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Genesis 40:21 - Butler's dream fulfilled

Genesis 40:21 - בראשית 40:21

Hebrew Text

וַיָּשֶׁב אֶת־שַׂר הַמַּשְׁקִים עַל־מַשְׁקֵהוּ וַיִּתֵּן הַכּוֹס עַל־כַּף פַּרְעֹה׃

English Translation

And he restored the chief butler to his butlership again

Transliteration

Vayashev et-sar hamashkim al-mashkehu vayiten hakos al-kaf Paro.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֛שֶׁב אֶת־שַׂ֥ר הַמַּשְׁקִ֖ים עַל־מַשְׁקֵ֑הוּ וַיִּתֵּ֥ן הַכּ֖וֹס עַל־כַּ֥ף פַּרְעֹֽה׃
וַיָּ֛שֶׁב אֶת־שַׂ֥ר הַמַּשְׁקִ֖ים עַל־מַשְׁקֵ֑הוּ וַיִּתֵּ֥ן הַכּ֖וֹס עַל־כַּ֥ף פַּרְעֹֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Restoration of the Chief Butler

The verse (Bereshit 40:21) states: "וַיָּשֶׁב אֶת־שַׂר הַמַּשְׁקִים עַל־מַשְׁקֵהוּ וַיִּתֵּן הַכּוֹס עַל־כַּף פַּרְעֹה" ("And he restored the chief butler to his butlership again, and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand"). This describes the fulfillment of Yosef's interpretation of the chief butler's dream, where he predicted his reinstatement.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments that the phrase "וַיִּתֵּן הַכּוֹס עַל־כַּף פַּרְעֹה" ("and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand") emphasizes that Pharaoh himself tested the chief butler by asking him to resume his former duties immediately. This demonstrated that his restoration was complete and that he was trusted once again in his former position.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 88:5) elaborates that the chief butler's reinstatement was not merely a return to his job but also a restoration of his honor and status. The phrase "עַל־מַשְׁקֵהוּ" ("to his butlership") implies that he was returned to his exact previous role, without any reduction in rank or responsibility.

Rambam on Divine Providence

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:48) discusses how this event illustrates hashgachah pratit (divine providence). The chief butler’s restoration was part of Hashem’s plan to eventually bring Yosef before Pharaoh, leading to Yosef’s rise to power and the eventual descent of Yaakov’s family to Egypt—fulfilling the prophecy given to Avraham at the Covenant Between the Parts (Bereshit 15:13).

Lessons from the Verse

  • Trust in Divine Timing: The chief butler’s restoration occurred precisely when needed to set in motion Yosef’s liberation, teaching that events unfold according to Hashem’s plan.
  • Gratitude and Forgetfulness: Despite Yosef’s request to be remembered (Bereshit 40:14), the chief butler forgot him—highlighting human frailty and the importance of hakarat hatov (recognizing kindness).
  • Pharaoh’s Test: The immediate return to duty shows that true restoration requires proving one’s reliability anew.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 40:21 mean when it says the chief butler was restored?
A: This verse describes how Yosef (Joseph) correctly interpreted the chief butler's dream in prison, predicting that Pharaoh would restore him to his position. Rashi explains that this was part of Hashem's plan to eventually bring Yosef out of prison when Pharaoh would need his dream interpretation services.
Q: Why is the restoration of the chief butler important in the Torah?
A: The restoration is important because it sets in motion the events that lead to Yosef's release from prison. As Ramban explains, this was part of the divine providence that would ultimately bring Yosef to power in Egypt and save Yaakov's family during the famine.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the chief butler being restored to his position?
A: The Midrash teaches that this shows how Hashem orchestrates events to fulfill His plans. Even though the chief butler forgot about Yosef for two years (as mentioned in the next verse), everything happened at the exact right time according to Hashem's will.
Q: How does the concept of divine providence in this verse apply to our lives today?
A: Just as Hashem arranged these events for Yosef's ultimate good, we learn from the Talmud (Chullin 7b) that a person doesn't stub their finger below unless it was decreed from Above. This teaches us to trust in Hashem's plan even when we don't understand current circumstances.
Q: Why did Pharaoh restore the chief butler specifically to his former position?
A: The Ibn Ezra explains that this precise fulfillment of Yosef's interpretation proved its divine origin. The butler wasn't just freed, but returned to his exact former role, showing that Hashem controls all appointments and positions of authority.