Genesis 40:3
Genesis 40:3 in Multiple Translations
and imprisoned them in the house of the captain of the guard, the same prison where Joseph was confined.
And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.
And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.
And he put them in prison under the care of the captain of the army, in the same prison where Joseph himself was shut up.
and imprisoned them in the house of the commander of the guard, the same prison where Joseph was.
Therefore he put them in ward in his chiefe stewardes house, in the prison and place where Ioseph was bound.
and giveth them in charge in the house of the chief of the executioners, unto the round-house, the place where Joseph [is] a prisoner,
He put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.
And he put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.
He sent them to the prison of the commander of the soldiers, in which Joseph also was prisoner,
So he had them put in prison, in the house of the captain of the palace guards. That was the place where Joseph was being kept.
So Pharaoh put those 2 men in jail. That jail was the same one that Joseph was in. The soldier that guarded that jail, he was in charge of all the soldiers that looked after Pharaoh’s house.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 40:3
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 40:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּתֵּ֨ן
אֹתָ֜/ם
בְּ/מִשְׁמַ֗ר
בֵּ֛ית
שַׂ֥ר
הַ/טַבָּחִ֖ים
אֶל
בֵּ֣ית
הַ/סֹּ֑הַר
מְק֕וֹם
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
יוֹסֵ֖ף
אָס֥וּר
שָֽׁם
וַ/יִּתֵּ֨ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֹתָ֜/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
בְּ/מִשְׁמַ֗ר
mishmâr
H4929
custody
Prep | N-ms
בֵּ֛ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
שַׂ֥ר
sar
H8269
ruler
N-ms
הַ/טַבָּחִ֖ים
ṭabbâch
H2876
guard
Art | N-mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
הַ/סֹּ֑הַר
çôhar
H5470
prison
Art | N-ms
מְק֕וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יוֹסֵ֖ף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
N-proper
אָס֥וּר
ʼâçar
H631
to bind
V-Qal-Inf-c
שָֽׁם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 40:3
וַ/יִּתֵּ֨ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֹתָ֜/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.
בְּ/מִשְׁמַ֗ר
mishmâr
H4929
"custody"
Prep | N-ms
Mishmar refers to a place of confinement or a guard. It can be a prison, guard post, or a watch, and is about keeping something or someone safe.
Definition: 1) place of confinement, prison, guard, jail, guard post, watch, observance 1a) jail, prison, guard-house 1b) guard, guard post, act of guarding 1c) observances
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: diligence, guard, office, prison, ward, watch. See also: Genesis 40:3; Nehemiah 4:16; Proverbs 4:23.
בֵּ֛ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
שַׂ֥ר
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/טַבָּחִ֖ים
ṭabbâch
H2876
"guard"
Art | N-mp
This Hebrew word originally meant a butcher, but came to describe a lifeguardsman or executioner, and even a cook who slaughtered animals for food. It is used to describe various roles in the Bible, including a bodyguard or cook. The word has an Aramaic equivalent.
Definition: 1) executioner, cook, bodyguard, guardsman 1a) cook (who also killed the animal for food) 1b) guardsmen, bodyguard Aramaic equivalent: tab.bach (טַבָּח "guardsman" H2877)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: cook, guard. See also: Genesis 37:36; Jeremiah 39:10; Jeremiah 39:9.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
הַ/סֹּ֑הַר
çôhar
H5470
"prison"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word çôhar refers to a prison or dungeon, a place surrounded by walls, as mentioned in the KJV translation. This term is used to describe a specific type of confinement, often associated with punishment or captivity.
Definition: 1) house of roundness, roundhouse, prison 1a) name of a prison
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: prison. See also: Genesis 39:20; Genesis 39:23; Genesis 40:5.
מְק֕וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
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.
אָס֥וּר
ʼâçar
H631
"to bind"
V-Qal-Inf-c
This word means to bind or tie something, like when God made a covenant with the Israelites. It can also mean to prepare for battle or to be imprisoned. In different contexts, it involves joining or fastening things together, whether physically or metaphorically.
Definition: 1) to tie, bind, imprison 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tie, bind 1a2) to tie, harness 1a3) to bind (with cords) 1a4) to gird (rare and late) 1a5) to begin the battle, make the attack 1a6) of obligation of oath (figurative) 1b) (Niphal) to be imprisoned, bound 1c) (Pual) to be taken prisoner
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: bind, fast, gird, harness, hold, keep, make ready, order, prepare, prison(-er), put in bonds, set in array, tie. See also: Genesis 39:20; 1 Samuel 6:7; Psalms 105:22.
שָֽׁם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
Study Notes — Genesis 40:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 40:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 40:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 40:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 40:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 40:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 40:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 40:3
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 40:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 40:3
- Sermons on Genesis 40:3
Context — The Cupbearer and the Baker
1Some time later, the king’s cupbearer and baker offended their master, the king of Egypt.
2Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker,
3and imprisoned them in the house of the captain of the guard, the same prison where Joseph was confined.
4The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he became their personal attendant. After they had been in custody for some time, 5both 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 39:20 | So Joseph’s master took him and had him thrown into the prison where the king’s prisoners were confined. While Joseph was there in the prison, |
| 2 | Genesis 39:23 | The warden did not concern himself with anything under Joseph’s care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. |
Genesis 40:3 Summary
This verse tells us that Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker were put in prison, which is the same place where Joseph was being held. This was not a coincidence, but rather part of God's plan to bring Joseph to a place of prominence in Egypt, as seen in Genesis 41:1-57. Just like Joseph, we can trust that God is working everything out for our good, even when we face difficult circumstances, as promised in Romans 8:28. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can have hope and peace, even in the midst of challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Pharaoh imprison his cupbearer and baker?
