Genesis 40:23
Genesis 40:23 in Multiple Translations
The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot all about him.
Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.
Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.
But the wine-servant did not keep Joseph in mind or give a thought to him.
But the chief cupbearer didn't remember to say anything about Joseph—in fact he forgot all about him.
Yet the chiefe butler did not remember Ioseph, but forgate him.
and the chief of the butlers hath not remembered Joseph, but forgetteth him.
Yet the chief cup bearer didn’t remember Joseph, but forgot him.
Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.
But the chief butler, when things prospered with him, forgot his interpreter.
But the chief drink-server did not think about Joseph. He forgot to do what Joseph asked him to do.
But that wine-boss forgot about Joseph, and he didn’t talk to Pharaoh about him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 40:23
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 40:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לֹֽא
זָכַ֧ר
שַֽׂר
הַ/מַּשְׁקִ֛ים
אֶת
יוֹסֵ֖ף
וַ/יִּשְׁכָּחֵֽ/הוּ
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
זָכַ֧ר
zâkar
H2142
to remember
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
שַֽׂר
sar
H8269
ruler
N-ms
הַ/מַּשְׁקִ֛ים
mashqeh
H4945
cupbearer
Art | N-mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יוֹסֵ֖ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
וַ/יִּשְׁכָּחֵֽ/הוּ
shâkach
H7911
to forget
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 40:23
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
זָכַ֧ר
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
שַֽׂר
sar
H8269
"ruler"
N-ms
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
הַ/מַּשְׁקִ֛ים
mashqeh
H4945
"cupbearer"
Art | N-mp
In the original Hebrew, this word means to give drink or water, and can also refer to a butler or cupbearer. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often describing a well-watered region or a person who serves drinks.
Definition: butler, cup-bearer
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: butler(-ship), cupbearer, drink(-ing), fat pasture, watered. See also: Genesis 13:10; Genesis 41:9; Isaiah 32:6.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
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.
יוֹסֵ֖ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
"Joseph"
N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
וַ/יִּשְׁכָּחֵֽ/הוּ
shâkach
H7911
"to forget"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To forget something means to mislay it or be oblivious to it. This Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe when people forget things, like God's commands. The KJV translates it as 'to forget' or 'at all'.
Definition: 1) to forget, ignore, wither 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to forget 1a2) to cease to care 1b) (Niphal) to be forgotten 1c) (Piel) to cause to forget 1d) (Hiphil) to make or cause to forget 1e) (Hithpael) to be forgotten Aramaic equivalent: she.khach (שְׁכַח "to find" H7912)
Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, (cause to) forget. See also: Genesis 27:45; Psalms 106:13; Psalms 9:13.
Study Notes — Genesis 40:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 40:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 40:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 40:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 40:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 40:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 40:23
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 40:23
- Sermons on Genesis 40:23
Context — The Cupbearer and the 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.
23The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot all about him.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 31:12 | I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind. I am like a broken vessel. |
| 2 | Job 19:14 | My kinsmen have failed me, and my friends have forgotten me. |
| 3 | Psalms 105:19 | until his prediction came true and the word of the LORD proved him right. |
| 4 | Amos 6:6 | You drink wine by the bowlful and anoint yourselves with the finest oils, but you fail to grieve over the ruin of Joseph. |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 9:15–16 | Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.” |
Genesis 40:23 Summary
This verse tells us that the chief cupbearer, who had been helped by Joseph, forgot all about him, which shows us how easily we can forget to be thankful to those who have helped us. It's a reminder to always be grateful and to remember those who have assisted us, just like we are encouraged to thank God for His goodness in our lives, as seen in Psalms 107:1. We should strive to be like Joseph, who continued to trust in God despite being forgotten, and to cultivate a heart of gratitude, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. By doing so, we can build stronger relationships and have a more positive outlook on life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the chief cupbearer forget about Joseph?
The chief cupbearer forgot about Joseph because he was likely caught up in his own restored position and forgot about the one who had helped him, as seen in Genesis 40:23, a common human tendency to forget those who have helped us when we achieve our goals, similar to what happened in Luke 17:15-19 where only one leper returned to thank Jesus.
Is this a demonstration of the fleeting nature of human gratitude?
Yes, this verse illustrates how quickly humans can forget to show gratitude, as the chief cupbearer forgot Joseph, despite Joseph's role in his restoration, a reminder of the importance of consistent gratitude as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
What can we learn from the chief cupbearer's forgetfulness?
