Genesis 40:11

Pharaoh's cup was in my hand, and I took the grapes, squeezed them into his cup, and placed the cup in his hand."

Study Bible

Pharaoh’s cup
The term "Pharaoh" refers to the ruler of ancient Egypt, a title that held immense power and authority. In the context of Genesis, Pharaoh is not just a political figure but also a symbol of worldly power and influence. The "cup" signifies a vessel of sustenance and life, often associated with divine providence and blessing. In ancient cultures, sharing a cup was a sign of fellowship and trust. The cup in Pharaoh's hand indicates a position of service and trust that the cupbearer held, reflecting the intimate relationship between the ruler and his servant.

was in my hand
The phrase "in my hand" denotes possession and responsibility. In Hebrew, the hand often symbolizes power, action, and control. The cupbearer’s role was significant, as he was entrusted with the safety and quality of what Pharaoh consumed. This trust placed in the cupbearer is a metaphor for the responsibilities God entrusts to His people, calling them to be faithful stewards of the roles and tasks He assigns.

I took the grapes
The act of taking the grapes signifies an action of preparation and service. Grapes, in biblical symbolism, often represent abundance, blessing, and the fruitfulness of the land. The Hebrew culture viewed vineyards and grapes as signs of prosperity and divine favor. By taking the grapes, the cupbearer is actively participating in the process of providing for Pharaoh, which can be seen as a parallel to how believers are called to actively participate in God’s work on earth.

squeezed them into his cup
The process of squeezing the grapes into the cup is an act of transformation, turning solid fruit into liquid wine. This transformation can be seen as a metaphor for the work of God in the lives of believers, where He takes the raw materials of our lives and transforms them into something new and valuable. In a spiritual sense, it reflects the process of sanctification, where God molds and shapes His people for His purposes.

and placed the cup in his hand
Placing the cup in Pharaoh’s hand signifies the completion of a task and the fulfillment of duty. It is an act of service and submission, acknowledging Pharaoh’s authority. In a broader spiritual context, it reflects the believer’s call to serve God and others, fulfilling the roles and responsibilities given by God. This act of placing the cup can also symbolize the offering of one’s work and life to God, trusting Him with the outcome.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, representing authority and power. In this context, he is the one who receives the cup from the cupbearer.

2. Cupbearer
An official in Pharaoh's court who is responsible for serving drinks. He is the one recounting his dream to Joseph in prison.

3. Joseph
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Joseph is the interpreter of the cupbearer's dream. He is in prison due to false accusations but remains faithful to God.

4. Egypt
The setting of this account, a place of both Joseph's trials and eventual rise to power.

5. Dream
The event being recounted by the cupbearer, which holds prophetic significance for his future.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness in Small Things
The cupbearer's role, though seemingly minor, is crucial. Our faithfulness in small tasks can lead to greater responsibilities and opportunities.

God's Sovereignty in Dreams
God uses dreams to communicate His plans. We should be attentive to how God might speak to us, whether through dreams, scripture, or other means.

Trust in God's Timing
Joseph's interpretation of the dream shows that God's timing is perfect. We must trust that God is working behind the scenes, even when we don't see immediate results.

The Role of Intermediaries
Joseph acts as an intermediary between God and the cupbearer. We, too, can be used by God to bring His message to others.

Symbolism of the Cup
The cup represents service and sacrifice. As Christians, we are called to serve others and offer our lives as a living sacrifice to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the cupbearer in Genesis 40:11 illustrate the importance of faithfulness in our daily responsibilities?

2. In what ways can we discern God's voice or guidance in our lives, similar to how Joseph interpreted the cupbearer's dream?

3. How does the account of Joseph and the cupbearer encourage us to trust in God's timing and plan for our lives?

4. What are some practical ways we can serve as intermediaries for God's message in our communities?

5. How does the symbolism of the cup in Genesis 40:11 relate to Jesus' teachings in the New Testament, particularly in the context of service and sacrifice?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 41
The fulfillment of the cupbearer's dream and Joseph's rise to power, showing God's providence and faithfulness.

Nehemiah 2
Nehemiah, like the cupbearer, serves a king and uses his position to influence events for God's people, illustrating the importance of faithfulness in one's duties.

John 15:1-5
Jesus speaks of the vine and the branches, symbolizing the importance of remaining in Him, much like the grapes in the cupbearer's dream symbolize life and sustenance.