Genesis 40:16 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was favorable, he said to Joseph, "I too had a dream: There were three baskets of white bread on my head.

◄ Genesis 40:16 ►

New International Version
When the chief baker saw that Joseph had given a favorable interpretation, he said to Joseph, “I too had a dream: On my head were three baskets of bread.

New Living Translation
When the chief baker saw that Joseph had given the first dream such a positive interpretation, he said to Joseph, “I had a dream, too. In my dream there were three baskets of white pastries stacked on my head.

English Standard Version
When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was favorable, he said to Joseph, “I also had a dream: there were three cake baskets on my head,

Berean Standard Bible
When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was favorable, he said to Joseph, “I too had a dream: There were three baskets of white bread on my head.

King James Bible
When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, I had three white baskets on my head:

New King James Version
When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said to Joseph, “I also was in my dream, and there were three white baskets on my head.

New American Standard Bible
When the chief baker saw that he had interpreted favorably, he said to Joseph, “I also saw in my dream, and behold, there were three baskets of white bread on my head;

NASB 1995
When the chief baker saw that he had interpreted favorably, he said to Joseph, “I also saw in my dream, and behold, there were three baskets of white bread on my head;

NASB 1977
When the chief baker saw that he had interpreted favorably, he said to Joseph, “I also saw in my dream, and behold, there were three baskets of white bread on my head;

Legacy Standard Bible
And the chief baker saw that he had interpreted favorably, so he said to Joseph, “I also saw in my dream, and behold, there were three baskets of white bread on my head;

Amplified Bible
When the chief baker saw that the interpretation [of the dream] was good, he said to Joseph, “I also dreamed, and [in my dream] there were three cake baskets on my head;

Christian Standard Bible
When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was positive, he said to Joseph, “I also had a dream. Three baskets of white bread were on my head.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was positive, he said to Joseph, “I also had a dream. Three baskets of white bread were on my head.

American Standard Version
When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, three baskets of white bread were on my head:

Contemporary English Version
When the chief cook saw that Joseph had given a good meaning to the dream, he told Joseph, "I also had a dream. In it I was carrying three breadbaskets stacked on top of my head.

English Revised Version
When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, three baskets of white bread were on my head:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The chief baker saw that the meaning Joseph had given to the cupbearer's dream was good. So he said to Joseph, "I had a dream too. In my dream three baskets of white baked goods were on my head.

Good News Translation
When the chief baker saw that the interpretation of the wine steward's dream was favorable, he said to Joseph, "I had a dream too; I was carrying three breadbaskets on my head.

International Standard Version
When the head chef heard that the interpretation was good, he told Joseph, "I was also in my dream. All of a sudden, there were three baskets with white bread stacked on top of my head.

Majority Standard Bible
When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was favorable, he said to Joseph, “I too had a dream: There were three baskets of white bread on my head.

NET Bible
When the chief baker saw that the interpretation of the first dream was favorable, he said to Joseph, "I also appeared in my dream and there were three baskets of white bread on my head.

New Heart English Bible
When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was favorable, he said to Joseph, "I also appeared in my dream, and look, three baskets of white bread were on my head.

Webster's Bible Translation
When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said to Joseph, I also was in my dream, and behold, I had three white baskets on my head:

World English Bible
When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said to Joseph, “I also was in my dream, and behold, three baskets of white bread were on my head.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And the chief of the bakers sees that he has interpreted good, and he says to Joseph, “I also [am] in a dream, and behold, three baskets of white bread [are] on my head,

Young's Literal Translation
And the chief of the bakers seeth that he hath interpreted good, and he saith unto Joseph, 'I also am in a dream, and lo, three baskets of white bread are on my head,

Smith's Literal Translation
And the chief of the bakers see that he interpreted good, and he will say to Joseph, I also in my dream, and behold, three wicker baskets of white bread upon my head.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
The chief baker seeing that he had wisely interpreted the dream, said: I also dreamed a dream, That I bed three baskets of meal upon my heed:

Catholic Public Domain Version
The chief miller of grain, seeing that he had wisely unraveled the dream, said: “I also saw a dream: that I had three baskets of meal above my head,

New American Bible
When the chief baker saw that Joseph had given a favorable interpretation, he said to him: “I too had a dream. In it I had three bread baskets on my head;

