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Hebrew Text
וְלֹא־זָכַר שַׂר־הַמַּשְׁקִים אֶת־יוֹסֵף וַיִּשְׁכָּחֵהוּ׃
English Translation
Nevertheless the chief butler did not remember Yosef, but forgot him.
Transliteration
Velo-zachar sar-hamashkim et-yosef vayishkachehu.
Hebrew Leining Text
וְלֹֽא־זָכַ֧ר שַֽׂר־הַמַּשְׁקִ֛ים אֶת־יוֹסֵ֖ף וַיִּשְׁכָּחֵֽהוּ׃ {פ}
🎵 Listen to leining
Parasha Commentary
📚 Talmud Citations
This verse is quoted in the Talmud.
📖 Berakhot 13a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the importance of remembering and forgetting, particularly in the context of divine providence and human actions.
📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is referenced in the context of the story of Joseph and the chief butler, illustrating themes of memory and divine timing.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bereshit 40:23) comments that the phrase "וַיִּשְׁכָּחֵהוּ" ("but forgot him") implies that Yosef remained in prison for an additional two years because the butler forgot him. This teaches that Yosef was punished for placing his trust in the butler rather than relying solely on Hashem to secure his release. Rashi cites Tehillim 40:5, "Happy is the man who places his trust in Hashem and does not turn to the arrogant," as a supporting verse.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 89:3) elaborates that the butler's forgetfulness was divinely orchestrated. Had Yosef been released earlier through the butler's intervention, he might have returned to his father immediately. Instead, Hashem arranged for him to remain in prison until Pharaoh’s dreams necessitated his rise to power, fulfilling the divine plan for Yosef to eventually save his family during the famine.
Rambam on Divine Providence
Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 3:11) discusses the importance of bitachon (trust in Hashem) and warns against excessive reliance on human intermediaries. Yosef’s experience serves as a lesson that even when natural opportunities for salvation arise (such as the butler’s promise), one must recognize that all outcomes are ultimately determined by divine will.
Talmudic Insight
The Talmud (Shabbat 30b) teaches that "one who pleads for mercy for his friend while he himself is in need of the same thing will be answered first." The butler, who had been saved through Yosef’s interpretation, failed to reciprocate, and thus his forgetfulness reflects a moral failing. This underscores the ethical imperative to show gratitude and assist those who have helped us.
Chassidic Perspective
The Sefat Emet (Parashat Vayeshev) explains that Yosef’s extended stay in prison was a necessary refinement of his character. Only after fully internalizing the lesson of bitachon could he ascend to leadership. The delay was not a punishment but a preparation for his future role as viceroy of Egypt.