King James Version

What Does Genesis 40:6 Mean?

Genesis 40:6 in the King James Version says “And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.”

Genesis 40:6 · KJV

Context

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 .

6

And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.

7

And he asked Pharaoh's officers that were with him in the ward of his lord's house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day? look: Heb. are your faces evil?

8

And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.

Read Genesis 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.... 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. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַיָּבֹ֧א1 of 8

“came in”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֲלֵיהֶ֛ם2 of 8
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יוֹסֵ֖ף3 of 8

“And Joseph”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

בַּבֹּ֑קֶר4 of 8

“unto them in the morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וַיַּ֣רְא5 of 8

“and looked”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֹתָ֔ם6 of 8
H853

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

וְהִנָּ֖ם7 of 8
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

זֹֽעֲפִֽים׃8 of 8

“upon them and behold they were sad”

H2196

properly, to boil up, i.e., (figuratively) to be peevish or angry

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 40:6 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 40:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 5:6Genesis 41:8Daniel 2:1-3Genesis 40:8Daniel 8:27Daniel 7:28

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 40 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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