What does Genesis 40:13 mean?
Joseph is interpreting the cupbearer's dream (Genesis 40:9–11). This man was imprisoned, along with the Egyptian king's former baker, for an unnamed crime (Genesis 40:1–3). A disturbingly vivid dream (Genesis 40:5–6) led Joseph, also jailed (Genesis 39:11–15) to offer insight into God's interpretation of the dream (Genesis 40:7–8). The cupbearer's dream depicted a three-branched vine rapidly growing grapes, which the cupbearer then pressed and gave to Pharaoh (Genesis 40:9–11).According to Joseph, three branches in the dream represent three days (Genesis 40:12). That's how many days will pass before Pharaoh releases the cupbearer from prison and gives him his job back. Symbolically, to "lift someone's head" is to encourage or validate them. The imagery is of a person with their face down, raising their head into a more confident posture (Psalm 3:3). Pharaoh will "lift up the cupbearer's head," now hanging in shame, and restore him to his former position.
This is good news for the cupbearer—and possibly for Joseph, as well. Knowing the man will be released, and that the cupbearer is familiar with Joseph's situation, there is hope. Perhaps the soon-to-be-released man will speak well of Joseph and ask Pharaoh to free him (Genesis 40:14–15).