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Genesis 40:14 - Will kindness be remembered?

Genesis 40:14 - בראשית 40:14

Hebrew Text

כִּי אִם־זְכַרְתַּנִי אִתְּךָ כַּאֲשֶׁר יִיטַב לָךְ וְעָשִׂיתָ־נָּא עִמָּדִי חָסֶד וְהִזְכַּרְתַּנִי אֶל־פַּרְעֹה וְהוֹצֵאתַנִי מִן־הַבַּיִת הַזֶּה׃

English Translation

But think of me when it shall be well with thee, and show kindness, I pray thee, to me, and make mention of me to Par῾o, and bring me out of this house:

Transliteration

Ki im-z'khartani itkha ka'asher yitav lakh v'asita-na imadi khesed v'hizkartani el-par'o v'hotzetani min-ha'bayit hazeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֧י אִם־זְכַרְתַּ֣נִי אִתְּךָ֗ כַּאֲשֶׁר֙ יִ֣יטַב לָ֔ךְ וְעָשִֽׂיתָ־נָּ֥א עִמָּדִ֖י חָ֑סֶד וְהִזְכַּרְתַּ֙נִי֙ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֔ה וְהוֹצֵאתַ֖נִי מִן־הַבַּ֥יִת הַזֶּֽה׃
כִּ֧י אִם־זְכַרְתַּ֣נִי אִתְּךָ֗ כַּאֲשֶׁר֙ יִ֣יטַב לָ֔ךְ וְעָשִֽׂיתָ־נָּ֥א עִמָּדִ֖י חָ֑סֶד וְהִזְכַּרְתַּ֙נִי֙ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֔ה וְהוֹצֵאתַ֖נִי מִן־הַבַּ֥יִת הַזֶּֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 40:14) is spoken by Yosef (Joseph) to Pharaoh's chief butler after interpreting his dream favorably. Yosef, imprisoned unjustly, requests that the butler remember him and advocate for his release once restored to his position.

Yosef's Reliance on Human Intervention

Rashi notes that Yosef's request for the butler's assistance led to his prolonged imprisonment, as he placed trust in human help rather than solely in Hashem (Tehillim 146:3). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 89:3) states that because Yosef asked the butler to remember him, he remained in prison for an additional two years—teaching that one should depend entirely on Divine providence.

The Phrase "When It Shall Be Well With Thee"

Ibn Ezra explains that Yosef was careful not to burden the butler immediately upon his release, recognizing that the butler would first need to reestablish his standing in Pharaoh's court. Only once the butler was secure ("when it shall be well with thee") could he effectively intercede on Yosef's behalf.

The Request for "Chesed" (Kindness)

The term חָסֶד (chesed) here implies more than mere kindness—it suggests a covenantal loyalty. Ramban explains that Yosef was appealing to the butler's moral obligation, as one who benefited from Yosef's interpretation, to reciprocate with active assistance. The Sforno adds that true chesed requires proactive effort, not passive goodwill.

Yosef's Mention of "This House"

The Malbim observes that Yosef refers to the prison as "this house" rather than using a harsher term. This reflects Yosef's humility and acceptance of his circumstances, acknowledging that even imprisonment was part of Hashem's plan—a theme later echoed in his words to his brothers (Bereshit 50:20).

Lessons in Bitachon (Trust in Hashem)

  • The Talmud (Shabbat 32b) derives from this episode that one should not overly rely on miracles or human intervention, even when in distress.
  • Kli Yakar emphasizes that while human hishtadlut (effort) is permitted, ultimate trust must remain with Hashem—a balance Yosef later perfected.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Yosef (Joseph) mean when he asks the butler to 'remember' him in Genesis 40:14?
A: Yosef is asking the butler to recall his innocence and help him once the butler is restored to his position in Pharaoh's court. Rashi explains that Yosef was relying on human help rather than complete trust in Hashem, which is why he remained in prison longer (see Rashi on Genesis 40:14).
Q: Why did Yosef ask the butler for help instead of praying to Hashem?
A: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 89:3) teaches that Yosef's request showed a momentary lapse in complete faith in Hashem. While it is permitted to seek help from others, the Sages learn from this that we should primarily rely on Hashem for salvation.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's words in Genesis 40:14?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) teaches that while we may take natural steps to improve our situation (like Yosef asking for help), ultimate trust must be in Hashem. Yosef's extended stay in prison reminds us that salvation comes in Hashem's time.
Q: How does Yosef's request to the butler apply to us today?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 10a) teaches that we should pray for our needs while also making reasonable efforts (hishtadlut). However, Yosef's story reminds us that help ultimately comes from Hashem, even through human messengers.
Q: Why does the Torah tell us about Yosef asking the butler for help?
A: The Sforno explains that this episode shows how even great tzaddikim like Yosef can momentarily falter in their bitachon (trust in Hashem). The story teaches that while we may seek help from others, we must remember that all salvation comes from Hashem.