Genesis 40:21
New International Version
He restored the chief cupbearer to his position, so that he once again put the cup into Pharaoh’s hand—

New Living Translation
He then restored the chief cup-bearer to his former position, so he could again hand Pharaoh his cup.

English Standard Version
He restored the chief cupbearer to his position, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand.

Berean Standard Bible
Pharaoh restored the chief cupbearer to his position, so that he once again placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand.

King James Bible
And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand:

New King James Version
Then he restored the chief butler to his butlership again, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand.

New American Standard Bible
He restored the chief cupbearer to his office, and he put the cup into Pharaoh’s hand;

NASB 1995
He restored the chief cupbearer to his office, and he put the cup into Pharaoh’s hand;

NASB 1977
And he restored the chief cupbearer to his office, and he put the cup into Pharaoh’s hand;

Legacy Standard Bible
And he restored the chief cupbearer to his office, and he put the cup into Pharaoh’s hand;

Amplified Bible
He restored the chief cupbearer to his office, and the cupbearer [once again] put the cup into Pharaoh’s hand;

Christian Standard Bible
Pharaoh restored the chief cupbearer to his position as cupbearer, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Pharaoh restored the chief cupbearer to his position as cupbearer, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand.

American Standard Version
And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand:

Contemporary English Version
He put the personal servant back in his old job

English Revised Version
And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He restored the chief cupbearer to his position. So the cupbearer put the cup in Pharaoh's hand.

Good News Translation
He restored the wine steward to his former position,

International Standard Version
that is, he restored his senior security advisor to his former responsibilities, including attending to Pharaoh's personal wine cup,

Majority Standard Bible
Pharaoh restored the chief cupbearer to his position, so that he once again placed the cup in Pharaoh?s hand.

NET Bible
He restored the chief cupbearer to his former position so that he placed the cup in Pharaoh's hand,

New Heart English Bible
He restored the chief cupbearer to his position again, and he placed the cup into Pharaoh?s hand;

Webster's Bible Translation
And he restored the chief butler to his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand:

World English Bible
He restored the chief cup bearer to his position again, and he gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and he puts back the chief of the butlers to his butlership, and he gives the cup into the hand of Pharaoh;

Young's Literal Translation
and he putteth back the chief of the butlers to his butlership, and he giveth the cup into the hand of Pharaoh;

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will restore the chief of the cup-bearers to his possession; and he will give the cup into Pharaoh's hand.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he restored the one to his place to present him the cup:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he restored the one to his place, to present him the cup;

New American Bible
He restored the chief cupbearer to his office, so that he again handed the cup to Pharaoh;

New Revised Standard Version
He restored the chief cupbearer to his cupbearing, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he restored the chief butler to his position; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hands:

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he raised up the Chief of Drinking unto his position and he gave the cup unto the hands of Pharaoh:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he restored the chief butler back unto his butlership; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he restored the chief cupbearer to his office, and he gave the cup into Pharao's hand.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Cupbearer and the Baker
20On the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, he held a feast for all his officials, and in their presence he lifted up the heads of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker. 21Pharaoh restored the chief cupbearer to his position, so that he once again placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand. 22But Pharaoh hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had described to them in his interpretation.…

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

Genesis 41:10-12
Pharaoh was once angry with his servants, and he put me and the chief baker in the custody of the captain of the guard. / One night both the chief baker and I had dreams, and each dream had its own meaning. / Now a young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams and he interpreted them for us individually.

Esther 6:1-3
That night sleep escaped the king; so he ordered the Book of Records, the Chronicles, to be brought in and read to him. / And there it was found recorded that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two of the eunuchs who guarded the king’s entrance, when they had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. / The king inquired, “What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this act?” “Nothing has been done for him,” replied the king’s attendants.

Daniel 2:25-28
Arioch hastily brought Daniel before the king and said to him, “I have found a man among the exiles from Judah who will tell the king the interpretation.” / The king responded to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to tell me what I saw in the dream, as well as its interpretation?” / Daniel answered the king, “No wise man, enchanter, medium, or magician can explain to the king the mystery of which he inquires. ...

Daniel 5:12-14
did this because Daniel, the one he named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, as well as knowledge, understanding, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Summon Daniel, therefore, and he will give you the interpretation.” / So Daniel was brought before the king, who asked him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah? / I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that you have insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom.

1 Samuel 2:7-8
The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. / He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.

Psalm 75:6-7
For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, / but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another.

Proverbs 21:1
The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.

Nehemiah 2:1-6
Now in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was set before him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had never been sad in his presence, / so the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear / and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” ...

