share torah logo

Genesis 40:1 - Royal servants anger Pharaoh

Genesis 40:1 - בראשית 40:1

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי אַחַר הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה חָטְאוּ מַשְׁקֵה מֶלֶךְ־מִצְרַיִם וְהָאֹפֶה לַאֲדֹנֵיהֶם לְמֶלֶךְ מִצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Miżrayim, and his baker, offended their lord the king of Miżrayim.

Transliteration

Vayehi achar hadevarim ha'ele chatu mashkeh melech-mitzrayim veha'ofeh la'adoneihem lemelech mitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֗י אַחַר֙ הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה חָ֥טְא֛וּ מַשְׁקֵ֥ה מֶֽלֶךְ־מִצְרַ֖יִם וְהָאֹפֶ֑ה לַאֲדֹנֵיהֶ֖ם לְמֶ֥לֶךְ מִצְרָֽיִם׃
וַיְהִ֗י אַחַר֙ הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה חָ֥טְא֛וּ מַשְׁקֵ֥ה מֶֽלֶךְ־מִצְרַ֖יִם וְהָאֹפֶ֑ה לַאֲדֹנֵיהֶ֖ם לְמֶ֥לֶךְ מִצְרָֽיִם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Meaning of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 40:1) describes an event following Yosef's imprisonment, where the butler (מַשְׁקֵה) and baker (אֹפֶה) of Pharaoh sinned against their master. The phrase "וַיְהִי אַחַר הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה" ("And it came to pass after these things") connects this episode to the previous narrative of Yosef's unjust imprisonment (Rashi, Bereshit 40:1). The sin of these officers sets the stage for Yosef's eventual rise to power through his interpretation of their dreams.

Nature of Their Sin

The Torah does not specify their exact transgression, leading to various interpretations among the commentators:

  • Rashi cites the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 88:2) that the butler was negligent in his duty—either by allowing a fly or a pebble to fall into Pharaoh's cup, while the baker served bread with a pebble or insect in it (Rashi, Bereshit 40:1).
  • Ramban suggests their sin may have been more severe, possibly involving conspiracy or disrespect toward Pharaoh (Ramban, Bereshit 40:1).
  • Sforno explains that their offense was a breach of trust, as high-ranking officials were expected to maintain absolute loyalty (Sforno, Bereshit 40:1).

Divine Providence

The incident is seen as an act of Divine Providence (השגחה פרטית) to bring Yosef closer to his destiny. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 88:2) teaches that these events were orchestrated to fulfill Hashem's plan for Yosef's eventual rise to power in Egypt. The butler’s later remembrance of Yosef (Bereshit 41:9) leads to Yosef interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams, demonstrating how seemingly unrelated events serve a greater purpose.

Lessons in Leadership and Accountability

The verse underscores the principle that even high-ranking officials are accountable for their actions. The butler and baker, despite their positions, faced consequences for their negligence or disloyalty. This aligns with the Torah’s broader theme of justice and responsibility, as seen in Mishlei (Proverbs) 16:14: "The wrath of a king is as messengers of death, but a wise man will pacify it."

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 55b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about dreams and their interpretations, relating to the butler and baker's dreams in the story of Joseph.
📖 Chullin 95b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the laws of kashrut and the behavior of the butler and baker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 40:1 mean when it says the butler and baker 'offended' the king of Egypt?
A: According to Rashi, the butler (wine steward) and baker committed offenses against Pharaoh. The Midrash suggests the butler served a fly in Pharaoh's cup, while the baker served a pebble in his bread. These were seen as acts of negligence or disrespect toward the king.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that this happened 'after these things' in Genesis 40:1?
A: Rashi explains 'after these things' refers to the events in the previous chapter where Potiphar's wife falsely accused Yosef (Joseph). This shows divine providence - after Yosef was imprisoned unjustly, events were set in motion to eventually bring him before Pharaoh.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the butler and baker's story in Genesis 40:1?
A: The Talmud (Chagigah 5a) teaches that no suffering comes without cause. Though their punishment may seem severe, the butler and baker were held accountable for failing their duties to the king. This teaches the importance of responsibility in our work and relationships.
Q: Why were the butler and baker imprisoned together in Genesis 40:1?
A: The Midrash explains they were imprisoned together because their offenses were related - both involved serving Pharaoh improperly. However, their fates differed (as the story continues) to show that Hashem judges each person individually based on their actions and repentance.
Q: How does Genesis 40:1 connect to Yosef's (Joseph's) story?
A: As Ramban explains, this verse begins the sequence where Yosef interprets the prisoners' dreams, leading to his eventual release and rise to power. It demonstrates how Hashem orchestrates events to fulfill His plans, using even the mistakes of others to bring about redemption.