Genesis 40: Joseph in Prison

Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, (2002), 36

As you read Genesis 40–41, look for more ways that “the Lord was with Joseph” (Genesis 39:21). Consider that none of Joseph’s successes would have happened if Joseph had given in to the temptation of Potiphar’s wife. Notice as you read how the Lord turned what seemed to be a bad situation into a good one.

Understanding the Scriptures

Genesis 40

Butler (vv. 1–2)Servant 
Wroth against (v. 2)Angry at 
Ward (vv. 3–4, 7)Prison 
Charged Joseph with them (v. 4)Made Joseph responsible for them 
Continued a season (v. 4)Stayed 
Each man according to the interpretation of his dream (v. 5)Each man’s dream had a different meaning 
Interpreter, interpretation, interpreted (vv. 8, 12, 16, 18, 22)Someone who tells the meaning of something, to tell the meaning of something 
Budded (v. 10)Grew flowers or leaves 
Lift up thine head (v. 13)Bring you out of prison and into favor 
Think on (v. 14)Remember 
Uppermost (v. 17)Top 
Bakemeats (v. 17)Baked foods 

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Genesis 40.

Activity A iconDreams and Interpretations

Make a chart like the one below and write in it the dreams of the butler and baker and the interpretations Joseph gave.


Contents of the Dream




Activity B iconGive Your Opinion

Based on what you know about Joseph’s life so far, explain why you think he was able to interpret the dreams in this chapter.