaoh's birthday.
הֻלֶּ֣דֶתthe birth ofHophal inf constr · יָלַד (H3205)Nominal infinitive (construct)→ Infinitive: nominal — identifies the day's occasionיָלַד (H3205) 'to give birth'; Hophal passive inf = 'the being-born-of'; birthday as formal court celebration occasion.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (Hophal passive)אֵת (H853) with Hophal passive inf; marks Pharaoh as the one born; unusual obj marker with passive infinitive construct.
פַּרְעֹ֔הPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Object of passive infinitiveפַּרְעֹה (H6547) 'Pharaoh'; the birthday is his; Egyptian royal birthdays were major annual celebration events at court.
וַיַּ֥עַשׂand he madeQal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to make, do'; Pharaoh throws a royal banquet; the public feast is the setting for the two verdicts.
מִשְׁתֶּ֖הa feastN m sg abs · מִשְׁתֶּה (H4960)Direct objectמִשְׁתֶּה (H4960) 'feast, banquet, drinking party'; royal celebration; a public occasion where fates are formally resolved.
לְכָלfor allprep לְ + N m sg cstr · כֹּל (H3605)Dative prepositional phraseכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; with לְ = 'for all'; the feast is inclusive of all court servants — a public, witnessed event.
עֲבָדָ֑יוhis servantsN m pl cstr + 3ms sfx · עֶבֶד (H5650)Object of prep לְעֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant, courtier'; with 3ms sfx = 'his servants'; the full court audience witnesses both outcomes simultaneously.
וַיִּשָּׂ֞אand he lifted upQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָשָׂא (H5375)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, raise'; the idiom now fulfilled publicly; the same verb as vv13 and 19; Pharaoh acts on both.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the chief cupbearer's head as the definite direct object of the lifting.
רֹ֣אשׁhead ofN m sg cstr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Direct object (construct head)רֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head'; the fulfilled idiom for the cupbearer: head lifted in restoration — precisely as Joseph said.
שַׂ֣רchief ofN m sg cstr · שַׂר (H8269)Construct chain (genitival)שַׂר (H8269) 'chief, official'; identifies the cupbearer by his full court title in the moment of his public restoration.
הַמַּשְׁקִ֗יםthe cupbearersart + N m pl abs · מַשְׁקֶה (H4945)Genitival noun in constructמַשְׁקֶה (H4945) 'cupbearers'; with article; his guild title is used at the moment of his restoration to that office.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת (H853) with conjunction וְ coordinates the second direct object: the baker's head is also lifted — but differently.
רֹ֛אשׁhead ofN m sg cstr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Direct object (second, construct head)רֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head'; the second head-lifting; the same idiom used for the baker, but with the fatal addendum of v19.
שַׂ֥רchief ofN m sg cstr · שַׂר (H8269)Construct chain (genitival)שַׂר (H8269) 'chief'; the baker's full title in the moment of his public execution; rank does not save him.
הָאֹפִ֖יםthe bakersart + Qal ptc m pl abs · אָפָה (H644)Genitival noun in construct→ Participial: role designationאָפָה (H644) 'to bake'; ptc with art; identified by his guild title at the moment of judicial condemnation.
בְּת֥וֹךְin the midst ofprep בְּ + N m sg cstr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Locative prepositional phraseתָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'middle, midst'; the court setting ensures both fates are witnessed publicly before all Pharaoh's servants.
עֲבָדָֽיוhis servantsN m pl cstr + 3ms sfx · עֶבֶד (H5650)Object of prep בְּתוֹךְעֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant, courtier'; repeated from v20:10; the same audience present at the feast witnesses both verdicts together.
21
וַיָּ֛שֶׁב אֶת שַׂ֥ר הַמַּשְׁקִ֖ים עַל מַשְׁקֵ֑הוּ וַיִּתֵּ֥ן הַכּ֖וֹס עַל כַּ֥ף פַּרְעֹֽה
And he restored the chief of the cupbearers to his cupbearing, and he placed the cup on Pharaoh's palm.
The cupbearer's restoration lands exactly where Joseph said it would: back in embodied service before Pharaoh's hand.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיָּ֛שֶׁבand he restoredHiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשׁוּב (H7725) Hiphil = 'to restore, return'; fulfillment of Joseph's word in v13:7; the prophecy is enacted exactly.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking the chief cupbearer as the definite direct object of the restoration action.
שַׂ֥רchief ofN m sg cstr · שַׂר (H8269)Direct object (construct head)שַׂר (H8269) 'chief'; the formal title in the fulfillment mirrors the title used in the interpretation; exact correspondence.
הַמַּשְׁקִ֖יםthe cupbearersart + N m pl abs · מַשְׁקֶה (H4945)Genitival noun in constructמַשְׁקֶה (H4945) 'cupbearers'; restored to lead his guild; the title marks the completeness of his reinstatement.
עַלtoprep · עַל (H5921)Directional preposition (restoration)עַל (H5921) 'upon, to'; עַל + מַשְׁקֵהוּ = 'to/over his cupbearing'; restoration to his specific office of cup-service.
מַשְׁקֵ֑הוּhis cupbearingN m sg cstr + 3ms sfx · מַשְׁקֶה (H4945)Object of prep עַלמַשְׁקֶה (H4945) 'cupbearing'; with 3ms sfx = 'his own cupbearing office'; the restoration is precisely to his former function.
