Genesis 41:9
New International Version
Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I am reminded of my shortcomings.

New Living Translation
Finally, the king’s chief cup-bearer spoke up. “Today I have been reminded of my failure,” he told Pharaoh.

English Standard Version
Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “I remember my offenses today.

Berean Standard Bible
Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I recall my failures.

King James Bible
Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:

New King James Version
Then the chief butler spoke to Pharaoh, saying: “I remember my faults this day.

New American Standard Bible
Then the chief cupbearer spoke to Pharaoh, saying, “I would make mention today of my own offenses.

NASB 1995
Then the chief cupbearer spoke to Pharaoh, saying, “I would make mention today of my own offenses.

NASB 1977
Then the chief cupbearer spoke to Pharaoh, saying, “I would make mention today of my own offenses.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the chief cupbearer spoke to Pharaoh, saying, “I would bring to remembrance today my own offenses.

Amplified Bible
Then the chief cupbearer spoke to Pharaoh, saying, “I would mention my faults today.

Christian Standard Bible
Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I remember my faults.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I remember my faults.

American Standard Version
Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:

Contemporary English Version
The king's personal servant said: Now I remember what I was supposed to do.

English Revised Version
Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then the chief cupbearer spoke to Pharaoh, "I remember a promise I failed to keep.

Good News Translation
Then the wine steward said to the king, "I must confess today that I have done wrong.

International Standard Version
Then Pharaoh's senior security advisor spoke up. "Maybe I should make a confession.

Majority Standard Bible
Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I recall my failures.

NET Bible
Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, "Today I recall my failures.

New Heart English Bible
Then the chief cupbearer spoke to Pharaoh, saying, "I remember my faults today.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then spoke the chief butler to Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:

World English Bible
Then the chief cup bearer spoke to Pharaoh, saying, “I remember my faults today.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the chief of the butlers speaks with Pharaoh, saying, “I mention my sin this day:

Young's Literal Translation
And the chief of the butlers speaketh with Pharaoh, saying, 'My sin I mention this day:

Smith's Literal Translation
And the chief of the cup-bearers will speak to Pharaoh, saying, I, remembering my sin this day.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then at length the chief butler remembering, said: I confess my sin:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then at last the chief cupbearer, remembering, said, “I confess my sin.

New American Bible
Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh: “Now I remember my negligence!

New Revised Standard Version
Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “I remember my faults today.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then the chief butler spoke in the presence of Pharaoh, and said, I will mention my offense today;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Chief of Drinking spoke before Pharaoh, and he said, “I remember my fault today:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then spoke the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying: 'I make mention of my faults this day:

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the chief cupbearer spoke to Pharao, saying, I this day remember my fault:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Dreams of Pharaoh
8In the morning his spirit was troubled, so he summoned all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him. 9Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I recall my failures. 10Pharaoh was once angry with his servants, and he put me and the chief baker in the custody of the captain of the guard.…

Cross References
Genesis 40:14-15
But when it goes well for you, please remember me and show me kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh, that he might bring me out of this prison. / For I was kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing for which they should have put me in this dungeon.”

Genesis 40:23
The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot all about him.

Genesis 42:21
Then they said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw his anguish when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.”

Genesis 39:20-21
So Joseph’s master took him and had him thrown into the prison where the king’s prisoners were confined. While Joseph was there in the prison, / the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.

Genesis 37:28
So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.

Exodus 1:8-11
Then a new king, who did not know Joseph, came to power in Egypt. / “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become too numerous and too powerful for us. / Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more; and if a war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.” ...

Daniel 2:25-28
Arioch hastily brought Daniel before the king and said to him, “I have found a man among the exiles from Judah who will tell the king the interpretation.” / The king responded to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to tell me what I saw in the dream, as well as its interpretation?” / Daniel answered the king, “No wise man, enchanter, medium, or magician can explain to the king the mystery of which he inquires. ...

Daniel 5:10-12
Hearing the outcry of the king and his nobles, the queen entered the banquet hall. “O king, may you live forever!” she said. “Do not let your thoughts terrify you, or your face grow pale. / There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the days of your father he was found to have insight, intelligence, and wisdom like that of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners. Your own father, the king, / did this because Daniel, the one he named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, as well as knowledge, understanding, and the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Summon Daniel, therefore, and he will give you the interpretation.”

1 Samuel 16:14-23
Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him. / Saul’s servants said to him, “Surely a spirit of distress from God is tormenting you. / Let our lord command your servants here to seek out someone who can skillfully play the harp. Whenever the spirit of distress from God is upon you, he is to play it, and you will be well.” ...

Esther 6:1-3
That night sleep escaped the king; so he ordered the Book of Records, the Chronicles, to be brought in and read to him. / And there it was found recorded that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two of the eunuchs who guarded the king’s entrance, when they had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. / The king inquired, “What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this act?” “Nothing has been done for him,” replied the king’s attendants.

Psalm 105:19-22
until his prediction came true and the word of the LORD proved him right. / The king sent and released him; the ruler of peoples set him free. / He made him master of his household, ruler over all his substance, ...

