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Genesis 40:13 - Dreams reveal divine destiny

Genesis 40:13 - בראשית 40:13

Hebrew Text

בְּעוֹד שְׁלֹשֶׁת יָמִים יִשָּׂא פַרְעֹה אֶת־רֹאשֶׁךָ וַהֲשִׁיבְךָ עַל־כַּנֶּךָ וְנָתַתָּ כוֹס־פַּרְעֹה בְּיָדוֹ כַּמִּשְׁפָּט הָרִאשׁוֹן אֲשֶׁר הָיִיתָ מַשְׁקֵהוּ׃

English Translation

within another three days shall Par῾o lift up thy head, and restore thee to thy place: and thou shalt deliver Par῾o’s cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler.

Transliteration

Be'od shloshet yamim yisa Paro et-roshekha vahashivkha al-kanekha venatata kos-Paro be'yado kamishpat harishon asher hayita mashkehu.

Hebrew Leining Text

בְּע֣וֹד <b>׀</b> שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֗ים יִשָּׂ֤א פַרְעֹה֙ אֶת־רֹאשֶׁ֔ךָ וַהֲשִֽׁיבְךָ֖ עַל־כַּנֶּ֑ךָ וְנָתַתָּ֤ כוֹס־פַּרְעֹה֙ בְּיָד֔וֹ כַּמִּשְׁפָּט֙ הָֽרִאשׁ֔וֹן אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָיִ֖יתָ מַשְׁקֵֽהוּ׃
בְּע֣וֹד ׀ שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֗ים יִשָּׂ֤א פַרְעֹה֙ אֶת־רֹאשֶׁ֔ךָ וַהֲשִֽׁיבְךָ֖ עַל־כַּנֶּ֑ךָ וְנָתַתָּ֤ כוֹס־פַּרְעֹה֙ בְּיָד֔וֹ כַּמִּשְׁפָּט֙ הָֽרִאשׁ֔וֹן אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָיִ֖יתָ מַשְׁקֵֽהוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 40:13) is part of Yosef's interpretation of the dream of Pharaoh's chief butler while they were both imprisoned in Egypt. Yosef prophesies that within three days, Pharaoh would restore the butler to his former position.

Phrase-by-Phrase Analysis

  • "בְּעוֹד שְׁלֹשֶׁת יָמִים" (within another three days): Rashi explains that the term "בְּעוֹד" implies immediacy—these three days would pass quickly, leading to the butler's restoration. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 88:5) notes that Yosef's precise timing demonstrated his divine connection, as only true prophets specify exact timeframes.
  • "יִשָּׂא פַרְעֹה אֶת־רֹאשֶׁךָ" (Pharaoh shall lift up thy head): The Ramban interprets this as an idiom for restoring honor, as lifting the head signifies dignity and favor. However, Rashi contrasts this with the same phrase used for the baker (40:19), where it implies execution—highlighting the dual meaning of "lifting the head" in Tanach.
  • "וַהֲשִׁיבְךָ עַל־כַּנֶּךָ" (and restore thee to thy place): The Sforno emphasizes that this was not merely a return to service but a complete reinstatement of the butler's former status and privileges.
  • "כַּמִּשְׁפָּט הָרִאשׁוֹן" (after the former manner): Ibn Ezra explains that this refers to the butler's original duties, indicating no reduction in his rank. The Kli Yakar adds that this phrase hints at the butler's ingratitude later—despite Yosef's accurate prophecy, the butler forgot him (40:23), violating the "former manner" of kindness.

Broader Themes

The verse underscores divine providence (hashgacha pratit), as Yosef's ability to interpret dreams ultimately leads to his rise in Egypt. The Talmud (Chullin 92a) compares the butler and baker to two constellations—one rising (butler) and one falling (baker)—symbolizing how human fortunes change under Hashem's plan.

Moral Lessons

  • The butler's eventual forgetfulness teaches the danger of ingratitude, a theme later addressed by Chazal (e.g., Pirkei Avot 3:8: "One who forgets even a single teaching from his study is liable for his life").
  • Yosef's insistence on attributing interpretations to Hashem (40:8) models humility and acknowledgment of divine wisdom.

📚 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 story of Joseph interpreting the dreams of Pharaoh's butler and baker.
📖 Chullin 95b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the significance of dreams and their interpretations, drawing parallels to Joseph's accurate interpretations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'lift up thy head' mean in Genesis 40:13?
A: In Genesis 40:13, when Yosef (Joseph) tells the butler that Pharaoh will 'lift up thy head,' it means Pharaoh will restore him to his former position of honor. Rashi explains that 'lifting the head' is an expression of dignity and reinstatement, as the butler would return to serving Pharaoh directly.
Q: Why did Yosef interpret the butler's dream in Genesis 40:13?
A: Yosef interpreted the butler's dream because he recognized that dreams could contain divine messages (as seen in the Talmud, Berachot 55a). He trusted that Hashem gave him the ability to interpret dreams truthfully, which later led to his own rise from prison when the butler remembered him before Pharaoh.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's words to the butler in Genesis 40:13?
A: From Yosef's words, we learn the importance of trusting in Hashem's plan even in difficult circumstances. Despite being in prison, Yosef used his gift to help others, showing faith that Hashem would ultimately bring justice and redemption. The Rambam teaches that we must recognize divine providence in all events.
Q: How does the phrase 'after the former manner' apply in Genesis 40:13?
A: The phrase 'after the former manner' means the butler would resume his duties exactly as before, serving Pharaoh his cup. Rashi notes that this emphasizes the complete restoration of his role, showing that Pharaoh's favor was fully returned to him.
Q: Why is the butler's dream fulfillment in Genesis 40:13 significant?
A: The fulfillment of the butler's dream is significant because it demonstrates that Yosef's interpretations were accurate and divinely inspired. This event set the stage for Yosef's eventual release from prison, as the butler later remembered him when Pharaoh needed a dream interpreter (Genesis 41:9-13). The Midrash highlights how Hashem orchestrates events for a greater purpose.