וַיִּתֵּ֥ןand he placedQal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, place'; the gesture of placing the cup fulfills the exact dream imagery of vv9-11; precise correspondence.
הַכּ֖וֹסthe cupart + N f sg abs · כּוֹס (H3563)Direct objectכּוֹס (H3563) 'cup'; with article; the actual cup is placed exactly as dreamed; dream and fulfillment align word for word.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon'; marks the placement of the cup onto Pharaoh's palm; exact mirror of the dream scene in v11.
כַּ֥ףpalm ofN f sg cstr · כַּף (H3709)Construct chain (genitival)כַּף (H3709) 'palm of the hand'; the exact body part from the dream in v11:15; the fulfillment reproduces the dream's precision.
פַּרְעֹֽהPharaohproper noun · פַּרְעֹה (H6547)Genitival proper nounפַּרְעֹה (H6547) 'Pharaoh'; the cup reaches Pharaoh's own palm — the endpoint of the cupbearer's restored service.
22
וְאֵ֛ת שַׂ֥ר הָאֹפִ֖ים תָּלָ֑ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר פָּתַ֛ר לָהֶ֖ם יוֹסֵֽף
But the chief of the bakers he hanged, just as Joseph had interpreted to them.
The baker's fate is fulfilled with the same exactness, confirming that Joseph's gift speaks truth whether hopeful or severe.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וְאֵ֛תbut [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + object marker (contrastive)אֵת (H853) with conjunction וְ; the fronted object marker contrasts the baker's fate sharply with the cupbearer's restoration.
שַׂ֥רchief ofN m sg cstr · שַׂר (H8269)Direct object (fronted, contrastive)שַׂר (H8269) 'chief'; the baker's formal title appears at the moment of his execution, as did the cupbearer's at restoration.
הָאֹפִ֖יםthe bakersart + Qal ptc m pl abs · אָפָה (H644)Genitival noun in construct→ Participial: role designationאָפָה (H644) 'to bake'; ptc with art; the baker's guild title at his execution echoes his introduction in v2:9-10.
תָּלָ֑הhe hangedQal perf 3ms · תָּלָה (H8518)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed act of executionתָּלָה (H8518) 'to hang'; the verb used in Joseph's prediction (v19:8); fulfillment is recorded with the same verb.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥רjust asprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative/conformity clauseכַּאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'just as, according as'; the conformity formula confirms exact fulfillment; the narrator explicitly validates Joseph.
פָּתַ֛רhe had interpretedQal perf 3ms · פָּתַר (H6622)Predicate verb (conformity clause)→ Perfective: past completed interpretive actפָּתַר (H6622) 'to interpret'; Joseph's interpretation is confirmed as accurate; divine gift of interpretation is validated.
לָהֶ֖םto themprep לְ + 3mp sfx · לְIndirect objectPrep לְ with 3mp sfx; 'to them' = both men; the narrator's כַּאֲשֶׁר covers both interpretations simultaneously.
יוֹסֵֽףJosephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Subject (delayed, emphatic)יוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; fronted to the end for emphasis; the narrator names Joseph as the validated interpreter at the climax.
23
וְלֹֽא זָכַ֧ר שַֽׂר הַמַּשְׁקִ֛ים אֶת יוֹסֵ֖ף וַיִּשְׁכָּחֵֽהוּ
Yet the chief of the cupbearers did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.
Human forgetfulness, not Joseph's release, brings the narrative to its close. Revelation has been vindicated, but deliverance is still delayed.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וְלֹֽאyet notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Adversative conjunction + negativeלֹא (H3808) 'not'; with וְ = adversative 'yet not'; the narrator turns from vindicated interpretation to bitter human forgetfulness.
זָכַ֧רrememberedQal perf 3ms · זָכַר (H2142)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Perfective: completed act of forgettingזָכַר (H2142) 'to remember'; the very verb Joseph pleaded for in v14:2; the cupbearer does the opposite — he does not remember.
שַֽׂרchief ofN m sg cstr · שַׂר (H8269)Subject (construct head)שַׂר (H8269) 'chief'; the restored cupbearer is identified by his full court title even as he commits the act of forgetting Joseph.
הַמַּשְׁקִ֛יםthe cupbearersart + N m pl abs · מַשְׁקֶה (H4945)Genitival noun in constructמַשְׁקֶה (H4945) 'cupbearers'; the title that restoration gave him; he is back at his post but has forgotten the one who interpreted.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking Joseph as the definite direct object of the forgetting; Joseph is what is not remembered.
יוֹסֵ֖ףJosephproper noun · יוֹסֵף (H3130)Direct objectיוֹסֵף (H3130) 'Joseph'; the protagonist is the forgotten one; his gift was vindicated but his person is dismissed from memory.
וַיִּשְׁכָּחֵֽהוּbut forgot himQal wayyiqtol 3ms + 3ms sfx · שָׁכַח (H7911)Wayyiqtol (final, concluding)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance (closing)שָׁכַח (H7911) 'to forget'; with 3ms sfx = 'forgot him'; the double statement (not remember + forgot) closes ch 40 on suspended hope.