The Church Fathers on this verse

Genesis 40:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He asked them, saying: Why is your countenance sadder today than usual?

Douay-Rheims

וַיִּשְׁאַ֞ל אֶת־סְרִיסֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר אִתּ֧וֹ בְמִשְׁמַ֛ר בֵּ֥ית אֲדֹנָ֖יו לֵאמֹ֑ר מַדּ֛וּעַ פְּנֵיכֶ֥ם רָעִ֖ים הַיּֽוֹם׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Church Fathers comment on this verse

John Chrysostom

4th centuryChurch Father

He inquired of them, "What is the reason for your downcast expressions today?" for their faces betrayed a troubled spirit. The Wise One spoke, "A joyful heart brings a cheerful countenance, but a sorrowful heart brings a despondent spirit" (Proverbs 15:13). Observing their distress stemming from dreams, he sought to understand the reason and questioned them. Notice how, even while imprisoned, he demonstrated his goodness and sought to lighten the burdens of those around him.

Ephraem the Syrian

4th centuryChurch Father

The One who provided solace to the servants in Pentephrius' household also offered consolation to the captives alongside Him.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.