Genesis 40:6

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 40:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and saw them, and, behold, they were sad.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and saw them, and, behold, they were sad.
Genesis 40:6 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 40

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and saw them, and, behold, they were sad.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, etc.] For though Joseph and they were in the same prison, yet not in the same ward. Aben Ezra thinks that Joseph lodged in the dungeon in the night, (<014015>Genesis 40:15); and was let out in the morning to wait on these prisoners; but the great interest he had in the keeper of the prison, and the favour shown him by the captain of the guard, in putting such prisoners under his care, will easily make one conclude, that Joseph now had a better lodging than that; though it had been his case, he was now provided with a better apartment in the prison; and when he arose in the morning, like a careful and faithful servant, he came to the ward where the…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“- Joseph in Prison An uncomplaining patience and an unhesitating hopefulness keep the breast of Joseph in calm tranquillity. There is a God above, and that God is with him. His soul swerves not from this feeling. Meanwhile, new and distinguished prisoners are introduced into his place of confinement. Genesis 40:1-4 The chief butler and chief baker, high officials in Pharaoh’s court, come under the displeasure of their sovereign. “In the house of the captain of the guards.” It appears that this officer’s establishment contained the keep in which Joseph and these criminals were confined. “Charged Joseph with them.” As Joseph was his slave, and these were state prisoners, he appointed him to…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification