Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the same prison where Joseph was confined. New Living Translation and he put them in the prison where Joseph was, in the palace of the captain of the guard. English Standard Version and he put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the prison where Joseph was confined. Berean Standard Bible and imprisoned them in the house of the captain of the guard, the same prison where Joseph was confined. King James Bible And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound. New King James Version So he put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the prison, the place where Joseph was confined. New American Standard Bible So he put them in confinement in the house of the captain of the bodyguard, in the prison, the same place where Joseph was imprisoned. NASB 1995 So he put them in confinement in the house of the captain of the bodyguard, in the jail, the same place where Joseph was imprisoned. NASB 1977 So he put them in confinement in the house of the captain of the bodyguard, in the jail, the same place where Joseph was imprisoned. Legacy Standard Bible So he put them in confinement in the house of the captain of the bodyguard, in the jail, the same place where Joseph was imprisoned. Amplified Bible He put them in confinement in the house of the captain of the guard, in the same prison where Joseph was confined. Christian Standard Bible and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guards in the prison where Joseph was confined. Holman Christian Standard Bible and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard in the prison where Joseph was confined. American Standard Version And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound. English Revised Version And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound. GOD'S WORD® Translation He put them in the prison of the captain of the guard, the same place where Joseph was a prisoner. Good News Translation and put them in prison in the house of the captain of the guard, in the same place where Joseph was being kept. International Standard Version that he locked them up in the prison dungeon operated by the captain of the guard, the very place where Joseph was imprisoned. NET Bible so he imprisoned them in the house of the captain of the guard in the same facility where Joseph was confined. New Heart English Bible So he put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the prison, the place where Joseph was confined. Webster's Bible Translation And he put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleand imprisoned them in the house of the captain of the guard, the same prison where Joseph was confined. World English Bible He put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand puts them in confinement in the house of the chief of the executioners, into the round-house, the place where Joseph [is] a prisoner, Young's Literal Translation and giveth them in charge in the house of the chief of the executioners, unto the round-house, the place where Joseph is a prisoner, Smith's Literal Translation And he will give them in guard in the house of the chief of the cooks, to the house of the fortress, the place where Joseph was bound there. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe sent them to the prison of the commander of the soldiers, in which Joseph also was prisoner, Catholic Public Domain Version sent them to the prison of the leader of the military, in which Joseph also was a prisoner. New American Bible and he put them in custody in the house of the chief steward, the same jail where Joseph was confined. New Revised Standard Version and he put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the prison where Joseph was confined. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he put them into the prison in the house of the commander of the guard, in the ward where Joseph was bound. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he cast them into the prison in the house of the Chief of the Guard, in the place where Yoseph was bound. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he put them in ward, into the prison, into the place whereinto Joseph had been led. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Cupbearer and the Baker…2Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, 3and imprisoned them in the house of the captain of the guard, the same prison where Joseph was confined. 4The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he became their personal attendant. After they had been in custody for some time,… Cross References Genesis 39:20 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, Genesis 41:10-14 Pharaoh was once angry with his servants, and he put me and the chief baker in the custody of the captain of the guard. / One night both the chief baker and I had dreams, and each dream had its own meaning. / Now a young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams and he interpreted them for us individually. ... Psalm 105:18-19 They bruised his feet with shackles and placed his neck in irons, / until his prediction came true and the word of the LORD proved him right. 