Genesis 40:15 - For indeed, I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also I have done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.”

Generated Verse: Genesis 40:15

What does "Genesis 40:15" mean?


This verse, Genesis 40:15, is spoken by Joseph in the dungeon to the chief cupbearer of Pharaoh. He is explaining why he is imprisoned and pleading for the cupbearer to remember him and advocate for his release after he correctly interprets the cupbearer's dream. Let's break down what the verse means:

"For indeed, I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews...": This refers to the events of Genesis 37 where Joseph's brothers, out of jealousy, conspired against him, sold him into slavery, and deceived their father, Jacob (also known as Israel), into believing he had been killed by a wild animal. The land of the Hebrews is Canaan, where Jacob and his family resided. Joseph is claiming he was wrongfully taken from his homeland.

"...and here also I have done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.": This means that Joseph is innocent of any crime that would warrant his imprisonment in Egypt. He's saying that he was not only kidnapped from his home, but he's also been wrongly accused and imprisoned in Egypt. He was thrown into prison because Potiphar's wife falsely accused him of attempted assault (Genesis 39).

In essence, Joseph is declaring his innocence on two fronts:

1. He was the victim of a crime (kidnapping) in his homeland.
2. He is the victim of a false accusation and wrongful imprisonment in Egypt.

He is highlighting his unjust situation to elicit empathy from the cupbearer and to motivate him to remember him and seek his release when he is restored to his position.