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Genesis 40:11 - Dreams reveal divine messages

Genesis 40:11 - בראשית 40:11

Hebrew Text

וְכוֹס פַּרְעֹה בְּיָדִי וָאֶקַּח אֶת־הָעֲנָבִים וָאֶשְׂחַט אֹתָם אֶל־כּוֹס פַּרְעֹה וָאֶתֵּן אֶת־הַכּוֹס עַל־כַּף פַּרְעֹה׃

English Translation

and Par῾o’s cup was in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Par῾o’s cup, and I gave the cup into Par῾o’s hand.

Transliteration

Ve'khos par'o b'yadi va'ekach et-ha'anavim va'eschat otam el-khos par'o va'eten et-hakhos al-kaf par'o.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכ֥וֹס פַּרְעֹ֖ה בְּיָדִ֑י וָאֶקַּ֣ח אֶת־הָֽעֲנָבִ֗ים וָֽאֶשְׂחַ֤ט אֹתָם֙ אֶל־כּ֣וֹס פַּרְעֹ֔ה וָאֶתֵּ֥ן אֶת־הַכּ֖וֹס עַל־כַּ֥ף פַּרְעֹֽה׃
וְכ֥וֹס פַּרְעֹ֖ה בְּיָדִ֑י וָאֶקַּ֣ח אֶת־הָֽעֲנָבִ֗ים וָֽאֶשְׂחַ֤ט אֹתָם֙ אֶל־כּ֣וֹס פַּרְעֹ֔ה וָאֶתֵּ֥ן אֶת־הַכּ֖וֹס עַל־כַּ֥ף פַּרְעֹֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Narrative

This verse (Bereshit 40:11) is part of the butler's dream interpretation by Yosef (Joseph) in Pharaoh's prison. The butler recounts his dream, in which he sees himself performing his duties for Pharaoh by pressing grapes into Pharaoh's cup. This dream, along with the baker's, sets the stage for Yosef's rise to power in Egypt.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the butler's description of pressing grapes directly into Pharaoh's cup symbolizes his role as the one who prepares wine for Pharaoh. The emphasis on "וָאֶשְׂחַט אֹתָם" ("and I pressed them") highlights the butler's direct involvement in the process, indicating his trusted position. Rashi also notes that the dream's details—such as the grapes being pressed into the cup—were later fulfilled literally, demonstrating the divine nature of dreams in the narrative.

Symbolism of the Cup

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 88:5) elaborates on the significance of the cup in the butler's dream. The cup represents honor and favor, as it was a vessel used by royalty. The butler's act of placing the cup in Pharaoh's hand signifies his restoration to his former position, as Yosef later interprets (Bereshit 40:13). The pressing of the grapes may also allude to the butler's eventual role in facilitating Yosef's rise, as he would later mention Yosef to Pharaoh.

Halachic Insight from Rambam

Rambam (Hilchos Dei'os 5:1) discusses the importance of serving leaders with diligence and care, as exemplified by the butler's detailed description of his service. The butler's dream reflects his consciousness of his duties, a trait valued in Jewish thought when serving those in authority.

Literary Structure and Meaning

  • Repetition of "כּוֹס פַּרְעֹה" (Pharaoh's cup): The phrase appears three times, emphasizing the centrality of the butler's service to Pharaoh and foreshadowing his reinstatement.
  • Action Verbs: The sequence of actions—taking, pressing, giving—mirrors the butler's eventual role in bringing Yosef before Pharaoh, as he "takes" Yosef's words, "presses" (advocates) for him, and "gives" his recommendation to Pharaoh.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 56b
The verse is referenced in the context of interpreting dreams, specifically discussing the significance of Pharaoh's cup in Joseph's dream interpretation.
📖 Chullin 92a
Mentioned in a discussion about the symbolism of grapes and wine in biblical narratives, including Joseph's interpretation of dreams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of the butler's dream about squeezing grapes into Pharaoh's cup?
A: According to Rashi, the butler's dream symbolized his imminent return to service, as squeezing grapes into Pharaoh's cup represented his restoration to his former position as wine steward. The grapes being pressed directly into Pharaoh's cup indicated that his service would be pleasing and accepted by Pharaoh.
Q: Why did Yosef interpret the butler's dream positively?
A: Yosef understood through divine inspiration (as explained in Midrash Bereishit Rabbah) that the imagery of fresh grapes being pressed directly into Pharaoh's cup signified renewal and restoration. The Talmud (Berachot 55b) teaches that dreams follow their interpretation, and Yosef - being gifted in dream interpretation - saw the positive aspects of this symbolism.
Q: What lesson can we learn from how Yosef interpreted the butler's dream?
A: We learn from Yosef's interpretation the importance of looking for positive meanings in situations (as taught in Jewish thought). Even though the butler was in prison, Yosef focused on the hopeful aspects of the dream. This teaches us to seek the good and maintain faith in Hashem's plan, even in difficult circumstances.
Q: Why is the detail about putting the cup in Pharaoh's hand important?
A: The Ramban explains that this detail confirmed the butler would return to his precise former duties of personally serving Pharaoh. The emphasis on placing the cup directly in Pharaoh's hand (rather than just preparing it) showed he would regain his position of trust and closeness to the king.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Jewish concept of dreams?
A: This verse and its interpretation demonstrate the Jewish view (as discussed in Talmud Berachot) that dreams contain meaningful symbolism but require proper interpretation. The grapes and cup weren't literal predictions, but symbolic representations that Yosef, with wisdom from Hashem, correctly interpreted as relating to the butler's professional life.