Genesis 40:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When his master heard the reports, it is noted that these words refer not to Genesis 40:1, but to Genesis 39:19. What reports? After the account of Joseph being falsely accused and subsequently imprisoned in the dungeon was recounted, and after it was revealed that the Lord was with him, resulting in the prison warden giving him charge over the entire prison, it was in this context that he was incarcerated. The chief cupbearer and chief baker found themselves in trouble and were sentenced by the king to share the same prison. Notice how God orchestrated these events to fulfill His purpose regarding Joseph.

Subsequently, two officials, the royal cupbearer and the chief baker, found themselves in trouble with Pharaoh, resulting in their imprisonment, where Joseph attended to them.

In place of “the chief wine merchant,” the Hebrew term used is masec (מַשְׁקֵ֥ה). This is the same word we encountered recently in reference to the servant of Abraham. In common usage, it can be rendered as “cupbearer.” This role is not to be underestimated; it is viewed as a highly esteemed position, even among tribal leaders in our contemporary society, to serve the king with a drink. Poets frequently recount the tale of Ganymede and Jupiter, illustrating how the deity appointed his beloved to this prestigious role.

You inquire about the significance of the ‘Elder of Winarske and Elder of Zhitarske’ as mentioned in Genesis 40:1, who served Pharaoh and held great affection for the virtuous Joseph. I believe that the ‘Elder of Winarske’ represents Christians who present to God the wine of their faith, while ‘Elder of Zhitarske’ refers to the group of individuals who took part in the Lord’s murder, the unfaithful Hebrews, from whom the head was removed due to their considerable hardness of heart and lack of reason. Christ is recognized as the Head of the Church, and He does not serve as the head for those who choose not to believe in Him.