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Genesis 41:9 - Guilt awakens forgotten dreams

Genesis 41:9 - בראשית 41:9

Hebrew Text

וַיְדַבֵּר שַׂר הַמַּשְׁקִים אֶת־פַּרְעֹה לֵאמֹר אֶת־חֲטָאַי אֲנִי מַזְכִּיר הַיּוֹם׃

English Translation

Then spoke the chief butler to Par῾o, saying, I do remember my faults this day:

Transliteration

Vay'daber sar hamashkim et-Par'o lemor et-chata'ai ani mazkir hayom.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְדַבֵּר֙ שַׂ֣ר הַמַּשְׁקִ֔ים אֶת־פַּרְעֹ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר אֶת־חֲטָאַ֕י אֲנִ֖י מַזְכִּ֥יר הַיּֽוֹם׃
וַיְדַבֵּר֙ שַׂ֣ר הַמַּשְׁקִ֔ים אֶת־פַּרְעֹ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר אֶת־חֲטָאַ֕י אֲנִ֖י מַזְכִּ֥יר הַיּֽוֹם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Narrative

This verse (Bereshit 41:9) occurs when the chief butler (שר המשקים) finally remembers Yosef after two years, when Pharaoh is troubled by his dreams. The butler acknowledges his earlier failure to mention Yosef's dream-interpreting abilities when he was restored to his position (Bereshit 40:14-15, 23).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments on the phrase "את חטאי אני מזכיר היום" ("I do remember my faults this day"), explaining that the chief butler is admitting his negligence in not advocating for Yosef sooner. He emphasizes that the butler is confessing his wrongdoing only now, when it becomes relevant to Pharaoh's need for a dream interpreter.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 89:7) elaborates that the chief butler was punished with two additional years in prison (beyond the initial interpretation of his dream) because he failed to fulfill his promise to Yosef. This verse reflects his belated recognition of his moral failing—only when prompted by Pharaoh's distress does he recall his obligation.

Moral Lesson from Rambam

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 2:1) teaches that true repentance requires acknowledging one's sin when placed in the same situation again. The chief butler's delayed admission highlights the importance of timely repentance—had he acted sooner, Yosef’s suffering might have been shortened.

Chassidic Perspective (Sefat Emet)

The Sefat Emet notes that the phrase "היום" ("this day") suggests a moment of divine providence. The butler’s memory was awakened precisely when needed to set in motion Yosef’s rise to power, demonstrating how Hashem orchestrates events for the ultimate redemption of the righteous.

Key Takeaways

  • The verse underscores the ethical duty to fulfill promises and advocate for those who help us (Rashi).
  • Delayed repentance carries consequences, as seen in the butler’s two-year delay (Midrash).
  • Divine timing ensures that human actions align with a greater plan (Sefat Emet).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the chief butler mean when he says 'I do remember my faults this day' in Genesis 41:9?
A: The chief butler (sar hamashkim) is acknowledging that he had forgotten Yosef (Joseph) earlier when he was released from prison (Genesis 40:23). Now, when Pharaoh has troubling dreams, the butler remembers his failure to help Yosef and finally speaks up. Rashi explains that this shows the butler's remorse for his earlier neglect.
Q: Why is the chief butler's confession important in this verse?
A: The butler's admission is important because it leads to Yosef's release from prison and his eventual rise to power in Egypt. The Midrash teaches that this demonstrates how Hashem orchestrates events—even through human forgetfulness and remembrance—to fulfill His plans (Bereshit Rabbah 89:8).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the chief butler remembering his faults?
A: We learn the importance of acknowledging our mistakes and making amends. The butler could have remained silent, but he chose to correct his earlier oversight. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 2:1) teaches that true repentance includes recognizing one's wrongs and taking action to fix them, just as the butler did by mentioning Yosef to Pharaoh.
Q: How does this verse connect to the theme of divine providence?
A: This verse shows how Hashem guides events behind the scenes. The butler's forgetfulness and later remembrance were part of a larger plan to bring Yosef before Pharaoh at the right time. The Talmud (Chullin 7b) teaches that 'a person does not prick his finger below unless it is decreed from above,' emphasizing that even small details are directed by divine providence.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that the butler spoke 'this day'?
A: The phrase 'this day' (hayom) emphasizes the immediacy of the butler's realization. Sforno explains that the butler recognized his fault specifically when Pharaoh was distressed by his dreams, understanding that this was the right time to mention Yosef. This teaches us about the importance of acting promptly when we realize we've done wrong.