Genesis 40:17
Genesis 40:17 in Multiple Translations
In the top basket were all sorts of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.”
And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of bakemeats for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head.
and in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of baked food for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head.
And in the top basket were all sorts of cooked meats for Pharaoh; and the birds were taking them out of the baskets on my head.
In the top basket were all the cakes and pastries for Pharaoh to eat, and the birds were eating them from the basket on my head.”
And in the vppermost basket there was of all maner baken meates for Pharaoh: and the birdes did eate them out of the basket vpon mine head.
and in the uppermost basket [are] of all [kinds] of Pharaoh's food, work of a baker; and the birds are eating them out of the basket, from off my head.'
In the uppermost basket there were all kinds of baked food for Pharaoh, and the birds ate them out of the basket on my head.”
And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of bake-meats for Pharaoh; and the birds ate them out of the basket upon my head.
And that in one basket which was uppermost, I carried all meats that are made by the art of baking, and that the birds ate out of it.
In the top basket there were many kinds of baked goods for the king, but birds were eating them from the top basket that was on my head!”
The basket that was on top, it had all sorts of bread and cakes in it, and they were for Pharaoh to eat. But some birds were there, and they ate the bread and cakes that were in that basket.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 40:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 40:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/בַ/סַּ֣ל
הָֽ/עֶלְי֔וֹן
מִ/כֹּ֛ל
מַאֲכַ֥ל
פַּרְעֹ֖ה
מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה
אֹפֶ֑ה
וְ/הָ/ע֗וֹף
אֹכֵ֥ל
אֹתָ֛/ם
מִן
הַ/סַּ֖ל
מֵ/עַ֥ל
רֹאשִֽׁ/י
וּ/בַ/סַּ֣ל
çal
H5536
basket
Conj | Prep | N-ms
הָֽ/עֶלְי֔וֹן
ʻelyôwn
H5945
high
Art | Adj
מִ/כֹּ֛ל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
מַאֲכַ֥ל
maʼăkâl
H3978
food
N-ms
פַּרְעֹ֖ה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
N-ms
אֹפֶ֑ה
ʼâphâh
H644
to bake
V-Qal
וְ/הָ/ע֗וֹף
ʻôwph
H5775
bird
Conj | Art | N-ms
אֹכֵ֥ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal
אֹתָ֛/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הַ/סַּ֖ל
çal
H5536
basket
Art | N-ms
מֵ/עַ֥ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Prep
רֹאשִֽׁ/י
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 40:17
וּ/בַ/סַּ֣ל
çal
H5536
"basket"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
This noun refers to a basket, often made of woven willow twigs or osiers. In the Bible, it is used to carry food, like bread or fish, and is sometimes used as a symbol of provision or abundance.
Definition: basket
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: basket. See also: Genesis 40:16; Leviticus 8:2; Judges 6:19.
הָֽ/עֶלְי֔וֹן
ʻelyôwn
H5945
"high"
Art | Adj
The Most High, a name for God emphasizing His supreme power and authority. It appears in Psalm 57:2, where David cries out to the Most High God for help, showing trust in God's power. This name highlights God's lofty position above all things.
Definition: adj 1) high, upper 1a) of Davidic king exalted above monarchs
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (Most, on) high(-er, -est), upper(-most). See also: Genesis 14:18; Psalms 47:3; Psalms 7:18.
מִ/כֹּ֛ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מַאֲכַ֥ל
maʼăkâl
H3978
"food"
N-ms
This word means food or something to eat, like fruit or meat, as seen in the story of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit in Genesis. It's about nourishment and survival.
Definition: food, fruit, meat
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: food, fruit, (bake-)meat(-s), victual. See also: Genesis 2:9; Job 33:20; Psalms 44:12.
פַּרְעֹ֖ה
Parʻôh
H6547
"Pharaoh"
N-proper
In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.
Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.
מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
אֹפֶ֑ה
ʼâphâh
H644
"to bake"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to bake or cook, like making bread. It's used in descriptions of food and meals, like in Leviticus and Ezekiel, and refers to the work of a baker.
Definition: 1) to bake 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bake 1a2) (subst) baker 1b) (Niphal) to be baked, baked
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: bake(-r, (-meats)). See also: Genesis 19:3; Leviticus 7:9; Isaiah 44:15.
וְ/הָ/ע֗וֹף
ʻôwph
H5775
"bird"
Conj | Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word simply means a bird, like the ones that fly in the sky. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms, often symbolizing freedom.
Definition: 1) flying creatures, fowl, insects, birds 1a) fowl, birds 1b) winged insects Aramaic equivalent: oph (עוֹף "bird" H5776)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: bird, that flieth, flying, fowl. See also: Genesis 1:20; 1 Samuel 17:46; Psalms 50:11.