New Revised Standard Version
When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was favorable, he said to Joseph, “I also had a dream: there were three cake baskets on my head,

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said to Joseph, I also saw in my dream, and, behold. I had three baskets containing white bread on my head;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Chief Baker saw that he interpreted well and said to Yoseph, “Also I am in my dream and behold, three baskets of white flour on my head:

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph: 'I also saw in my dream, and, behold, three baskets of white bread were on my head;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the chief baker saw that he interpreted aright; and he said to Joseph, I also saw a dream, and methought I took up on my head three baskets of mealy food.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Cupbearer and the Baker
…15For I was kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing for which they should have put me in this dungeon.” 16When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was favorable, he said to Joseph, “I too had a dream: There were three baskets of white bread on my head. 17In the top basket were all sorts of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Daniel 2:36-45
This was the dream; now we will tell the king its interpretation. / You, O king, are the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given sovereignty, power, strength, and glory. / Wherever the sons of men or beasts of the field or birds of the air dwell, He has given them into your hand and has made you ruler over them all. You are that head of gold. ...

Daniel 4:19-27
For a time, Daniel, who was also known as Belteshazzar, was perplexed, and his thoughts alarmed him. So the king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation alarm you.” “My lord,” replied Belteshazzar, “may the dream apply to those who hate you, and its interpretation to your enemies! / The tree you saw that grew large and strong, whose top reached the sky and was visible to all the earth, / whose foliage was beautiful and whose fruit was abundant, providing food for all, under which the beasts of the field lived, and in whose branches the birds of the air nested— ...

Matthew 27:19
While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him.”

Acts 2:17
‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

Acts 10:10-16
He became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. / He saw heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. / It contained all kinds of four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, as well as birds of the air. ...

Acts 16:9
During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

Acts 18:9-10
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. / For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.”

Acts 23:11
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.”

Acts 27:23-24
For just last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me / and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And look, God has granted you the lives of all who sail with you.’

1 Corinthians 12:10
to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.

1 Corinthians 14:26
What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church.

Hebrews 1:1
On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets.

Genesis 37:5-10
Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. / He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: / We were binding sheaves of grain in the field, and suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to mine.” ...

Genesis 41:1-7
After two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing beside the Nile, / when seven cows, sleek and well-fed, came up from the river and began to graze among the reeds. / After them, seven other cows, sickly and thin, came up from the Nile and stood beside the well-fed cows on the bank of the river. ...

Genesis 41:12-13
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. / And it happened to us just as he had interpreted: I was restored to my position, and the other man was hanged.”

Treasury of Scripture

When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said to Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, I had three white baskets on my head:

the chief.

Genesis 40:1,2
And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt…

white baskets.

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Genesis 40

1. The chief butler and baker of Pharaoh are also imprisoned.
5. Joseph interprets their dreams.
20. They are accomplished according to his interpretation.
23. The ingratitude of the butler, in forgetting Joseph.

Berean Study Bible

When the chief baker saw
The phrase introduces the chief baker, a significant character in this narrative. In Hebrew, "saw" (רָאָה, ra'ah) implies more than just physical sight; it suggests perception and understanding. The chief baker's observation of the favorable interpretation given to the cupbearer ignites hope and expectation within him. This moment reflects human nature's tendency to seek positive outcomes and the desire for reassurance in uncertain circumstances.

that the interpretation was favorable
The word "favorable" (טוֹב, tov) in Hebrew conveys goodness, prosperity, and well-being. The favorable interpretation given to the cupbearer by Joseph is a source of encouragement for the baker. This highlights the power of words and interpretations in shaping one's outlook and the hope that divine intervention can bring about positive change. It also underscores the importance of faith and trust in God's plans, even when circumstances seem dire.

he said to Joseph
Joseph, whose name in Hebrew (יוֹסֵף, Yosef) means "he will add," is a central figure in this narrative. His ability to interpret dreams is a gift from God, showcasing divine wisdom and insight. The chief baker's approach to Joseph signifies a moment of vulnerability and trust, as he seeks understanding and clarity regarding his own dream. This interaction emphasizes the role of God's chosen individuals in guiding and providing wisdom to others.

