Genesis 40: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Genesis 40 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Genesis 40 recounts the experiences of Joseph while he is in prison after being wrongfully accused by Potiphar's wife. During his time in confinement, Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker are also imprisoned for offenses against Pharaoh. In the prison, Joseph earned a reputation for interpreting dreams, which leads to significant events in his life.

Key verse

“They said to him, “We have dreamed a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it.” Joseph said to them, “Don’t interpretations belong to God? Please tell it to me.”
Genesis 40:8 (WEB)

Outline

Genesis 40:1–3 Joseph in Prison with Pharaoh's Officers
Genesis 40:4–8 Joseph Attends to the Officers
Genesis 40:9–15 Cupbearer's Dream and Its Interpretation
Genesis 40:16–19 Baker's Dream and Its Interpretation
Genesis 40:20–23 Fulfillment of Dreams and Forgetfulness

Discussion questions

In v6, why does Joseph notice the sadness of the chief cup bearer and the chief baker?
What does the chief baker's dream in vv. 16-17 indicate about his situation?
Joseph's request in v14: what does this tell us about his hopes for release?
The differing outcomes in vv. 20-22: what do they suggest about the nature of Pharaoh's judgment?
When has an expectation to be remembered, like Joseph's request in v14, not been met?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Genesis 40: Genesis 41, Daniel 2, Genesis 39.

Before next time: read Genesis 41.