Genesis 41:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Observe that when the cupbearer was restored to his position, two years had passed, as indicated. He ought to have awaited an opportune moment to emerge from his trials with honor. If the cupbearer had remembered Joseph before Pharaoh's dreams and advocated for his release, many would have missed the opportunity to recognize Joseph's righteousness. However, the good and wise Lord, much like a skilled craftsman aware of the appropriate duration for gold in the furnace, allowed the cupbearer to overlook Joseph for two years. This was to ensure that the time would arrive for Pharaoh's dreams, allowing the righteous man to gain recognition throughout Pharaoh's realm due to the pressing need.

Following two years—was this from Joseph's confinement or from the release of the chief cupbearer? The latter seems more likely, as the connection of these phrases is closer to the earlier context. While the precise duration of Joseph's imprisonment is not explicitly stated in Scripture, it is evident that three years are indicated during this period (Gen. 40:4 - Gen. 41:1). This bears some similarity to the time Jesus Christ spent in the depths of the earth (Matt. 12:40), or in the condition of death, which is not fully encompassed by the term three days.