Genesis 40:7

So he asked the officials of Pharaoh who were in custody with him in his master's house, "Why are your faces so downcast today?"

Study Bible

So he asked
This phrase indicates Joseph's proactive and compassionate nature. The Hebrew root for "asked" is "שָׁאַל" (sha'al), which implies a seeking or inquiring with genuine interest. Joseph, despite his own unjust circumstances, shows concern for others, reflecting a Christ-like attitude of selflessness and empathy. This action sets the stage for God's providential plan to unfold through Joseph's interactions with the officials.

Pharaoh’s officials
The term "officials" refers to high-ranking servants or officers in Pharaoh's court, specifically the cupbearer and the baker. In ancient Egypt, these roles were significant, as they were entrusted with the king's personal safety and well-being. Their presence in prison alongside Joseph highlights the precarious nature of court life and the swift changes in fortune that could occur, a theme prevalent throughout Joseph's story.

who were in custody with him
This phrase underscores the shared experience of imprisonment. The Hebrew word for "custody" is "מִשְׁמָר" (mishmar), meaning a place of confinement or guard. Joseph's ability to relate to the officials' plight is enhanced by their common situation, fostering a sense of camaraderie and trust. This shared suffering becomes a conduit for divine intervention and revelation.

in his master’s house
The reference to "his master’s house" situates the narrative within the broader context of Joseph's servitude under Potiphar. Despite being in prison, Joseph is still under the jurisdiction of Potiphar, indicating the complex social and legal structures of ancient Egypt. This setting also foreshadows Joseph's eventual rise to power, as his integrity and leadership are recognized even in adverse conditions.

Why are your faces so downcast today?
Joseph's question reveals his attentiveness and sensitivity to the emotional states of those around him. The word "downcast" translates from the Hebrew "זֹעֲפִים" (zo'afim), meaning sad or troubled. This inquiry not only shows Joseph's compassion but also serves as a catalyst for the unfolding of God's plan, as it leads to the interpretation of the officials' dreams. Joseph's ability to discern and address the needs of others is a testament to his character and faith, serving as an inspiration for believers to act with kindness and discernment in their own lives.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
A Hebrew man who was sold into slavery by his brothers and ended up in Egypt. He was imprisoned after being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife. In Genesis 40, Joseph is in prison with Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker.

2. Cupbearer and Baker
Two officials of Pharaoh who were imprisoned with Joseph. They both had dreams that Joseph interpreted, which eventually led to Joseph's rise to power in Egypt.

3. Prison
The setting of Genesis 40, where Joseph is held. It is a place of testing and preparation for Joseph, where he continues to trust in God despite his circumstances.

Teaching Points

Compassion in Adversity
Joseph's concern for the cupbearer and baker, as seen in Genesis 40:7, demonstrates the importance of showing compassion and empathy even when we are facing our own trials.

Using God-Given Gifts
Joseph's ability to interpret dreams was a gift from God. We should seek to identify and use our spiritual gifts to serve others, trusting that God has a purpose for them.

Faithfulness in Trials
Joseph remained faithful to God despite his unjust circumstances. This teaches us to maintain our faith and integrity, trusting that God is working through our trials.

God's Sovereignty
The events in Joseph's life, including his time in prison, were part of God's sovereign plan. We can trust that God is in control and has a purpose for our lives, even when we don't understand our current situation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joseph's response to the cupbearer and baker in Genesis 40:7 demonstrate his character and faith in God?

2. In what ways can we show compassion to others, even when we are facing our own difficulties?

3. How can we identify and use our spiritual gifts to serve others, as Joseph did with his ability to interpret dreams?

4. What can we learn from Joseph's faithfulness in prison about maintaining our integrity and trust in God during challenging times?

5. How does the account of Joseph in Genesis 40 connect to the broader theme of God's sovereignty and purpose in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 39
Provides context for Joseph's imprisonment, showing his integrity and faithfulness even when falsely accused.

Genesis 41
Follows the events of Genesis 40, where Joseph's interpretations of dreams lead to his release and rise to power.

Philippians 2:4
Encourages believers to look not only to their own interests but also to the interests of others, similar to Joseph's concern for his fellow prisoners.

1 Peter 4:10
Speaks about using one's gifts to serve others, as Joseph used his God-given ability to interpret dreams to help the cupbearer and baker.