We can learn that our memories are short and that we often forget those who have helped us, which is why it's essential to cultivate a heart of gratitude and remembrance, as seen in Psalms 103:2, where we are reminded to not forget God's benefits.
How does this relate to our relationship with God?
This verse can serve as a reminder of how easily we can forget God's goodness and faithfulness in our lives, and the importance of continually remembering and thanking Him, as encouraged in Psalms 77:11 and Psalms 105:5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have forgotten to show gratitude to someone who helped me, and what can I do to make it right?
- How can I cultivate a heart of remembrance and gratitude towards God and others?
- What are some ways I can ensure that I consistently show appreciation to those who have helped me, just as Joseph had helped the chief cupbearer?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of the chief cupbearer's forgetfulness to my own relationships and interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 40:23
Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph,.... To speak of him to Pharaoh, neither on that day in which he was restored, nor for a long time after, even for the space of two years, as seems from
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 40:23
Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him. Yet did not the chief butler ... This was human nature. How prone are men to forget and neglect in prosperity those who have been their companions in adversity!
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 40:23
i.e. Neglected him and his desire; as men in Scripture are oft said to forget God, when they do not remember him so as to love and obey him, as ,21 Ho 2:13.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 40:23
Genesis 40:23 Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.Ver. 23. Yet did not the chief butler.] Too many such butlers, that forget poor Joseph! What cares Nabal though David die at his door, so he may eat the fat and drink the sweet, &c.? The heathens’ picture of their graces, young and fresh, two looking towards you, and one from you, bids check to all ungrateful persons.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 40:23
Verse 23. Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph] Had he mentioned the circumstance to Pharaoh, there is no doubt that Joseph's case would have been examined into, and he would in consequence have been restored to his liberty; but, owing to the ingratitude of the chief butler, he was left two years longer in prison, MANY commentators have seen in every circumstance in the history of Joseph a parallel between him and our blessed Lord. So, "Joseph in prison represents Christ in the custody of the Jews; the chief butler and the chief baker represent the two thieves which were crucified with our Lord; and as one thief was pardoned, and the other left to perish, so the chief butler was restored to his office, and the chief baker hanged." I believe GOD never designed such parallels; and I am astonished to find comparatively grave and judicious men trifling in this way, and forcing the features of truth into the most distorted anamorphosis, so that even her friends blush to acknowledge her. This is not a light matter; we should beware how we attribute designs to God that he never had, and employ the Holy Spirit in forming trifling and unimportant similitudes. Of plain, direct truth we shall find as much in the sacred writings as we can receive and comprehend; let us not therefore hew out unto ourselves broken cisterns that can hold no water. Interpretations of this kind only tend to render the sacred writings uncertain; to expose to ridicule all the solemn types and figures which it really contains; and to furnish pretexts to infidels and irreligious people to scoff at all spirituality, and lead them to reject the word of GOD entirely, as incapable of being interpreted on any fixed or rational plan. The mischief done by this system is really incalculable. See the observations on Clarke's notes "Genesis 37:36".
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 40:23
23. forgat him] These words are an artistic conclusion to this interesting section. The chief butler’s forgetfulness, in the enjoyment of his own good fortune, (1) is sadly natural; (2) increases our sympathy with Joseph; (3) heightens the expectation of the reader as to the manner of his deliverance.
Sermons on Genesis 40:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 40:1-8 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. Joseph is in prison and is put in charge of two men, the butler and the baker, who have offended |
|
(Genesis) Genesis 39:11-40:23 by Joe Focht | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the sorrows and challenges of life, particularly for boys who bring sorrow to their mothers. However, the speaker believes that there is ano |
|
Remember Me by H. P. Barker | H. P. Barker emphasizes the importance of remembering the Lord Jesus Christ and not forgetting His sacrifice and love. He draws parallels between the forgetfulness of humans toward |
|
The Lord's Supper. Cont. by George Cutting | George Cutting preaches about the importance of partaking in the Lord's supper with reverence and gratitude, reflecting on the sacrifice of Jesus and eagerly anticipating His retur |
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Do You Feel Forgotten? by Michael Durham | Michael Durham preaches about the spiritual battle of feeling forgotten by God, using the story of Joseph to illustrate the struggle of waiting for God's timing, understanding His |
|
Fire in Your Bones (Kwasizabantu) by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal struggles and doubts as a preacher. He mentions how people accused him of being a hypocrite and a false prophet, which caused him to |
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Starving the Work of Christ by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and letting go of bitterness, drawing from the story of Joseph forgiving his brothers. It highlights the power of forgiveness t |