Genesis 40:4
Parallel Verses
New International Version
The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them. After they had been in custody for some time,


English Standard Version
The captain of the guard appointed Joseph to be with them, and he attended them. They continued for some time in custody.


New American Standard Bible
The captain of the bodyguard put Joseph in charge of them, and he took care of them; and they were in confinement for some time.


King James Bible
And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.


Holman Christian Standard Bible
The captain of the guard assigned Joseph to them, and he became their personal attendant. And they were in custody for some time.


International Standard Version
The captain of the guard entrusted them to Joseph's custody, who took care of them, since they were to remain there in custody for a number of days.


American Standard Version
And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he ministered unto them: and they continued a season in ward.


Douay-Rheims Bible
But the keeper of the prison delivered them to Joseph, and he served them. Some little time passed, and they were kept in custody.


Darby Bible Translation
And the captain of the life-guard appointed Joseph to them, that he should attend on them. And they were several days in custody.


Young's Literal Translation
and the chief of the executioners chargeth Joseph with them, and he serveth them; and they are days in charge.


Commentaries
40:1-19 It was not so much the prison that made the butler and baker sad, as their dreams. God has more ways than one to sadden the spirits. Joseph had compassion towards them. Let us be concerned for the sadness of our brethren's countenances. It is often a relief to those that are in trouble to be noticed. Also learn to look into the causes of our own sorrow. Is there a good reason? Is there not comfort sufficient to balance it, whatever it is? Why art thou cast down, O my soul? Joseph was careful to ascribe the glory to God. The chief butler's dream foretold his advancement. The chief baker's dream his death. It was not Joseph's fault that he brought the baker no better tidings. And thus ministers are but interpreters; they cannot make the thing otherwise than it is: if they deal faithfully, and their message prove unpleasing, it is not their fault. Joseph does not reflect upon his brethren that sold him; nor does he reflect on the wrong done him by his mistress and his master, but mildly states his own innocence. When we are called on to clear ourselves, we should carefully avoid, as much as may be, speaking ill of others. Let us be content to prove ourselves innocent, and not upbraid others with their guilt.

4. The captain of the guard charged Joseph with them—not the keeper, though he was most favorably disposed; but Potiphar himself, who, it would seem, was by this time satisfied of the perfect innocence of the young Hebrew; though, probably, to prevent the exposure of his family, he deemed it prudent to detain him in confinement (see Ps 37:5).

They continued a season in ward—literally, "days," how long, is uncertain; but as they were called to account on the king's birthday, it has been supposed that their offense had been committed on the preceding anniversary [Calvin].

Genesis 40:3
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