Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

After these things, the king's butler and baker offended their lord, the king of Egypt. Pharaoh was angry with his two officers and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, where Joseph was being held.

The captain entrusted Joseph with their care, and he served them; they remained in custody for a time. During this period, both men dreamed a dream, each one unique to him, on the same night. They were confined to prison, but their dreams gave them hope that something good might happen soon.

When morning came, Joseph visited them and noticed that they looked troubled. Pharaoh's officers asked him why he seemed so downcast. Joseph replied, "I'm here to help; tell me about your dreams." The chief cupbearer began by sharing his dream with Joseph: "In my dream, I saw a vine with three branches that blossomed and produced ripe grapes. In my hand was Pharaoh's cup, which I used to pick the grapes and press them into the cup before returning it to Pharaoh."

Joseph listened carefully and then offered an interpretation: "Your dream means that within three days, Pharaoh will restore your position and you'll be back to serving him as his cupbearer." The chief baker was eager to hear Joseph's explanation of his own dream. He said, "In my dream, I saw three baskets of white bread on my head, with all sorts of baked goods prepared for Pharaoh. Birds were eating the treats right out of the basket."

Joseph's interpretation of the baker's dream was ominous: "Your dream signifies that within three days, Pharaoh will lift your head off you, and birds will eat your flesh." Just as Joseph had predicted, on Pharaoh's birthday, which fell three days after their dreams, he held a grand feast for all his servants. During the celebration, Pharaoh restored the chief cupbearer to his position and hung the baker among the guests.

The events unfolded exactly as Joseph had foretold: the chief cupbearer was reinstated, serving Pharaoh once more by handing him the cup. Meanwhile, the chief baker met a tragic end, just as Joseph had warned him would happen. Despite this dramatic turn of events, however, the chief cupbearer forgot all about Joseph and his remarkable gift for interpreting dreams.