What does Genesis 40:21 mean?
On Pharaoh's birthday, he removes both the chief cupbearer and the chief baker from prison (Genesis 40:1–3). Both men have their "heads lifted up" (Genesis 40:20), a symbolic phrase referring to forgiveness and redemption (Psalm 3:3). Just as Joseph predicted from the cupbearer's dream (Genesis 40:12–13), the cupbearer is given his old job back. Once more, he finds himself placing Pharaoh's cup in his hand just as he had done before he was imprisoned.Joseph—more importantly, his God—have proved to be exactly right in explaining the meaning of troubling dreams. Eventually, this reputation will earn Joseph his freedom (Genesis 41:12–14).
The other man whose head is "lifted," the baker, will experience disaster after this initial moment. Rather, just as predicted, he will be executed and his body left for scavengers (Genesis 40:16–19, 22).