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. Nehemiah 1:11 O Lord, may Your ear be attentive to my prayer and to the prayers of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” (At that time I was the cupbearer to the king.) Daniel 1:9 Now God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official, 1 Kings 22:27 and tell them that this is what the king says: ‘Put this man in prison and feed him only bread and water until I return safely.’” Jeremiah 37:15-16 The officials were angry with Jeremiah, and they beat him and placed him in jail in the house of Jonathan the scribe, for it had been made into a prison. / So Jeremiah went into a cell in the dungeon and remained there a long time. Matthew 5:25-26 Reconcile quickly with your adversary, while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise, he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. / Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. Acts 12:4-5 He arrested him and put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out to the people after the Passover. / So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him. 2 Kings 25:27-30 On the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month of the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Judah’s King Jehoiachin, in the year Evil-merodach became king of Babylon, he released King Jehoiachin of Judah from prison. / And he spoke kindly to Jehoiachin and set his throne above the thrones of the other kings who were with him in Babylon. / So Jehoiachin changed out of his prison clothes, and he dined regularly at the king’s table for the rest of his life. ... Jeremiah 52:31-34 On the twenty-fifth day of the twelfth month of the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the first year of the reign of Evil-merodach king of Babylon, he pardoned Jehoiachin king of Judah and released him from prison. / And he spoke kindly to Jehoiachin and set his throne above the thrones of the other kings who were with him in Babylon. / So Jehoiachin changed out of his prison clothes, and he dined regularly at the king’s table for the rest of his life. ... Luke 23:19 (Barabbas had been imprisoned for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.) Acts 16:23-24 And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely. / On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. 2 Timothy 1:16-17 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he has often refreshed me and was unashamed of my chains. / Indeed, when he arrived in Rome, he searched diligently until he found me. Treasury of Scripture And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound. the place. Genesis 39:20,23 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… where Joseph was bound. Genesis 40:20 And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. Jump to Previous Army Bodyguard Bound Captain Care Charge Chief Confined Confinement Custody Executioners Guard House Imprisoned Jail Joseph Life-Guard Prison Prisoner Round-House Shut Tower-House WardJump to Next Army Bodyguard Bound Captain Care Charge Chief Confined Confinement Custody Executioners Guard House Imprisoned Jail Joseph Life-Guard Prison Prisoner Round-House Shut Tower-House WardGenesis 40 1. The chief butler and baker of Pharaoh are also imprisoned.5. Joseph interprets their dreams. 20. They are accomplished according to his interpretation. 23. The ingratitude of the butler, in forgetting Joseph. and imprisoned them in the house of the captain of the guard This phrase indicates that the cupbearer and the baker were placed under the authority of the captain of the guard, who was responsible for the prison. In the context of ancient Egypt, the captain of the guard was a high-ranking official, often overseeing royal security and important prisoners. This setting highlights the severity of their offenses, as they were not placed in a common prison but one associated with the royal court. The captain of the guard is identified earlier in Genesis as Potiphar, who had previously purchased Joseph as a slave. This connection suggests a continuity in Joseph's story and God's providential care, as Joseph remains under the oversight of someone who knows him. the same prison where Joseph was confined Persons / Places / Events 1. JosephA Hebrew man who was sold into slavery by his brothers and ended up in Egypt. He was serving in the house of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, before being imprisoned. 2. Pharaoh The ruler of Egypt, who had become angry with two of his officials, leading to their imprisonment. 3. The Chief Cupbearer and the Chief Baker Two of Pharaoh's officials who were imprisoned alongside Joseph. Their dreams and Joseph's interpretations of them play a significant role in the account. 4. The Prison The place where Joseph was confined. It is described as the "house of the captain of the guard," indicating it was under Potiphar's jurisdiction. 5. Potiphar An officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard, who had previously purchased Joseph as a slave. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in TrialsJoseph's imprisonment, though unjust, was part of God's sovereign plan. Believers can trust that God is in control, even in difficult circumstances. Faithfulness in Adversity Joseph remained faithful and diligent, even in prison. Christians are called to maintain integrity and faithfulness regardless of their situation. Divine Timing Joseph's account illustrates that God's timing is perfect. Patience and trust in God's timing are crucial for believers. Preparation for Greater Purpose Joseph's experiences in prison prepared him for future leadership. God often uses trials to prepare us for His purposes. Interpreting Dreams and God's Revelation Joseph's ability to interpret dreams was a gift from God. Believers should seek to understand and use their spiritual gifts for God's glory. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 40:3?2. How does Genesis 40:3 illustrate God's sovereignty over Joseph's circumstances? 3. What can we learn about God's timing from Genesis 40:3? 4. How does Joseph's imprisonment connect to Romans 8:28 about God's purpose? 5. How can we trust God during unjust situations, as seen in Genesis 40:3? 6. What role does faith play when facing trials similar to Joseph's in Genesis 40:3? 7. Why were the cupbearer and baker imprisoned in Genesis 40:3? 8. What does Joseph's imprisonment reveal about God's plan in Genesis 40:3? 9. How does Genesis 40:3 illustrate the theme of divine providence? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 40? 