¹ tn The Hebrew word סָרִיס (saris), used here of these two men and of Potiphar (see 39:1), normally means “eunuch.” But evidence from Akkadian texts shows that in early times the title was used of a court official in general. Only later did it become more specialized in its use.

² tn The wayyiqtol verbal form here has a reiterative or emphasizing function.

³ tn Heb “sins, offenses.” He probably refers here to the offenses that landed him in prison (see 40:1).

⁴ tn The Hebrew text adds “and he said to him.” This has not been translated because it is redundant in English.

⁵ tn Heb “his cupbearing.”

⁶ sn The Hebrew term cupbearer corresponds to the Egyptian wb’, an official (frequently a foreigner) who often became a confidant of the king and wielded political power (see K. A. Kitchen, NBD³ 248). Nehemiah held this post in Persia.

⁷ sn The baker may be the Egyptian retehti, the head of the bakers, who had privileges in the royal court.

⁸ sn The Hebrew verb translated offended here is the same one translated “sin” in 39:9. Perhaps there is an intended contrast between these officials, who deserve to be imprisoned, and Joseph, who refused to sin against God, but was thrown into prison in spite of his innocence.

⁹ tn Heb “dreamed a dream.”

¹⁰ tn Heb “a man his dream in one night.”

¹¹ tn Heb “a man according to the interpretation of his dream.”

¹² tn Heb “Pharaoh will lift up your head.” This Hebrew idiom usually refers to restoring dignity, office, or power. It is comparable to the modern saying “someone can hold his head up high.”

¹³ tn Heb “according to the former custom.”

¹⁴ tn The translation puts the verb in quotation marks because it is used rhetorically here and has a double meaning. With respect to the cup bearer it means “reinstate” (see v. 13), but with respect to the baker it means “decapitate” (see v. 19).