Genesis 40:14-15
Only remember me, when it is well with you, and please do me the kindness to mention me to Pharaoh, and so get me out of this house. For I was indeed stolen out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also I have done nothing that they should put me into the pit.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Joseph doesn't just ask for a favor; he requests "kindness," framing it as a humanitarian act for someone unjustly imprisoned, rather than a reward for his dream interpretation. This subtle emphasis highlights his understanding of human dignity and his plea for compassionate intervention, even while acknowledging his innocent suffering.
Joseph, wrongly imprisoned in Egypt, interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's chief butler and baker. After accurately predicting their fates—the butler's restoration and the baker's execution—Joseph pleads with the butler to remember him when he's back in favor. This request is Joseph's attempt to use a lawful means for his freedom, even as he awaits God's timing.
Joseph, despite his divine dreams and interpretations, doesn't just wait. He actively seeks a way out, relying on a connection he's made. What does this teach us about faith and action?
Joseph has just performed a powerful act of service, interpreting the dreams of the king's chief butler and baker. He knows from his own dreams and God's past faithfulness that deliverance is coming. Yet, he doesn't passively await it. He makes a direct appeal to the butler: 'Only remember me... and please do me the kindness to mention me to Pharaoh.'
This isn't a sign of weak faith, but rather a wise and humble use of the means God providentially places before him. As commentators note, Joseph isn't seeking reward for his interpretation but asking for a simple act of remembrance and advocacy. It's a testament to how faith and human agency work together. We can trust God's ultimate plan while also taking wise, hopeful steps to navigate our circumstances.
Joseph is in a desperate situation, yet his request to the butler is remarkably measured. How does he present his case without sounding arrogant or demanding?
Joseph's plea is a masterclass in humble self-advocacy. He doesn't demand release or remind the butler of his 'debt' for interpreting the dream. Instead, he frames his request as a kindness ('show kindness, I pray thee, unto me') and a simple mention ('mention me to Pharaoh').
He also carefully states his case: 'I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews; and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.' He doesn't accuse his accusers or dwell on the injustice; he simply states the facts of his unjust imprisonment. This approach is both vulnerable and dignified. It appeals to the butler's conscience and humanity, making it harder for him to ignore Joseph's plight.
Understand the original words
chesed · Hebrew Noun
A broad term (Hebrew: chesed) often translated as steadfast love, loyalty, or mercy. It refers to covenantal loyalty and active kindness that goes beyond mere duty, often reflecting God's own character in human relationships.
Ibriy · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
A term referring to the land of Canaan or the dwelling place of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). It identifies the ancestral heritage and covenantal identity of the people of God before Israel became a nation.
bowr · Hebrew Noun
A metaphorical or literal term for a dungeon, prison, or place of profound desolation and suffering. It represents a place of extreme humiliation or entrapment, often used to contrast with the light or freedom of God's presence.
Joseph's request to the cupbearer is a humble yet strategic plea for release, demonstrating his understanding that even as God works through divine providence, human means and timely remembrance are also part of His plan.
c. 1728 BC
Joseph sold into Egypt
Joseph, son of Jacob, is sold into slavery by his brothers and brought to Egypt, where he is eventually purchased by Potiphar, an official of Pharaoh.
c. 1716 BC
Joseph imprisoned
Falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, Joseph is thrown into the prison of the guardhouse, the same place where Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker are later confined.
c. 1714 BC
Butler and baker imprisoned
Pharaoh's chief cupbearer and baker offend their lord and are imprisoned in the same jail where Joseph is held.
c. 1714 BC— this verse
Dreams interpreted
The cupbearer and baker each have significant dreams. Joseph interprets them, revealing that the cupbearer will be restored to his position within three days, and the baker will be executed.
This verse speaks to how circumstances change rapidly and how the most capable person can find themselves in unexpected hardship, just as Joseph was forgotten despite his skills.
Proverbs 18:24This proverb highlights that while some friends may lead to ruin, there are 'friends who stick closer than a brother,' reflecting Joseph's hope that the butler would be that kind of friend and advocate.
Job 12:10The text here states that God holds the life and spirit of all mankind, which resonates with Joseph's understanding that dreams and their interpretations are ultimately from God, not just human wisdom.
Jeremiah 29:11This promise of a future and a hope connects to Joseph's plea. Though he was in prison, he held onto the hope of deliverance, a hope that God had indeed planned for him.
Matthew 7:12Joseph's request to the butler to 'remember me' and 'show kindness' mirrors the Golden Rule, as he hoped the butler would treat him as he himself would want to be treated in a similar situation.
gillGenesis 40:14: "But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house:"
But think on me, when it shall be well with thee,.... He desires no reward for the interpretation of his dream, only that he would remember him in adversity, when he should be in prosperity in Pharaoh's court, and speak a good word for him, which was the least he could do; and though Joseph knew by his own dreams that he…
clarkeGenesis 40:14: "But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house:"
Make mention of me unto Pharaoh - One would have supposed that the very circumstance of his restoration, according to the prediction of Joseph, would have almost necessarily prevented him from forgetting so extraordinary a person. But what have mere courtiers to do either with gratitude or kindness?
Joseph doesn't just ask for a favor; he requests "kindness," framing it as a humanitarian act for someone unjustly imprisoned, rather than a reward for his dream interpretation. This subtle emphasis highlights his understanding of human dignity and his plea for compassionate intervention, even while acknowledging his innocent suffering.
Joseph, wrongly imprisoned in Egypt, interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's chief butler and baker. After accurately predicting their fates—the butler's restoration and the baker's execution—Joseph pleads with the butler to remember him when he's back in favor. This request is Joseph's attempt to use a lawful means for his freedom, even as he awaits God's timing.
Joseph, wrongly imprisoned in Egypt, interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's chief butler and baker. After accurately predicting their fates—the butler's restoration and the baker's execution—Joseph pleads with the butler to remember him when he's back in favor. This request is Joseph's attempt to use a lawful means for his freedom, even as he awaits God's timing.
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c. 1714 BC
Cupbearer's restoration
As Joseph predicted, Pharaoh celebrates his birthday, restores the chief cupbearer to his role, and executes the chief baker.
c. 1712 BC
Pharaoh's dreams
Two years after his restoration, the cupbearer has forgotten Joseph. Pharaoh then has disturbing dreams about famine, which no one in Egypt can interpret.
c. 1712 BC
Joseph before Pharaoh
Reminded by Pharaoh, the cupbearer finally remembers Joseph, who is brought from prison to interpret Pharaoh's dreams, revealing a coming seven-year famine.
"Only remember me, when it is well with you, and please do me the kindness to mention me to Pharaoh, and so get me out of this house. For I was indeed stolen out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also I have done nothing that they should…" — Joseph doesn't just ask for a favor; he requests "kindness," framing it as a humanitarian act for someone unjustly imprisoned, rather than a reward for his dream interpretation. This subtle emphasis…
