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Genesis 40:16 - Baker's ominous dream revealed

Genesis 40:16 - בראשית 40:16

Hebrew Text

וַיַּרְא שַׂר־הָאֹפִים כִּי טוֹב פָּתָר וַיֹּאמֶר אֶל־יוֹסֵף אַף־אֲנִי בַּחֲלוֹמִי וְהִנֵּה שְׁלֹשָׁה סַלֵּי חֹרִי עַל־רֹאשִׁי׃

English Translation

When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said to Yosef, I also in my dream, behold, I had three baskets of white bread on my head.

Transliteration

Va-yar sar ha-ofim ki tov patar va-yomer el-Yosef af-ani ba-chalomi ve-hineh shloshah salei chori al-roshi.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֥רְא שַׂר־הָאֹפִ֖ים כִּ֣י ט֣וֹב פָּתָ֑ר וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ אֶל־יוֹסֵ֔ף אַף־אֲנִי֙ בַּחֲלוֹמִ֔י וְהִנֵּ֗ה שְׁלֹשָׁ֛ה סַלֵּ֥י חֹרִ֖י עַל־רֹאשִֽׁי׃
וַיַּ֥רְא שַׂר־הָאֹפִ֖ים כִּ֣י ט֣וֹב פָּתָ֑ר וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ אֶל־יוֹסֵ֔ף אַף־אֲנִי֙ בַּחֲלוֹמִ֔י וְהִנֵּ֗ה שְׁלֹשָׁ֛ה סַלֵּ֥י חֹרִ֖י עַל־רֹאשִֽׁי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse appears in Bereshit (Genesis) 40:16, during Yosef's imprisonment in Egypt. The chief baker, witnessing Yosef's favorable interpretation of the chief butler's dream, decides to share his own dream in hopes of a positive outcome. The verse sets the stage for Yosef's interpretation, which ultimately foretells the baker's execution.

Phrase-by-Phrase Analysis

  • "וַיַּרְא שַׂר־הָאֹפִים כִּי טוֹב פָּתָר" (When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good): Rashi explains that the baker observed Yosef's interpretation of the butler's dream as "good" (טוֹב)—meaning it foretold a favorable outcome (the butler's restoration to his position). This encouraged the baker to share his own dream, hoping for a similarly positive interpretation.
  • "וַיֹּאמֶר אֶל־יוֹסֵף אַף־אֲנִי בַּחֲלוֹמִי" (He said to Yosef, I also in my dream): The baker emphasizes "I also" (אַף־אֲנִי), indicating his eagerness to receive a comparable interpretation. The Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (88:5) notes that the baker's approach reflects human nature—people seek favorable prophecies while disregarding warnings.
  • "וְהִנֵּה שְׁלֹשָׁה סַלֵּי חֹרִי עַל־רֹאשִׁי" (Behold, I had three baskets of white bread on my head): The Malbim explains that "white bread" (חֹרִי) symbolizes luxury, as it was finely sifted flour reserved for nobility. The three baskets (סַלֵּי) may hint at the three days until Pharaoh's birthday (as in verse 40:20), when the baker's fate would be decided.

Symbolism of the Dream

The Kli Yakar highlights the contrast between the butler's dream (involving vines and grapes, symbols of life and joy) and the baker's dream (involving baked goods, which are lifeless and processed). This foreshadows their respective fates—the butler is restored to life-giving service, while the baker is executed. The placement of the baskets "on my head" (עַל־רֹאשִׁי) suggests impending judgment, as the head is associated with leadership and destiny (see Ramban).

Lessons from the Verse

  • Divine Providence: The baker's hopeful approach underscores how people often misinterpret signs, assuming favorable outcomes despite underlying warnings (as noted in Midrash Tanchuma, Vayeshev 8).
  • Yosef's Role: Yosef's ability to interpret dreams reflects his divine wisdom (Ruach HaKodesh), a recurring theme in his story (see Rambam, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 7:7 on prophetic insight).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the chief baker's dream about three baskets of white bread mean?
A: According to Rashi and traditional Jewish interpretation, the three baskets of white bread symbolize the three days until the chief baker would be executed by Pharaoh. The dream was a divine message about his impending fate, as later interpreted by Yosef (Joseph).
Q: Why did the chief baker tell Yosef his dream after seeing the good interpretation for the chief butler?
A: The chief baker was hopeful that Yosef could also interpret his dream positively, as the chief butler's dream had a favorable outcome. However, as the Midrash explains, dreams are interpreted based on their content, and the baker's dream contained ominous signs (like birds pecking at the bread, as mentioned later in the verse).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the chief baker sharing his dream with Yosef?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 55b) teaches that dreams follow their interpretation—meaning how they are understood can influence their outcome. The chief baker's mistake was assuming his dream would have a good interpretation like the butler's, without considering its unique details. This teaches us to seek truthful understanding rather than wishful thinking.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that the baskets were 'on his head'?
A: Rashi explains that the baskets being 'on his head' symbolized that his judgment (his fate) was 'upon his head,' meaning it was imminent and directly tied to his actions. In Jewish thought, the head represents leadership and accountability, hinting at his responsibility for his eventual punishment.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of Yosef in the Torah?
A: This moment highlights Yosef's divine gift of dream interpretation, which later leads to his rise in Egypt. The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that Yosef's accurate interpretations—both the butler's good news and the baker's bad news—show his honesty and connection to Hashem's wisdom, setting the stage for his future role as a leader.