Matthew 27:15-26
Now it was the governor’s custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing. / At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas. / So when the crowd had assembled, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” ...

Mark 15:6-15
Now it was Pilate’s custom at the feast to release to the people a prisoner of their choosing. / And a man named Barabbas was imprisoned with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. / So the crowd went up and began asking Pilate to keep his custom. ...

Luke 23:16-25
Therefore I will punish Him and release Him.” / Now Pilate was obliged to release to the people one prisoner at the feast. / But they all cried out in unison: “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” ...

John 19:10-12
So Pilate said to Him, “Do You refuse to speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You and authority to crucify You?” / Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.” / From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.”

Acts 12:6-11
On the night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, with sentries standing guard at the entrance to the prison. / Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists. / “Get dressed and put on your sandals,” said the angel. Peter did so, and the angel told him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” ...

Acts 16:25-26
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. / Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose.


Treasury of Scripture

And he restored the chief butler to his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand:

gave the cup.

Genesis 40:13
Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh's cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler.

Nehemiah 2:1
And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.

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Butler Butlers Chief Cup Cupbearer Cup-Bearers Hand Office Once Pharaoh Pharaoh's Placed Position Putteth Restored Wine-Servant
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Butler Butlers Chief Cup Cupbearer Cup-Bearers Hand Office Once Pharaoh Pharaoh's Placed Position Putteth Restored Wine-Servant
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.














He restored
The phrase "He restored" signifies a return to a former state or position. In Hebrew, the root word is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which means to return or bring back. This act of restoration is a powerful theme throughout the Bible, symbolizing God's ability to restore individuals to their intended purpose and position. It reflects God's sovereignty and His plans for redemption and reconciliation. In the broader narrative, Joseph's interpretation of the dream and the subsequent restoration of the cupbearer foreshadow the ultimate restoration that God offers to humanity through Christ.

the chief cupbearer
The "chief cupbearer" was a significant position in ancient Egyptian courts, responsible for serving wine to the Pharaoh and ensuring its safety. The Hebrew term "מַשְׁקֶה" (mashqeh) indicates a role of trust and intimacy with the king. Historically, cupbearers were often confidants and advisors, highlighting the importance of this restoration. This position's restoration underscores the theme of divine providence and the unfolding of God's plan, as the cupbearer would later play a crucial role in Joseph's rise to power.

to his position
The phrase "to his position" indicates a reinstatement to a former role or office. The Hebrew word "כַּן" (kan) refers to a base or stand, symbolizing stability and authority. This reinstatement is not just a return to employment but a reestablishment of trust and responsibility. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and the importance of remaining faithful and patient during times of trial, as Joseph did.

so that he once again placed
"So that he once again placed" suggests a return to routine and duty. The Hebrew verb "נָתַן" (natan) means to give or set, indicating the resumption of the cupbearer's duties. This action signifies the restoration of normalcy and order, reflecting God's ability to bring about renewal and continuity in our lives. It also highlights the importance of fulfilling one's responsibilities faithfully, as the cupbearer does upon his restoration.

the cup in Pharaoh’s hand
The "cup in Pharaoh’s hand" is a symbol of service and loyalty. The act of placing the cup in Pharaoh's hand signifies the cupbearer's role in the royal court and his restored relationship with the king. In a broader biblical context, the cup can symbolize blessing, judgment, or destiny. Here, it represents the fulfillment of Joseph's interpretation and God's unfolding plan. This moment foreshadows the greater narrative of Joseph's rise to power and the eventual deliverance of his family, illustrating God's providential care and the intricate weaving of His purposes through human history.

Verses 21, 22. - And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand (literally, Set the cup upon Pharaoh's psalm): but he (i.e. Pharaoh) hanged the chief baker (vide supra, ver. 19): as Joseph had interpreted to them.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Pharaoh restored
וַיָּ֛שֶׁב (way·yā·šeḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

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

cupbearer
הַמַּשְׁקִ֖ים (ham·maš·qîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4945: Causing to drink, a butler, drink, a well-watered region

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

his position,
מַשְׁקֵ֑הוּ (maš·qê·hū)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4945: Causing to drink, a butler, drink, a well-watered region

so that he once again placed
וַיִּתֵּ֥ן (way·yit·tên)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

the cup
הַכּ֖וֹס (hak·kō·ws)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3563: A cup, a lot, some unclean bird, an owl

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

Pharaoh’s
פַּרְעֹֽה׃ (par·‘ōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6547: Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings

hand.
כַּ֥ף (kap̄)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3709: Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan


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OT Law: Genesis 40:21 He restored the chief cupbearer to his (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 40:20
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