Genesis 40:7
Genesis 40:7 in Multiple Translations
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?”
And he asked Pharaoh’s officers that were with him in the ward of his lord’s house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day?
And he asked Pharaoh’s officers that were with him in ward in his master’s house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sad to-day?
And he said to the servants of Pharaoh who were in prison with him, Why are you looking so sad?
So he asked Pharaoh's officials who were imprisoned with him in his master's house, “Why are you looking so depressed?”
And he asked Pharaohs officers, that were with him in his masters warde, saying, Wherefore looke ye so sadly to day?
and he asketh Pharaoh's eunuchs who [are] with him in charge in the house of his lord, saying, 'Wherefore [are] your faces sad to-day?'
He asked Pharaoh’s officers who were with him in custody in his master’s house, saying, “Why do you look so sad today?”
And he asked Pharaoh's officers that were with him in the ward of his lord's house, saying, Why look ye so sad to-day?
He asked them, saying: Why is your countenance sadder today than usual?
So he asked them, “Why do you look so sad today?”
So he said to them, “Why are you so sad and worried today?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 40:7
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 40:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁאַ֞ל
אֶת
סְרִיסֵ֣י
פַרְעֹ֗ה
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
אִתּ֧/וֹ
בְ/מִשְׁמַ֛ר
בֵּ֥ית
אֲדֹנָ֖י/ו
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
מַדּ֛וּעַ
פְּנֵי/כֶ֥ם
רָעִ֖ים
הַ/יּֽוֹם
וַ/יִּשְׁאַ֞ל
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
סְרִיסֵ֣י
çârîyç
H5631
eunuch
N-mp
פַרְעֹ֗ה
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אִתּ֧/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
בְ/מִשְׁמַ֛ר
mishmâr
H4929
custody
Prep | N-ms
בֵּ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
אֲדֹנָ֖י/ו
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-mp | Suff
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מַדּ֛וּעַ
maddûwaʻ
H4069
why?
Part
פְּנֵי/כֶ֥ם
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
רָעִ֖ים
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
הַ/יּֽוֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 40:7
וַ/יִּשְׁאַ֞ל
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
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.
סְרִיסֵ֣י
çârîyç
H5631
"eunuch"
N-mp
A eunuch was a high-ranking official in a royal court, often in charge of the female apartments. This word is used in the Bible to describe important ministers of state. In the book of Acts, the Ethiopian eunuch was a prominent official who met Philip and became a Christian.
Definition: official, eunuch
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: chamberlain, eunuch, officer. Compare H7249 (רַב־סָרִיס). See also: Genesis 37:36; Esther 2:21; Isaiah 39:7.
פַרְעֹ֗ה
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.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
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.
אִתּ֧/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
בְ/מִשְׁמַ֛ר
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.
בֵּ֥ית
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.
אֲדֹנָ֖י/ו
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מַדּ֛וּעַ
maddûwaʻ
H4069
"why?"
Part
This Hebrew word is used to ask questions like why or how, seeking to understand the reason behind something. It appears in various forms in the Bible, often in contexts of inquiry or curiosity.
Definition: why?, on what account?, wherefore?
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: how, wherefore, why. See also: Genesis 26:27; 2 Kings 8:12; Isaiah 5:4.
פְּנֵי/כֶ֥ם
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
רָעִ֖ים
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
הַ/יּֽוֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
Study Notes — Genesis 40:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Cupbearer and the Baker
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.
6When Joseph came to them in the morning, he saw that they were distraught.
7So he asked the officials of Pharaoh who were in custody with him in his master’s house, “Why are your faces so downcast today?”