I too had a dream
Dreams in the ancient Near Eastern context were often seen as messages from the divine. The chief baker's declaration of having a dream aligns with the cultural and historical understanding of dreams as significant and worthy of interpretation. This statement also reflects the universal human experience of seeking meaning and purpose in life, especially through divine communication.

There were three baskets
The number "three" in biblical terms often symbolizes completeness or divine perfection. The three baskets in the baker's dream may suggest a complete or significant message from God. This detail invites readers to consider the symbolic nature of numbers in Scripture and their potential meanings in conveying God's plans and purposes.

of white bread
White bread, in the context of ancient Egypt, would have been considered a luxury item, symbolizing purity and abundance. The mention of white bread in the dream could indicate the baker's profession and his role in providing sustenance. It also serves as a reminder of God's provision and the sustenance He offers to His people, both physically and spiritually.

on my head
Carrying baskets on the head was a common practice in ancient times, especially in Egypt. This detail adds authenticity to the narrative, grounding it in historical and cultural reality. It also symbolizes the burden or responsibility the baker carries, both in his profession and in the unfolding events of his life. This imagery invites reflection on the burdens we carry and the need to trust in God's guidance and provision.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(16, 17) Three white baskets.--Rashi explains the phrase of baskets of wicker-work, but most commentators agree in rendering it "baskets of white bread." The "bakemeats" were all preparations of pastry and confectionery, as throughout the Bible meat does not mean flesh, but food. (Comp. Luke 24:41; John 21:5.)

On my head.--The Egyptian men carried Burdens on their heads; the women on their shoulders (Herod. ii. 35).

Bakemeats.--Heb., All sorts of work for Pharaoh the work of a baker.

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 16, 17. - When (literally, and) the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he (literally, and he, encouraged by the good fortune predicted to his fellow-prisoner) said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, I had three (literally, and behold three) white baskets - literally, baskets of white bread; LXX., κανᾶ χονδριτῶν; Vulgate, canistra farince; Aquila, κόφινοι γύρεως (Onkolos, Pererius, Gesenius, Furst, Keil, Kalisch, Murphy, et alii); though the rendering "baskets of holes," i.e. wicker baskets, is preferred by some (Symmachus Datbius, Rosenmüller, and others), and accords with the evidence of the monuments, which frequently exhibit baskets of wickerwork (vide Wilkinson's 'Ancient Egyptians,' 2:34, ed. 1878) - on my head. According to Herodotus (2:35), Egyptian men commonly carried on their heads, and Egyptian women, like Hagar (Genesis 21:14), on their shoulders. And in the uppermost basket (whose contents alone are described, since it alone was exposed to the depredations of the birds) there was of all manner of bake-meats for Pharaoh - literally, all kinds of food for Pharaoh, the work of a baker. The monuments show that the variety of confectionery used in Egypt was exceedingly extensive (Hengstenberg, p. 27). And the birds - literally, the bird; a collective, as in Genesis 1:21, 30 (cf. ver. 19) - did eat them out of the basket upon my head.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

When the chief
שַׂר־ (śar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

baker
הָאֹפִ֖ים (hā·’ō·p̄îm)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 644: To cook, to bake

saw
וַיַּ֥רְא (way·yar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

that
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the interpretation
פָּתָ֑ר (pā·ṯār)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6622: To open up, interpret

was favorable,
ט֣וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

he said
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Joseph,
יוֹסֵ֔ף (yō·w·sêp̄)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3130: Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites

“I
אֲנִי֙ (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

too
אַף־ (’ap̄-)
Conjunction
Strong's 637: Meaning accession, yea, adversatively though

had a dream:
בַּחֲלוֹמִ֔י (ba·ḥă·lō·w·mî)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 2472: A dream

There were
וְהִנֵּ֗ה (wə·hin·nêh)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

three
שְׁלֹשָׁ֛ה (šə·lō·šāh)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice

baskets
סַלֵּ֥י (sal·lê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5536: A willow twig, an osier, as woven into a, basket

of white bread
חֹרִ֖י (ḥō·rî)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2751: White (bread)

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

my head.
רֹאשִֽׁי׃ (rō·šî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 7218: The head

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OT Law: Genesis 40:16 When the chief baker saw that (Gen. Ge Gn)