Genesis 40:14
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.
But when it goes well for you
This phrase reflects Joseph's faith and confidence in the interpretation of the cupbearer's dream, which he had just provided. Joseph's assurance that the cupbearer would be restored to his position indicates his trust in God's revelation. This moment highlights the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises, as seen in other scriptures like Jeremiah 29:11, where God assures His people of a hopeful future.

please remember me
Joseph's request to be remembered underscores the human desire for justice and deliverance. It also reflects the cultural practice of seeking favor from those in positions of power. In the ancient Near East, personal connections were crucial for social mobility and survival. This plea is reminiscent of other biblical figures who sought remembrance, such as Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:11, who asked God to remember her in her barrenness.

and show me kindness
The term "kindness" here is translated from the Hebrew word "chesed," which denotes loyal love or covenant faithfulness. This concept is central to the character of God throughout the Bible, as seen in His covenant with Israel. Joseph's appeal for kindness is a request for the cupbearer to act with loyalty and integrity, reflecting the biblical principle of treating others with the same grace that God extends to His people.

by mentioning me to Pharaoh
Joseph's strategy to gain freedom involves leveraging the cupbearer's restored position to reach Pharaoh, the highest authority in Egypt. This reflects the hierarchical structure of ancient Egyptian society, where access to the king could change one's fate. The mention of Pharaoh also foreshadows Joseph's eventual rise to power, as God orchestrates events to fulfill His purposes, similar to how Esther found favor with King Xerxes in Esther 2:17.

that he might bring me out of this prison
Joseph's desire to be freed from prison highlights his unjust circumstances, having been wrongfully accused by Potiphar's wife. This situation parallels other biblical narratives where God's people endure suffering before deliverance, such as Daniel in the lion's den (Daniel 6) or Paul and Silas in prison (Acts 16:25-26). Joseph's eventual release and rise to power serve as a type of Christ, who was also unjustly condemned but ultimately exalted by God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joseph
A Hebrew man who was sold into slavery by his brothers and ended up in Egypt. He was imprisoned after being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife.

2. Cupbearer
An official in Pharaoh's court who was imprisoned alongside Joseph. Joseph interpreted his dream, predicting his restoration to his position.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, who had the authority to release Joseph from prison.

4. Prison
The place where Joseph was held after being falsely accused. It is also where he met the cupbearer and the baker.

5. Egypt
The land where Joseph was taken as a slave and where he rose to prominence.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Remembering Others
Joseph's request to the cupbearer highlights the significance of remembering and advocating for those who are unjustly treated or in difficult situations.

Trust in God's Timing
Although Joseph asked to be remembered, it was in God's perfect timing that he was released. This teaches us to trust in God's timing for deliverance and answers to our prayers.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Joseph remained faithful and used his God-given gifts even in prison. This encourages us to remain faithful and use our talents regardless of our circumstances.

The Power of Influence
The cupbearer had the ear of Pharaoh, showing how God can use our relationships and positions to bring about His purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Joseph's request to the cupbearer demonstrate his faith in God's plan despite his circumstances?

2. In what ways can we be like the cupbearer, using our positions or influence to help others in need?

3. How does Joseph's account encourage us to remain faithful and use our gifts even when we face unjust situations?

4. What can we learn from Joseph about trusting in God's timing for deliverance and answers to our prayers?

5. How can we apply the principle of remembering those in difficult situations, as seen in Joseph's plea, in our daily lives and communities?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 41
This chapter describes the fulfillment of Joseph's request when the cupbearer eventually remembers him, leading to Joseph's rise to power in Egypt.

Psalm 105:17-19
These verses recount Joseph's journey and God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, highlighting the trials Joseph endured.

Hebrews 13:3
This verse encourages believers to remember those in prison, drawing a parallel to Joseph's plea for remembrance.
Joseph and the Two PrisonersW. M. Taylor, D. D.Genesis 40:1-23
Joseph Ministering to the Comfort of OthersJ. S. Van Dyke.Genesis 40:1-23
LessonsR. Wardlaw.Genesis 40:1-23
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 40:1-23
Light Upon Joseph's DestinyT. H. Leale.Genesis 40:1-23
The Butler and the BakerJ. C. Gray.Genesis 40:1-23
The Same Prison is not the Same Thing to Good and BadG. Lawson, D. D.Genesis 40:1-23
The Inspired ManR.A. Redford Genesis 40
People
Joseph, Pharaoh
Places
Egypt
Topics
Bear, Bring, Deal, Goes, Hast, Kindly, Kindness, Mention, Mentioning, Mind, Pharaoh, Please, Prison, Remember, Remembered, Remembrance, Surely
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 40:1-22

     5222   baking

Genesis 40:6-19

     7730   explanation

Genesis 40:9-14

     5284   cupbearer

Genesis 40:12-22

     1652   numbers, 3-5

Genesis 40:14-15

     5344   imprisonment

Library
The Political Constitution of Egypt
The king, the queen, and the royal princes--Administration under the Pharaohs--Feudalism and the Egyptian priesthood, the military--The citizens and country people. Between the Fayum and the apex of the Delta, the Lybian range expands and forms a vast and slightly undulating table-land, which runs parallel to the Nile for nearly thirty leagues. The Great Sphinx Harmakhis has mounted guard over its northern extremity ever since the time of the Followers of Horus. Illustration: Drawn by Boudier,
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 2

Goodness in a Dungeon
'And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the Lord was
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Evil Thoughts.
19th Sunday after Trinity. S. Matt. ix. 4. "Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?" INTRODUCTION.--Thoughts are only thoughts! who is to beheld accountable for them? They are clouds blown about by fancy, taking various shapes. God is not so hard as to judge us for our thoughts; He will try us by what we have done, not by what we have dreamed. No garden is without weeds; there are tares in every cornfield. Who speak thus? Is it those who are conscientious and scrupulous to drive away evil thoughts?
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

The Resurrection
'Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.' John 5:58, 29. Q-38: WHAT BENEFITS DO BELIEVERS RECEIVE FROM CHRIST AT THE RESURRECTION? A: At the resurrection, believers being raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgement, and made perfectly blessed in the
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Genesis 40:14 NIV
Genesis 40:14 NLT
Genesis 40:14 ESV
Genesis 40:14 NASB
Genesis 40:14 KJV

Genesis 40:14 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Genesis 40:13
Top of Page
Top of Page