11. How did Joseph rise to power in Egypt? 12. Why was Joseph imprisoned in Egypt? 13. In Genesis 39:19–20, would a high-ranking Egyptian official realistically imprison a slave for alleged assault, rather than resorting to harsher punishment? 14. Who brought Joseph to Egypt: the Ishmaelites who bought him (Genesis 37:28), the Midianites who sold him (Genesis 37:36), or his brothers who sold him (Genesis 45:4)? What Does Genesis 40:3 Mean Immediate Context: Pharaoh’s Officers Fall From FavorPharaoh’s cupbearer and baker have offended their king (Genesis 40:1–2). Their sudden disgrace reminds us of how swiftly earthly status can change, echoing Proverbs 16:18 and Daniel 4:30-33. In God’s providence, their downfall is the very doorway that will connect Joseph to Pharaoh’s throne room. “And imprisoned them” • The text highlights a decisive action—confinement. • God is sovereign over where people are placed (Acts 17:26); here He funnels two key witnesses into Joseph’s orbit. • Psalm 105:17-19 later explains that Joseph’s own imprisonment “tested” him until the word of the Lord proved true, showing that this new confinement of the officials is part of the same divine testing ground. “In the house of the captain of the guard” • The captain is likely Potiphar (compare Genesis 39:1; 40:4). • Joseph, though falsely accused (Genesis 39:20), still enjoys a measure of trust within this household, illustrating Proverbs 22:29: a diligent man “will stand before kings.” • Potiphar’s oversight indicates that Joseph’s earlier faithfulness has not been completely forgotten, hinting at God’s promise in 1 Samuel 2:30—“those who honor Me I will honor.” “The same prison” • Specificity matters. Scripture wants us to see God weaving one story, not separate coincidences (Romans 8:28). • By placing the officials in Joseph’s exact cell block, the Lord orchestrates a meeting that no human planner could have arranged (Genesis 40:6-8). • Similar divine pairings appear when Ruth “happened” to glean in Boaz’s field (Ruth 2:3) and when Philip “happened” upon the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-35). “Where Joseph was confined” • Joseph’s location seems like a setback, yet it becomes a platform. God repeatedly turns prisons into pulpits—think of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 37:15-17) and Paul (Philippians 1:12-14). • Joseph’s faithfulness under pressure models James 1:2-4, where trials mature the believer. • His confinement also fulfills the dream motif of Genesis 37:5-11; he first interprets dreams in prison before standing before Pharaoh. Purpose Within God’s Plan • The immediate purpose: Joseph will interpret the officials’ dreams (Genesis 40:9-19). • The intermediate purpose: the cupbearer’s eventual remembrance (Genesis 41:9-13) ushers Joseph into Pharaoh’s court. • The ultimate purpose: preservation of Jacob’s family and the Messianic line (Genesis 45:5-7), aligning with God’s covenant in Genesis 12:3. Application for Today • No circumstance is random; even a prison can be a platform (Psalm 37:23-24). • Faithful service in small, hidden places positions us for larger kingdom impact (Luke 16:10). • Trust God’s timing: years may pass before the cupbearer speaks, but God never forgets (Isaiah 49:15-16). Summary Genesis 40:3 shows that Pharaoh’s offended officials are deliberately placed “in the house of the captain of the guard, the same prison where Joseph was confined.” What looks like political punishment is actually divine positioning. By sharing Joseph’s confinement, the cupbearer and baker become links in the chain that will lift Joseph from prison to palace, safeguard the covenant family, and point forward to God’s redemptive plan in Christ. (3, 4) In the house of the captain of the guard.--That is, of Potiphar. As he is said to have charged Joseph with the care of these two high officials, he must, ere this, have become aware of his innocence. But as the wife in ancient times in Egypt was endowed with all the husband's property, and was a formidable person, as we learn from many of the records now being translated and published, Potiphar may not have wished to offend her.He served them.--Used only of light service. (See Note on Genesis 39:4.) Verse 3. - And he put them in ward (or in custody) in the house of the captain of the guard, - i.e. Potiphar (vide Genesis 37:36) - into the prison, - literally, house of enclosure (vide Genesis 39:20) - the place where Joseph was bound. The word אָסור, from אָסַר, to make fast by binding, seems to corroborate the Psalmist's assertion (Psalm 105:18) that Joseph had been laid in iron and his feet hurt with fetters; but this could only have been temporarily (vide vers. 4, 6).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew and imprisoned themוַיִּתֵּ֨ן (way·yit·tên) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set in the house בֵּ֛ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house of the captain שַׂ֥ר (śar) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince of the guard, הַטַבָּחִ֖ים (ha·ṭab·bā·ḥîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 2876: A butcher, a lifeguardsman, a cook the same prison בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house where אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that Joseph יוֹסֵ֖ף (yō·w·sêp̄) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3130: Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites was confined. אָס֥וּר (’ā·sūr) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular Strong's 631: To yoke, hitch, to fasten, to join battle Links Genesis 40:3 NIVGenesis 40:3 NLT Genesis 40:3 ESV Genesis 40:3 NASB Genesis 40:3 KJV Genesis 40:3 BibleApps.com Genesis 40:3 Biblia Paralela Genesis 40:3 Chinese Bible Genesis 40:3 French Bible Genesis 40:3 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 40:3 He put them in custody (Gen. 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