Pharaoh was angry with them, as stated in Genesis 40:1-2, and this anger led to their imprisonment in the house of the captain of the guard, as seen in Genesis 40:3.
What is the significance of the house of the captain of the guard?
The house of the captain of the guard was a place of confinement, and it is notable that Joseph was also being held there, as mentioned in Genesis 40:3, which sets the stage for their interaction in Genesis 40:4.
How does this verse relate to Joseph's story?
This verse is a pivotal part of Joseph's story, as it leads to his interaction with the cupbearer and baker, which ultimately contributes to his rise to prominence in Egypt, as seen in Genesis 41:1-57.
What can we learn from Pharaoh's actions in this verse?
Pharaoh's actions demonstrate the consequences of sin and the importance of accountability, as seen in Romans 6:23, and also highlight the sovereignty of God, who is able to use even the actions of unbelievers to accomplish His purposes, as stated in Proverbs 21:1.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has used difficult circumstances in your life to bring about good, just as He did in Joseph's life?
- How can you trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with challenging situations, like Joseph did in Genesis 40:3?
- What are some ways that you can demonstrate faith and obedience, like Joseph, even in the midst of adversity?
- How can you use your current circumstances to glorify God and bring hope to those around you, just as Joseph did in the prison?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 40:3
And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard,.... Who is generally thought to be Potiphar, since this was the office he was in, Genesis 39:1; unless he was dead, and there was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 40:3
And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 40:3
The captain of the guard, to wit, Potiphar, , who being informed by his underkeeper of Joseph’ s great care and faithfulness, began to have a better opinion of him, though for his own quiet, and his wife’ s reputation, he left him still in the prison. Where Joseph was bound; was a prisoner, as that word is used, ; for Joseph being now made governor of the prisoners, was doubtless freed from his bonds: or had been bound, and that with irons in a cruel manner, .
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 40:3
Genesis 40:3 And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph [was] bound.Ver. 3. And he put them in ward, &c.] See the slippery estate of courtiers: today in favour, tomorrow in disgrace; as Haman; Sejanus, whom the same senators conducted to the prison, who had accompanied him to the senate. They which sacrificed unto him, as to their god, which kneeled down to adore him, now scoffed at him, seeing him dragged from the temple to the jail, from supreme honour to extreme ignominy. His greatest friends were most passionate against him, &c., they would not once look at him; as men look not after sundials, longer than the sun shines upon them. The place where Joseph was bound.] Here was a "wheel within a wheel," a sweet providence; that these obnoxious officers should be sent to Joseph’ s prison. Tacit.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 40:3
(3, 4) In the house of the captain of the guard.—That is, of Potiphar. As he is said to have charged Joseph with the care of these two high officials, he must, ere this, have become aware of his innocence. But as the wife in ancient times in Egypt was endowed with all the husband’s property, and was a formidable person, as we learn from many of the records now being translated and published, Potiphar may not have wished to offend her. He served them.—Used only of light service. (See Note on Genesis 39:4.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 40:3
Verse 3. Where Joseph was bound.] The place in which Joseph was now confined; this is what is implied in being bound; for, without doubt, he had his personal liberty. As the butler and. the baker were state criminals they were put in the same prison with Joseph, which we learn from the preceding chapter, Genesis 39:20, was the king's prison. All the officers in the employment of the ancient kings of Egypt were, according to Diodorus Siculus, taken from the most illustrious families of the priesthood in the country; no slave or common person being ever permitted to serve in the presence of the king. As these persons, therefore, were of the most noble families, it is natural to expect they would be put, when accused, into the state prison.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 40:3
3. in ward] Cf. Genesis 40:4; Genesis 40:7. An old English expression; cf. Shakespeare, 2 Hen. VI, v. i.: “I know, ere they will have me go to ward, They’ll pawn their swords for my enfranchisement.” He committed them for safe keeping, while the enquiry into the charges against them went on. captain of the guard] See note on Genesis 37:36. the prison] = “the round house,” as in Genesis 39:20. This clause seems to have been introduced, in order to harmonize the tradition of Joseph’s position in the house of the “captain of the guard” with the account of his imprisonment in Genesis 39:20-23. According to E, Pharaoh placed his two officials in confinement, but not in the prison, in the keeping of the “captain of the guard.”
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 40:3
3. Captain of the guard — Or, chief of the executioners, whose dwelling was within a part of the prison.
Sermons on Genesis 40:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(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 |
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Judah's Plea by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith takes us through the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. He emphasizes the importance of confessing our sins and not allowing unconfessed sin |
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Difficulties Are Proof Contexts by Elisabeth Elliot | Elisabeth Elliot emphasizes the intertwined nature of loneliness, sadness, and comfort in the Christian journey, highlighting that experiencing moments of despair allows us to full |
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Numbered With the Transgressors by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the story of Joseph being wrongfully imprisoned, drawing parallels to Jesus being arrested and crucified despite His innocence. He emphasizes how Jesus, thoug |
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Joy in Prison by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches on the story of Joseph, highlighting how even in difficult circumstances like being in prison, God's presence can bring blessings and prosperity. Joseph' |
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Free Through Suffering by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches on the profound testimony in Psalms 4:1, highlighting how God's moral government works through distress to bring about enlargement in our lives. Using Jo |
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God's Preparation for Ministry by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of exalting Jesus Christ and proclaiming His message loudly and clearly, without seeking recognition or fame for ourselves or |