401 Some time later, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their master, the king of Egypt.
401 And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt.
401 Some time after this, the cupbearer of the king of Egypt and his baker committed an offense against their lord the king of Egypt.
401 As time went on, it happened that the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt crossed their master, the king of Egypt.
401 It came to pass after these things that the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their lord, the king of Egypt.
401 Some time later, Pharaoh's chief cup-bearer and chief baker offended their royal master.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 40:1
Commentary on Genesis 40:1-19
(Read Genesis 40:1-19)
It was not so much the prison that made the butler and baker sad, as their dreams. God has more ways than one to sadden the spirits. Joseph had compassion towards them. Let us be concerned for the sadness of our brethren's countenances. It is often a relief to those that are in trouble to be noticed. Also learn to look into the causes of our own sorrow. Is there a good reason? Is there not comfort sufficient to balance it, whatever it is? Why art thou cast down, O my soul? Joseph was careful to ascribe the glory to God. The chief butler's dream foretold his advancement. The chief baker's dream his death. It was not Joseph's fault that he brought the baker no better tidings. And thus ministers are but interpreters; they cannot make the thing otherwise than it is: if they deal faithfully, and their message prove unpleasing, it is not their fault. Joseph does not reflect upon his brethren that sold him; nor does he reflect on the wrong done him by his mistress and his master, but mildly states his own innocence. When we are called on to clear ourselves, we should carefully avoid, as much as may be, speaking ill of others. Let us be content to prove ourselves innocent, and not upbraid others with their guilt.