share torah logo

Genesis 40:12 - Dreams reveal divine messages

Genesis 40:12 - בראשית 40:12

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר לוֹ יוֹסֵף זֶה פִּתְרֹנוֹ שְׁלֹשֶׁת הַשָּׂרִגִים שְׁלֹשֶׁת יָמִים הֵם׃

English Translation

And Yosef said to him, This is the interpretation of it: The three tendrils are three days:

Transliteration

Vayomer lo Yosef ze pitrono shloshet hasarigim shloshet yamim hem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לוֹ֙ יוֹסֵ֔ף זֶ֖ה פִּתְרֹנ֑וֹ שְׁלֹ֙שֶׁת֙ הַשָּׂ֣רִגִ֔ים שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת יָמִ֖ים הֵֽם׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לוֹ֙ יוֹסֵ֔ף זֶ֖ה פִּתְרֹנ֑וֹ שְׁלֹ֙שֶׁת֙ הַשָּׂ֣רִגִ֔ים שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת יָמִ֖ים הֵֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 40:12) appears in the narrative of Yosef interpreting the dreams of Pharaoh's chief butler and baker while imprisoned in Egypt. Here, Yosef explains the butler's dream about three tendrils (שָׂרִגִים) on a vine, stating that they symbolize three days.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Bereshit 40:12) explains that the term "שָׂרִגִים" (tendrils) refers to the young branches of a vine that produce grapes. He notes that Yosef's interpretation is precise: just as the tendrils grow quickly, so too would the events foretold in the dream unfold swiftly—within three days. Rashi also emphasizes that Yosef's ability to interpret dreams accurately stems from divine inspiration (רוח הקודש).

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (88:5): The Midrash highlights that Yosef's interpretation reflects his wisdom and connection to Hashem. The three days correspond to the three stages of the butler's restoration: release from prison, return to his post, and the ultimate act of serving Pharaoh.
  • Symbolism of the Vine: The vine (גפן) is often associated with the Jewish people (as in Tehillim 80:9). Some commentators suggest that Yosef's mention of the vine hints at his future role in sustaining his family during famine, much as a vine sustains its fruit.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (2:45), Rambam discusses dreams and their interpretations, noting that true prophecy and dream interpretation require divine wisdom. Yosef's ability to decode the dream accurately—linking the tendrils to days—demonstrates his unique spiritual stature, aligning with the Torah's portrayal of him as a צדיק (righteous individual) guided by Hashem.

Halachic and Ethical Lessons

  • Hashgacha Pratit (Divine Providence): The episode underscores that even in prison, Yosef recognizes Hashem's hand in events, as he later declares (Bereshit 40:8), "Do not interpretations belong to G-d?"
  • Timing in Redemption: The three-day timeframe teaches that salvation can come swiftly, a theme echoed in Jewish history (e.g., Purim's turnaround in three days).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 55b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about dreams and their interpretations, illustrating how Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's servants.
📖 Chullin 92a
The verse is mentioned in a broader discussion about symbolic interpretations and the significance of numbers in dreams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 40:12 mean when Yosef says 'the three tendrils are three days'?
A: In Genesis 40:12, Yosef interprets the chief cupbearer's dream where three tendrils (grapevines) represent three days. According to Rashi, this means that in three days, Pharaoh would restore the cupbearer to his position. The number three often symbolizes completeness or a significant period in Jewish tradition.
Q: Why did Yosef interpret dreams in prison?
A: Yosef interpreted dreams in prison because Hashem gave him the wisdom to do so. The Midrash teaches that Yosef's ability to interpret dreams was a divine gift, preparing him for his future role in Egypt. His accurate interpretations later led to his release and rise to power.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef interpreting the cupbearer's dream?
A: From Yosef interpreting the cupbearer's dream, we learn the importance of using our talents to help others, even in difficult situations. The Talmud (Berachot 55a) teaches that dream interpretation requires wisdom, and Yosef used his gift responsibly, trusting in Hashem's plan.
Q: How does Yosef's interpretation of dreams apply to us today?
A: Yosef's interpretation teaches us to recognize Hashem's hand in events and to use our wisdom for good. The Rambam (Hilchos Dei'os) explains that we should seek meaning in our experiences, just as Yosef found divine purpose in interpreting dreams, guiding us to act with faith and insight.