אֹכֵ֥ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
אֹתָ֛/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הַ/סַּ֖ל
çal
H5536
"basket"
Art | N-ms
This noun refers to a basket, often made of woven willow twigs or osiers. In the Bible, it is used to carry food, like bread or fish, and is sometimes used as a symbol of provision or abundance.
Definition: basket
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: basket. See also: Genesis 40:16; Leviticus 8:2; Judges 6:19.
מֵ/עַ֥ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
רֹאשִֽׁ/י
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
Study Notes — Genesis 40:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 40:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 40:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 40:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 40:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 40:17
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 40:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 40:17
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.”
18Joseph replied, “This is the interpretation: The three baskets are three days. 19Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head and hang you on a tree. Then the birds will eat the flesh of your body.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 49:20 | Asher’s food will be rich; he shall provide royal delicacies. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 12:20 | When David went to Ziklag, these men of Manasseh defected to him: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai, chiefs of thousands in Manasseh. |
Genesis 40:17 Summary
In Genesis 40:17, the chief baker describes his dream to Joseph, where birds are eating the baked goods from the top basket on his head. This dream represents the baker's impending execution, as Joseph explains in Genesis 40:19. Just like the birds devouring the baked goods, our sin and selfish desires can consume us if we are not careful, as warned in Galatians 5:19-21. We must trust in God's sovereignty and timing, using our gifts and talents to serve others and bring glory to Him, as seen in Joseph's life and ministry, and as encouraged in Colossians 3:23-24.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the top basket in Genesis 40:17 represent?
The top basket represents the highest or most prominent position, in this case, the chief baker's role in preparing baked goods for Pharaoh, as seen in Genesis 40:17, similar to how Jesus is the bread of life in John 6:35
Why are the birds eating the baked goods in Genesis 40:17?
The birds eating the baked goods symbolize the impending doom or judgment, as explained by Joseph in Genesis 40:19, where the birds will eat the flesh of the chief baker's body, much like the birds devouring the carcasses in Revelation 19:21
How does Joseph interpret the chief baker's dream in Genesis 40:17?
Joseph interprets the dream by explaining that the three baskets represent three days, and within those three days, Pharaoh will execute the chief baker, as stated in Genesis 40:18-19, demonstrating Joseph's gift of interpretation from God, similar to Daniel's interpretations in Daniel 2:24-49
What can we learn from the chief baker's dream in Genesis 40:17?
We can learn that God is sovereign over all things, including the rise and fall of individuals, as seen in the chief baker's execution in Genesis 40:22, and that He gives gifts of interpretation to His servants, like Joseph, to fulfill His purposes, as stated in 1 Corinthians 12:10
Reflection Questions
- What are the things in my life that I am trying to present to God or others, but are being devoured by my own sin or shortcomings, as seen in the birds eating the baked goods in Genesis 40:17?
- How can I, like Joseph, trust in God's sovereignty and timing, even when faced with difficult circumstances or uncertain outcomes, as demonstrated in Genesis 40:15-23?
- In what ways can I use my gifts and talents to serve others and bring glory to God, just as Joseph used his gift of interpretation to serve Pharaoh and the chief baker, as seen in Genesis 40:1-23?
- What are the 'baskets' in my life that I am trying to fill or accomplish, and how can I ensure that they are being used for God's purposes and not my own selfish desires, as contrasted in Genesis 40:17 and Matthew 6:33?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 40:17
And in the uppermost basket [there was] of all manner of bakemeats for Pharaoh,.... All sorts of pastry, as tarts, pies, c.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 40:17
And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of bakemeats for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head. All manner of bake-meats for Pharaoh - literally, all kinds of food, the work of the baker.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 40:17
Genesis 40:17 And in the uppermost basket [there was] of all manner of bakemeats for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head.Ver. 17. And the birds did eat them.] He seeth not that he did anything, but suffereth only. He heareth therefore an unpleasing interpretation, saith Pareus.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 40:17
(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.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 40:17
17. bakemeats] LXX ἔργονσιτοποιοῦ, Lat. cibos qui fiunt arte pistoria: as we say, “all kinds of confectionery.” The bakemeats are only in the top basket. If the birds took them, he had nothing in the other baskets to bring to Pharaoh’s table. the birds] The birds, darting down upon the food and carrying it off, doubtless seemed of evil augury; cf. the appearance of the birds in Genesis 15:11. It was like a nightmare! The baker found himself powerless to frighten the birds away. The great kites in Egypt, the bird scavengers of the land, are always wheeling in the air, ready to pounce down upon choice morsels, if they see the slightest chance of carrying them off.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 40:17
17. Bakemeats — Hebrews, food of Pharaoh, the work of a baker. Thus his dream, like the butler’s, ran into the imagery with which he was most familiar. Birds did eat — Herein was what might be called “the bad sign” in the dream.