Genesis 40:3 - Yosef's prison: divine plan unfolds?

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Hebrew Text

וַיִּתֵּן אֹתָם בְּמִשְׁמַר בֵּית שַׂר הַטַבָּחִים אֶל־בֵּית הַסֹּהַר מְקוֹם אֲשֶׁר יוֹסֵף אָסוּר שָׁם׃

English Translation

And he put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Yosef was bound.

Transliteration

Vayiten otam bemishmar beit sar hatabachim el-beit hasohar mekom asher Yosef asur sham.

Hebrew Leining Text

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

Parasha Commentary

Context and Meaning of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 40:3) describes how Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker were placed in the same prison where Yosef (Joseph) was held. This event marks a pivotal moment in Yosef's journey from imprisonment to leadership in Egypt.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "בֵּית שַׂר הַטַבָּחִים" ("house of the captain of the guard") refers to Potiphar, who was the chief executioner (as the term "טַבָּחִים" can also mean "executioners"). Rashi notes that this was the same official who had previously purchased Yosef (Bereshit 39:1). The verse emphasizes Divine Providence—Yosef was placed in the very prison where these high-ranking officials would later be confined, setting the stage for his eventual rise to power.

Midrashic Insights

Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (88:3) highlights that Yosef was imprisoned in a royal dungeon, not a common prison, because Hashem orchestrated events so that he would interact with Pharaoh's officers. This demonstrates how Yosef's suffering was part of a greater plan leading to the fulfillment of his dreams.
The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayeshev 8) teaches that the butler and baker were placed specifically where Yosef was held so that he could interpret their dreams, ultimately leading to his release. This underscores the idea that Hashem prepares the remedy before the affliction (Megillah 13b).

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:36), Rambam discusses how Divine Providence operates through natural events. Yosef’s imprisonment in the same location as Pharaoh’s officers was not mere coincidence but part of Hashem’s hidden guidance, ensuring Yosef’s eventual ascent to save his family during the famine.

Symbolism and Lessons

The verse teaches that even in confinement, Yosef remained in a position where he could influence those in power. The Malbim notes that Yosef’s righteousness allowed him to gain favor even in prison, as he was appointed overseer (Bereshit 39:22-23). This reflects the principle that tzaddikim (the righteous) are watched over by Hashem even in difficult circumstances (Tehillim 37:28).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why were the butler and baker put in the same prison as Yosef?
A: According to Rashi, this was part of Hashem's plan to eventually bring Yosef out of prison through the butler's dream interpretation. The Midrash explains that this shows how Hashem orchestrates events to fulfill His purposes.

Q: What is the significance of the 'house of the captain of the guard' where Yosef was imprisoned?
A: The Ramban explains that this was actually a favorable placement for Yosef. Though it was a prison, being under the captain of the guard (Potiphar) meant it was a more privileged confinement than a regular dungeon, showing Hashem's mercy even in difficult circumstances.

Q: How does this verse show Yosef's character development?
A: The Talmud (Chagigah 5a) teaches that Yosef maintained his righteousness even in prison. This verse sets the stage for how Yosef would interpret dreams there, showing his continued faith in Hashem despite his challenging situation.

Q: Why does the Torah specify 'the place where Yosef was bound'?
A: Rashi notes this emphasizes that Yosef was still in prison after all this time, highlighting both his prolonged suffering and how Hashem was preparing the solution (through the butler) at the right moment according to divine timing.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef being in prison when this happened?
A: The Midrash teaches that this shows no place is beyond Hashem's providence. Even in prison, Yosef was positioned to fulfill his destiny. This teaches us that Hashem is with us in all circumstances, preparing our salvation even when we can't see it.