◄ Genesis 41:11 ►
One night both the chief baker and I had dreams, and each dream had its own meaning.
Study Bible
One night
The phrase "one night" signifies a specific moment in time, a divinely appointed occasion where God chose to reveal His plans through dreams. In the Hebrew context, night often symbolizes a time of mystery and divine revelation. Throughout Scripture, God frequently uses the night to communicate with His people, as seen with Jacob's dream at Bethel (Genesis 28:11-12) and Solomon's request for wisdom (1 Kings 3:5). This highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to intervene in human affairs at any moment.

both the chief baker and I
This phrase identifies the two individuals involved in the narrative: the chief baker and the cupbearer, both of whom held significant positions in Pharaoh's court. Their roles were crucial, as they were responsible for the safety and quality of Pharaoh's food and drink. Historically, these positions were trusted and influential, often close to the king. The mention of both individuals emphasizes the impartiality of God's communication, as He reveals His will to people regardless of their status or situation.

had dreams
Dreams in the ancient Near Eastern context were often seen as messages from the divine. The Hebrew word for "dream" (חֲלוֹם, chalom) suggests a vision or revelation. In the Bible, dreams are a common method through which God communicates His plans and purposes, as seen with Joseph, Daniel, and others. This underscores the belief that God is actively involved in guiding and directing the lives of His people, using dreams as a means to convey His divine will.

and each dream had its own meaning
This phrase indicates the uniqueness and specificity of each dream. In the Hebrew tradition, dreams were not random but carried significant meanings and messages. The fact that each dream had its own meaning suggests that God has a distinct purpose and plan for each individual. This aligns with the biblical theme that God is a personal God who knows and cares for each person uniquely, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, where God declares His plans for individuals' welfare and future.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joseph
A Hebrew man who was sold into slavery by his brothers and ended up in Egypt. He is known for his ability to interpret dreams, which plays a crucial role in this chapter.

2. Pharaoh's Cupbearer
An official in Pharaoh's court who was imprisoned and had a dream that Joseph interpreted. His dream and its interpretation are pivotal in Joseph's rise to power.

3. Pharaoh's Baker
Another official in Pharaoh's court who was imprisoned alongside the cupbearer. His dream, interpreted by Joseph, foretold his execution.

4. Egypt
The land where Joseph was taken as a slave and where these events unfold. It is a place of both Joseph's suffering and eventual rise to power.

5. Prison
The setting where Joseph interprets the dreams of the cupbearer and the baker, leading to his eventual introduction to Pharaoh.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Circumstances
Even in prison, God was with Joseph, orchestrating events for His purposes. Trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dire.

Faithfulness in Small Things
Joseph's faithfulness in interpreting dreams in prison led to greater responsibilities. Be faithful in small tasks, as they prepare you for larger roles.

The Power of God's Revelation
Joseph's ability to interpret dreams was a gift from God. Seek God's wisdom and revelation in your life, trusting that He can reveal His will to you.

Patience and Timing
Joseph waited years for his situation to change. Be patient and trust in God's perfect timing for your life.

God's Redemption and Restoration
Joseph's account is one of redemption and restoration. No matter your past or current situation, God can redeem and restore your life.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Joseph's experience in prison prepare him for his future role in Egypt? Reflect on a time when a difficult situation prepared you for something greater.

2. In what ways does Joseph's account illustrate the importance of trusting God's timing? How can you apply this to a current situation in your life?

3. How does the ability to interpret dreams serve as a testament to God's power and presence in Joseph's life? What gifts has God given you to serve His purposes?

4. Compare Joseph's experience with that of Daniel in Babylon. What similarities and differences do you see, and what can you learn from both accounts about God's faithfulness?

5. Reflect on a time when you were faithful in a small task and it led to greater opportunities. How can you continue to be faithful in the small things God has entrusted to you?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 40
Provides the background of Joseph interpreting the dreams of the cupbearer and the baker, setting the stage for Genesis 41:11.

Daniel 2
Similar to Joseph, Daniel interprets dreams for a king, showcasing God's power to reveal mysteries through His servants.

Acts 7:9-10
Stephen recounts Joseph's account, emphasizing God's providence and faithfulness in Joseph's life.
Sermons
Confession of Sin DifficultGenesis 41:9-13
Faults RememberedT. Kidd.Genesis 41:9-13
Have You Forgotten Him?Spurgeon, Charles HaddonGenesis 41:9-13
Pharaoh's ButlerHomilistGenesis 41:9-13
Pharaoh's ButlerHomiletic ReviewGenesis 41:9-13
The Tried ManR.A. Redford Genesis 41
People
Asenath, Egyptians, Joseph, Manasseh, Pharaoh, Potipherah, Zaphnathpaaneah
Places
Egypt, Nile River, On
Topics
Dream, Dreamed, Dreams, Interpretation, Meaning, Sense, Special
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 41:1-49

     8131   guidance, results

Genesis 41:9-13

     6682   mediation

Genesis 41:10-32

     7730   explanation

Library
The Covenant of Works
Q-12: I proceed to the next question, WHAT SPECIAL ACT OF PROVIDENCE DID GOD EXERCISE TOWARDS MAN IN THE ESTATE WHEREIN HE WAS CREATED? A: When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him upon condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge upon pain of death. For this, consult with Gen 2:16, 17: And the Lord commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Earliest Chapters in Divine Revelation
[Sidenote: The nature of inspiration] Since the days of the Greek philosophers the subject of inspiration and revelation has been fertile theme for discussion and dispute among scholars and theologians. Many different theories have been advanced, and ultimately abandoned as untenable. In its simplest meaning and use, inspiration describes the personal influence of one individual upon the mind and spirit of another. Thus we often say, "That man inspired me." What we are or do under the influence …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Man's Chief End
Q-I: WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN? A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever. Here are two ends of life specified. 1: The glorifying of God. 2: The enjoying of God. I. The glorifying of God, I Pet 4:4: That God in all things may be glorified.' The glory of God is a silver thread which must run through all our actions. I Cor 10:01. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' Everything works to some end in things natural and artificial; …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4

Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision F. Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. ^C Luke XVI. 19-31. [The parable we are about to study is a direct advance upon the thoughts in the previous section. We may say generally that if the parable of the unjust steward teaches how riches are to be used, this parable sets forth the terrible consequences of a failure to so use them. Each point of the previous discourse is covered in detail, as will be shown by the references in the discussion of the parable.] …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It.
[Sidenote: 1139] 33. (20). It seemed to him, however, that one could not go on doing these things with sufficient security without the authority of the Apostolic See; and for that reason he determined to set out for Rome, and most of all because the metropolitan see still lacked, and from the beginning had lacked, the use of the pall, which is the fullness of honour.[507] And it seemed good in his eyes[508] that the church for which he had laboured so much[509] should acquire, by his zeal and labour, …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Genesis 41:11 NIV
Genesis 41:11 NLT
Genesis 41:11 ESV
Genesis 41:11 NASB
Genesis 41:11 KJV

Genesis 41:11 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Genesis 41:10
Top of Page
Top of Page