4 The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them. After they had been in custody for some time,
4 And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.
4 The captain of the guard appointed Joseph to be with them, and he attended them. They continued for some time in custody.
4 The captain of the guard assigned Joseph to see to their needs.
4 And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them; so they were in custody for a while.
4 They remained in prison for quite some time, and the captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, who looked after them.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 40:4
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.