Genesis 41:11
New International Version
Each of us had a dream the same night, and each dream had a meaning of its own.

New Living Translation
One night the chief baker and I each had a dream, and each dream had its own meaning.

English Standard Version
we dreamed on the same night, he and I, each having a dream with its own interpretation.

Berean Standard Bible
One night both the chief baker and I had dreams, and each dream had its own meaning.

Berean Literal Bible
And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; each man according to the interpretation of his dream we dreamed.

King James Bible
And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.

New King James Version
we each had a dream in one night, he and I. Each of us dreamed according to the interpretation of his own dream.

New American Standard Bible
Then we had a dream one night, he and I; each of us dreamed according to the interpretation of his own dream.

NASB 1995
“We had a dream on the same night, he and I; each of us dreamed according to the interpretation of his own dream.

NASB 1977
“And we had a dream on the same night, he and I; each of us dreamed according to the interpretation of his own dream.

Legacy Standard Bible
And we had a dream on the same night, he and I; each of us dreamed according to the interpretation of his own dream.

Amplified Bible
We dreamed a dream on the same night, he and I; each of us dreamed according to [the significance of] the interpretation of his own dream.

Berean Annotated Bible
One night both the chief baker and I had dreams, and each dream had its own meaning.

Christian Standard Bible
He and I had dreams on the same night; each dream had its own meaning.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He and I had dreams on the same night; each dream had its own meaning.

American Standard Version
and we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.

Contemporary English Version
One night we both had dreams, and each dream had a different meaning.

English Revised Version
and we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
We both had dreams the same night. Each dream had its own meaning.

Good News Translation
One night each of us had a dream, and the dreams had different meanings.

International Standard Version
We each had a dream on the same night, and each dream had its own meaning.

NET Bible
We each had a dream one night; each of us had a dream with its own meaning.

New Heart English Bible
We had a dream on the same night, he and I, each having a dream with its own meaning.

Webster's Bible Translation
And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he: we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
One night both the chief baker and I had dreams, and each dream had its own meaning.

World English Bible
We dreamed a dream in one night, he and I. Each man dreamed according to the interpretation of his dream.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and we dream a dream in one night, I and he, each according to the interpretation of his dream we have dreamed.

Berean Literal Bible
And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; each man according to the interpretation of his dream we dreamed.

Young's Literal Translation
and we dream a dream in one night, I and he, each according to the interpretation of his dream we have dreamed.

Smith's Literal Translation
And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he: we dreamed a man according to the interpretation of his dream.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Where in one night both of us dreamed a dream foreboding things to come.

Catholic Public Domain Version
There, in one night, both of us saw a dream presaging the future.

New American Bible
Later, we both had dreams on the same night, and each of our dreams had its own meaning.

New Revised Standard Version
We dreamed on the same night, he and I, each having a dream with its own meaning.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And we dreamed dreams in the same night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and that man, each according to the interpretation of his dream, we dreamed.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And we had a dream both in one night, I and he; we saw, each according to his dream.

Additional Translations ...



Context
The Dreams of Pharaoh
10Pharaoh was once angry with his servants, and he put me and the chief baker in the custody of the captain of the guard. 11One night both the chief baker and I had dreams, and each dream had its own meaning. 12Now 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.…

Cross References
One night

Genesis 20:3
One night, however, God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him, “You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman.”

Job 33:15
In a dream, in a vision in the night, when deep sleep falls upon men as they slumber on their beds,

Daniel 2:19
During the night, the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision, and he blessed the God of heaven
both the chief baker and I

Genesis 40:5
both of these men—the Egyptian king’s cupbearer and baker, who were being held in the prison—had a dream on the same night, and each dream had its own meaning.

Genesis 40:2
Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker,

Genesis 40:3
and imprisoned them in the house of the captain of the guard, the same prison where Joseph was confined.
had dreams,

Daniel 2:1
In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams that troubled his spirit, and sleep escaped him.

Genesis 37:5
Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more.

Genesis 37:9
Then Joseph had another dream and told it to his brothers. “Look,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.”
and each dream had its own meaning.

Genesis 40:8
“We both had dreams,” they replied, “but there is no one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Don’t interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.”

Genesis 40:12
Joseph replied, “This is the interpretation: The three branches are three days.

Genesis 40:18
Joseph replied, “This is the interpretation: The three baskets are three days.
Daniel 4:5-9
I had a dream, and it frightened me; while I was in my bed, the images and visions in my mind alarmed me. / So I issued a decree that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me. / When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners came in, I told them the dream, but they could not interpret it for me. …

Judges 7:13-15
And as Gideon arrived, a man was telling his friend about a dream. “Behold, I had a dream,” he said, “and I saw a loaf of barley bread come tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent so hard that the tent overturned and collapsed.” / His friend replied: “This is nothing less than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has delivered Midian and the whole camp into his hand.” / When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship. He returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Get up, for the LORD has delivered the camp of Midian into your hand.”

Daniel 2:27-30
Daniel answered the king, “No wise man, enchanter, medium, or magician can explain to the king the mystery of which he inquires. / But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days. Your dream and the visions that came into your mind as you lay on your bed were these: / As you lay on your bed, O king, your thoughts turned to the future, and the Revealer of Mysteries made known to you what will happen. …

Daniel 5:12
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.”


Treasury of Scripture

And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.

Genesis 40:5-8
And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison…

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Dream Dreamed Dreams Interpretation Meaning Night Sense Special
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Dream Dreamed Dreams Interpretation Meaning Night Sense Special
Genesis 41
1. Pharaoh has two dreams.
9. Joseph interprets them.
33. He gives Pharaoh counsel, and is highly advanced, and married.
46. The seven years of plenty.
50. He begets children.
53. The famine begins.












One night

During Joseph’s imprisonment in Egypt, God directed events through a shared night of troubling dreams.

Gen 20:3 the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman.…
Job 33:15 In a dream, in a vision in the night, when deep sleep…
Dan 2:19 During the night, the mystery was revealed to Daniel…

both the chief baker and I

Pharaoh’s cupbearer recalls the incident, involving two trusted royal officials whose confinement reflected the dangers of falling under suspicion in the Egyptian court.

Gen 40:5 both of these men—the Egyptian king’s cupbearer…
Gen 40:2 Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief cupbearer…
Gen 40:3 and imprisoned them in the house of the captain of the guard…

had dreams,

Their dreams came at the same time yet concerned each man personally, preparing the way for Joseph’s gift of interpretation to become known.

Dan 2:1 In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams…
Gen 37:5 Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it…
Gen 37:9 Then Joseph had another dream and told it to his brothers.…

and each dream had its own meaning.

The dreams carried distinct outcomes, which Joseph accurately explained, confirming that their message came from God.

Gen 40:8 “We both had dreams,” they replied, “but there is no one…
Gen 40:12 Joseph replied, “This is the interpretation:…
Gen 40:18 Joseph replied, “This is the interpretation:…

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 and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Genesis 41:11?

2. How does Genesis 41:11 demonstrate God's sovereignty over dreams and interpretations?

3. What role do dreams play in God's communication with Joseph in Genesis 41:11?

4. How can we seek God's wisdom in interpreting life's challenges, as in Genesis 41:11?

5. How does Genesis 41:11 connect with other biblical instances of dream interpretation?

6. In what ways can we trust God's timing, as seen in Genesis 41:11?

7. What is the significance of dreams in Genesis 41:11 for understanding divine communication?

8. How does Genesis 41:11 reflect the cultural context of ancient Egypt?

9. Why were dreams considered important in the narrative of Genesis 41:11?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 41?


Genesis 41:11 captures a pivotal recollection: in a single night God spoke separately yet simultaneously to two high officials, proving His sovereignty over timing, persons, and messages. The specificity of each dream prepared the way for Joseph’s God-given interpretation, the cupbearer’s restored memory, and ultimately Joseph’s elevation to save many lives. The verse reminds believers that the Lord still speaks with purpose, and every revelation He grants carries a distinct, trustworthy meaning.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
One
אֶחָ֖ד (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

night
בְּלַ֥יְלָה (bə·lay·lāh)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity

both [the chief baker]
וָה֑וּא (wā·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

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

had dreams,
וַנַּֽחַלְמָ֥ה (wan·na·ḥal·māh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural | third person feminine singular
Strong's 2492: To bind firmly, to be, plump, to dream

[and] each
אִ֛ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

dream
חֲלֹמ֖וֹ (ḥă·lō·mōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2472: A dream

had its own meaning.
כְּפִתְר֥וֹן (kə·p̄iṯ·rō·wn)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6623: Interpretation


Additonal Resources
Genesis 41:11 Blue Letter Bible
Genesis 41:11 Bible Gateway
Genesis 41:11 Bible.com

Genesis 41:11 NIV
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Genesis 41:11 KJV

Genesis 41:11 Study Bible
Genesis 41:11 Biblia Paralela
Genesis 41:11 Chinese Bible
Genesis 41:11 French Bible
Genesis 41:11 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Genesis 41:11 We dreamed a dream in one night (Gen. Ge Gn)

Genesis 41:10
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