8“We both had dreams,” they replied, “but there is no one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Don’t interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.” 9So the chief cupbearer told Joseph his dream: “In my dream there was a vine before me,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 2:2 | so the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 1:8 | “Hannah, why are you crying?” her husband Elkanah asked. “Why won’t you eat? Why is your heart so grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” |
| 3 | Luke 24:17 | He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” They stood still, with sadness on their faces. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 13:4 | so he asked Amnon, “Why are you, the son of the king, so depressed morning after morning? Won’t you tell me?” Amnon replied, “I am in love with Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.” |
| 5 | Judges 18:24 | He replied, “You took the gods I had made, and my priest, and went away. What else do I have? How can you say to me, ‘What is the matter with you?’” |
Genesis 40:7 Summary
[In Genesis 40:7, Joseph asks the officials of Pharaoh why they look so sad, showing that he cares about their well-being. This verse teaches us the importance of being kind and showing interest in others, just as Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). By being attentive to the emotional and spiritual needs of those around us, we can create opportunities for meaningful conversations and share God's love. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can show compassion and kindness to those around us, just as Joseph did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joseph ask the officials of Pharaoh about their downcast faces?
Joseph asked the officials about their downcast faces because he was concerned about their well-being and wanted to show them kindness, as seen in Genesis 40:7. This demonstrates Joseph's compassionate nature, similar to Jesus' concern for the disciples in John 14:1-4.
What can we learn from Joseph's approach to the officials?
We can learn from Joseph's approach that showing genuine interest and care for others can open doors for spiritual conversations and opportunities to share God's love, as seen in 1 Peter 3:15-16. By asking about their downcast faces, Joseph created a space for them to share their dreams and ultimately, their spiritual needs.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of Joseph in the Bible?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of Joseph's life, which demonstrates God's sovereignty and providence in the midst of challenging circumstances, as seen in Genesis 37-50. Joseph's encounter with the officials of Pharaoh sets the stage for his rise to prominence in Egypt and his ability to glorify God in a foreign land.
What can we apply from this verse to our own lives?
We can apply the principle of being attentive to the emotional and spiritual needs of those around us, just as Joseph was attentive to the officials. By doing so, we can create opportunities for meaningful conversations and share the love of Christ with others, as encouraged in Matthew 22:37-40.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like Joseph, show genuine interest and care for those around me, especially when they seem downcast or troubled?
- What are some ways I can create spaces for spiritual conversations with others, just as Joseph did with the officials of Pharaoh?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, as Joseph did throughout his life?
- What are some practical ways I can demonstrate compassion and kindness to those around me, reflecting the heart of Christ?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 40:7
And he asked Pharaoh's officers that [were] with him,.... The chief butler and baker that were committed to his care, and with whom he now was, in the ward of the lord's house; this seems to confirm
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 40:7
And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison. They dreamed a dream.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 40:7
Genesis 40:7 And he asked Pharaoh’ s officers that [were] with him in the ward of his lord’ s house, saying, Wherefore look ye [so] sadly to day? Ver. 7. And he asked Pharaoh’ s officers, &c.] Vincula qui sensit, didicit succurrere vinctis. Joseph’ s tender heart soon yearned toward them, upon the sight of their sadness: and, unasked, he offers himself to them; as our Saviour did to the widow of Nain, and to those two doubting disciples, Luke 24:17. Cyprian’ s compassion is remarkable: Cum singulis pectus meum copulo, maeroris et funeris pondera luctuosa participo: cum plangentibus plunge, cum deflentibus defleo, &c. I weep with those that weep, and am like affected, as if like afflicted.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 40:7
7. look ye so sadly] Lit. “are your faces bad,” cf. Nehemiah 2:2.
Sermons on Genesis 40:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Our Daily Homily - Genesis Part 2 by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the resilience and faith of Joseph in the face of adversity, contrasting his virtuous choices with the failures of his brothers. He highlights how God uses tr |
|
How to Recieve God's Deep Burden for Souls by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a burden for souls and the power of prayer. He references a story of two girls who conducted special meetings and sa |
|
John 1 by Ian Murray | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel to make disciples. He highlights that the gospel is all about Jesus and encourages believers to share |
|
How Much Could You Lose by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the fragility of life and the blessings we often take for granted. He mentions an Englishman arriving in America on the 4th of July and the |
|
|
Judges 18 vs 24 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker shares various stories and experiences to illustrate the idea of losing material possessions and facing trials. He mentions a girl who became blind afte |
|
|
Judges 18 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill delivers a powerful sermon on Judges 18, emphasizing the question of how much one can lose without losing faith in God. He reflects on the story of Micah, who los |