Genesis 40:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Only remember me, when it is well with you, and please do me the kindness to mention me to Pharaoh, and so get me out of this house.

NIV: But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison.

NASB: Only keep me in mind when it goes well for you, and please do me a kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this prison.

CSB: But when all goes well for you, remember that I was with you. Please show kindness to me by mentioning me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this prison.

NLT: And please remember me and do me a favor when things go well for you. Mention me to Pharaoh, so he might let me out of this place.

KJV: But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house:

NKJV: But remember me when it is well with you, and please show kindness to me; make mention of me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this house.

Joseph has interpreted the cupbearer's dream (Genesis 40:7–11), and the outcome is a happy one. The cupbearer will be released from prison and given his old job back as Pharaoh's cupbearer in just three days (Genesis 40:12–13).

Now Joseph makes a personal plea to the cupbearer: Remember me! Specifically, Joseph asks that when the time is right, when it is well with the cupbearer, that he mention Joseph to Pharaoh. This is Joseph's attempt to be freed from his unfair imprisonment (Genesis 39:11–15).

This is an entirely reasonable request, even if it's the first time we hear Joseph express discontent with his difficult circumstances. Many years have passed since Joseph was first incarcerated for a crime he did not commit (Genesis 40:1, 4), and he's ready to be done with prison. Joseph is not despairing or rejecting God's will. Nor is he being inert, doing literally nothing. Instead, he sees a perfect opportunity to plead his case.

Joseph is aware of how powerful a well-timed word from an influential servant can be. He asks the cupbearer to do that kindness for him. Unfortunately, the cupbearer will keep that information to himself for several more years (Genesis 41:1, 9)

Genesis 40:1–23 takes place during Joseph's years in a prison, or dungeon, within the house of the captain of the guard. Two men join him there for a time and experience troubling, prophetic dreams. Joseph's interpretation reveals that the former cupbearer to Pharaoh will be restored to his old job. The former baker for Pharaoh will be executed. Both interpretations are fulfilled exactly, but Joseph is soon forgotten again.

Genesis 40 describes Joseph's interpretation of dreams for two of his fellow prisoners. Pharaoh's chief cupbearer and baker are imprisoned and experience troubling, prophetic visions. Joseph reveals the meaning of those dreams and, just as he predicts, the cupbearer is restored to his position while the baker is executed. The redeemed cupbearer, despite Joseph's plea, says nothing to Pharaoh about Joseph's situation.

Joseph remains in prison after being accused of attempted rape by Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39:11–15). The Lord blesses Joseph even in jail (Genesis 39:21–23), but he longs to get out. His chance for release comes through an opportunity to interpret the dreams of two fellow prisoners. The dreams reveal that one will be restored to his old position, while the other will be killed. Joseph pleads with the servant to be restored, asking him to to plead with Pharaoh to get Joseph released, but the man fails to do so. Two years later (Genesis 41:1), another dream requires explanation, and Joseph will finally be freed (Genesis 41:12–14).

The book of Genesis establishes fundamental truths about God. Among these are His role as the Creator, His holiness, His hatred of sin, His love for mankind, and His willingness to provide for our redemption. We learn not only where mankind has come from, but why the world is in its present form. The book also presents the establishment of Israel, God's chosen people. Many of the principles given in other parts of Scripture depend on the basic ideas presented here in the book of Genesis. Within the framework of the Bible, Genesis explains the bare-bones history of the universe leading up to the captivity of Israel in Egypt, setting the stage for the book of Exodus.