Acts 7:9-10
Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him / and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.

Acts 16:25-28
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. / Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose. / When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, presuming that the prisoners had escaped. ...

Matthew 27:19
While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him.”

Luke 23:39-43
One of the criminals who hung there heaped abuse on Him. “Are You not the Christ?” he said. “Save Yourself and us!” / But the other one rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same judgment? / We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” ...


Treasury of Scripture

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

I do remember.

Genesis 40:1-3,14,23
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…

Jump to Previous
Butler Butlers Chief Cupbearer Cup-Bearers Faults Memory Mention Offences Offenses Pharaoh Remember Reminded Shortcomings Sin Speaketh Today Wine-Servant
Jump to Next
Butler Butlers Chief Cupbearer Cup-Bearers Faults Memory Mention Offences Offenses Pharaoh Remember Reminded Shortcomings Sin Speaketh Today Wine-Servant
Genesis 41
1. Pharaoh has two dreams.
9. Joseph interprets them.
33. He gives Pharaoh counsel, and is highly advanced, and married.
46. The seven years of plenty.
50. He begets children.
53. The famine begins.














Then the chief cupbearer
The role of the chief cupbearer in ancient Egypt was one of significant trust and responsibility. This position involved not only serving wine to the Pharaoh but also ensuring that it was not poisoned. The Hebrew word for cupbearer, "mashqeh," indicates a person who gives drink, highlighting the intimate and trusted relationship between the cupbearer and the king. Historically, cupbearers were often confidants of the king, which is why the chief cupbearer had direct access to Pharaoh. This access becomes crucial in the unfolding of God's plan for Joseph, demonstrating how God uses positions of influence to fulfill His purposes.

said to Pharaoh
The act of speaking to Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, signifies a moment of boldness and opportunity. In the ancient world, approaching a king required courage and the right circumstances. The cupbearer's decision to speak up at this moment is divinely orchestrated, as God uses this interaction to bring Joseph to Pharaoh's attention. The Hebrew verb "amar," meaning "to say" or "to speak," emphasizes the importance of words and timing in God's plan. This moment is a reminder of how God can use our words to change the course of history when we are aligned with His will.

Today
The word "today" signifies immediacy and urgency. In the Hebrew text, "hayom" underscores the present moment, indicating that the cupbearer’s memory and confession are timely and providential. This reflects the biblical theme that God's timing is perfect. The cupbearer's recollection on this specific day is not coincidental but part of God's sovereign plan to elevate Joseph. It serves as an encouragement to believers that God is always at work in the present, orchestrating events for His glory and our good.

I recall
The act of recalling, or "zakar" in Hebrew, means to remember or bring to mind. This is a pivotal moment of remembrance for the cupbearer, as he acknowledges his past oversight. In the biblical narrative, remembering is often associated with covenant faithfulness and divine intervention. The cupbearer's recollection is a catalyst for Joseph's rise to power, illustrating how God can use human memory to fulfill His promises. It is a reminder to believers of the importance of remembering God's faithfulness and our responsibilities.

my failures
The phrase "my failures" is a confession of guilt and oversight. The Hebrew word "chet," often translated as sin or failure, indicates a moral or ethical lapse. The cupbearer's admission of his failure to remember Joseph earlier is a moment of humility and repentance. This acknowledgment is crucial in the biblical narrative, as it sets the stage for Joseph's deliverance and the fulfillment of God's plan. It serves as a reminder that confession and repentance are vital steps in aligning ourselves with God's purposes and experiencing His redemption.

Verses 9-13. - Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day: - literally, my faults (sc. am) remembering today; but whether he understood by his faults his ingratitude to Joseph or his offense against Pharaoh commentators are not agreed, though the latter seems the more probable - Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, - literally, broke out against them (vide Genesis 40:2) - and put me in ward in the captain of the guard's house, - literally, put me in custody of the house of the captain of the slaughterers (cf. Genesis 40:3) - both me and the chief baker: and we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream (vide Genesis 40:5). And there was there with us a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard (vide Genesis 37:36); and we told him (so. our dreams), and he interpreted to us our dreams (vide Genesis 40:12, 13, 18, 19); to each man according to his dream he did interpret. And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he (not Pharaoh, but Joseph) restored unto mine office, and him he hanged (vide Genesis 40:21, 22).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then the chief
שַׂ֣ר (śar)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

cupbearer
הַמַּשְׁקִ֔ים (ham·maš·qîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4945: Causing to drink, a butler, drink, a well-watered region

said
וַיְדַבֵּר֙ (way·ḏab·bêr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

to
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Preposition
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

Pharaoh,
פַּרְעֹ֖ה (par·‘ōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6547: Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings

“Today
הַיּֽוֹם׃ (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

I
אֲנִ֖י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

recall
מַזְכִּ֥יר (maz·kîr)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2142: To mark, to remember, to mention, to be male

my failures.
חֲטָאַ֕י (ḥă·ṭā·’ay)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 2399: A crime, its penalty


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OT Law: Genesis 41:9 Then the chief cupbearer spoke to Pharaoh (Gen. Ge Gn)
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