King James Version

What Does Genesis 40:3 Mean?

Genesis 40:3 in the King James Version says “And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison , the place where Joseph was bound.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison , the place where Joseph was bound.”

Genesis 40:3 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt.

2

And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers.

3

And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison , the place where Joseph was bound.

4

And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.

5

And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison .

Read Genesis 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where J... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What theological truths about Dreams in Prison emerge from this passage?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיִּתֵּ֨ן1 of 14

“And he put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֹתָ֜ם2 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּמִשְׁמַ֗ר3 of 14

“them in ward”

H4929

a guard (the man, the post or the prison); a deposit (figuratively); also (as observed) a usage (abstractly), or an example (concretely)

בֵּ֣ית4 of 14

“in the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

שַׂ֥ר5 of 14

“of the captain”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַטַבָּחִ֖ים6 of 14

“of the guard”

H2876

properly, a butcher; hence, a lifeguardsman (because he was acting as an executioner); also a cook (usually slaughtering the animal for food)

אֶל7 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּ֣ית8 of 14

“in the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הַסֹּ֑הַר9 of 14
H5470

a dungeon (as surrounded by walls)

מְק֕וֹם10 of 14

“the place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר11 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יוֹסֵ֖ף12 of 14

“where Joseph”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

אָס֥וּר13 of 14

“was bound”

H631

to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle

שָֽׁם׃14 of 14
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 40:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 40:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 39:20Genesis 39:23

Test Your Knowledge

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