The Church Fathers on this verse

Genesis 40:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He sent them to the prison of the commander of the soldiers, in which Joseph also was prisoner.

Douay-Rheims

וַיִּתֵּ֨ן אֹתָ֜ם בְּמִשְׁמַ֗ר בֵּ֛ית שַׂ֥ר הַטַבָּחִ֖ים אֶל־בֵּ֣ית הַסֹּ֑הַר מְק֕וֹם אֲשֶׁ֥ר יוֹסֵ֖ף אָס֥וּר שָֽׁם׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Church Fathers comment on this verse

John Chrysostom

4th centuryChurch Father

When his master heard the news, it is noted that these words do not pertain to Genesis 40:1, but rather to Genesis 39:19. What words are being referenced? This follows the account of Joseph being wrongfully accused and sentenced to confinement in the dungeon, as well as the revelation that the Lord was with him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden, who placed him in charge of the entire facility. Later, after Joseph had been imprisoned, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker were found guilty of an offense and condemned by the king to share the same prison. Notice how God orchestrated events for Joseph's destiny.

Read more (60 words)

After Joseph had demonstrated remarkable virtue by escaping the advances of the immoral Egyptian woman and was wrongfully imprisoned, it was ordained that Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker would also be confined there. Through the interpretation of dreams, they would recognize the wisdom of Joseph, ultimately leading to the time when one would remember him and bring his gifts to light.

Quodvultdeus of Carthage

5th centuryChurch Father

I do not find it incongruous with the mystery of the Lord’s passion that two kings of Pharaoh were imprisoned alongside Joseph in this ordeal, thus completing the count of the three who were crucified. Of these, our Joseph-Christ, upon revealing the mystery, rightfully condemned one while graciously saving the other (Luke 23:39-43). These hallowed events unfolded as symbols, ensuring that the complete revelation of their significance remains intact for us.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.